Major Hilmes Gets Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel

Tonight was the ceremony for promoting Major Hilmes to Lieutenant Colonel and his going away party. He and his family will be going to Ft. Benning in Georgia in a few days. Dwain was suppose to be home a little early today and then we would go to the party that began at 5:30pm and the promotion ceremony would be at 6pm with BBQ and fun following. Then I got one of those dreaded calls...I was getting a pedicure when my friend Kasey called asking if I had heard the guys were on lock down. I said no and go off with her so I could get in touch with Dwain to find out what was going on! It turns out that some equipment was missing and the entire unit was on lock down...meaning they can not leave until the Ltc says they can! Dwain had no idea when this might be!
So I gave up on him being home in time for us to go to the party and decided to stay in for the night. But then I got to thinking...more than half of the people that were invited were now stuck at Ft. Hood for an undisclosed amount of time! So I called Kasey back and we decided we would go and represent for our men since they couldn't be there. And I am so glad we did! We felt bad for Major Hilmes because none of his guys were able to be there for his promotion ceremony and to say good-bye...but at least we could be there!

Ltc Costanza came in for the ceremony and said a few words

Ltc Costana, Ltc Hilmes and Nikki Hilmes

Nikki putting his new rank on his jacket

Getting his stetson back

Giving Nikki roses :)

Rachel (SSG Manuel), Kasey (SGT Wing), Ltc Hilmes and Me (SSG Free)

Even though the night didn't go as planned, we were there and had a good time. The guys finally got released around 8:30 or 9 and were able to head home, but they didn't make it in time for the party. So the Costanza's and the Hilmes decided we would have another get together tomorrow night so all the guys could be there...but Dwain has staff duty tomorrow and has to work 9am to 9am :(