'It's like Christmas morning'

Image courtesy: Mike Kaplan

2nd Lt. William McFarland has dreamed of this day since he was eight years old, when he told his parents he wanted to become one of the nation's finest Marines. As he grew up in Indiana and Alabama, 2nd Lt. McFarland became convinced that entering the United States Naval Academy was the best way to accomplish that goal.

After an initial setback when he was unable to gain entry into the prestigious Academy, The Palladium-Item reports that he went to college, joined the Marines, and served in Iraq. It was on the battlefield that his superiors realized McFarland had a bright future ahead, helping him eventually secure the needed credentials and recommendations to head to Annapolis, Maryland, for the opportunity of a lifetime.

"We are extremely proud," [father] Steve McFarland said. "It's not the first of his dreams to be completed, but one of many along his path."

Rachel Sheeley's article explains that while the Navy has the option of keeping Academy graduates, McFarland has been cleared to return to the Marine Corps. After a celebratory trip to Europe, the 27-year-old systems and weapons engineering expert will join his family in Indiana for a party, before heading to Quantico, Virginia for his next assignment. As Vice President Biden will tell his 1,000-person class today, their hard work and persistence has paid off.

2nd Lt. Helen "Meghan" Wildner did not dream of joining the military since childhood. The possibility never even crossed the minds of 2nd Lt. Wildner or her parents. That was before her swimming coach, who undoubtedly admired her athletic ability and courageous attitude, first floated the idea.

On Wednesday, she walked across the stage at Falcon Stadium as a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. Wildner described her emotions to The Colorado Springs Gazette.

"(Graduating) is weird; it’s surreal; it’s like a dream," she said. "It’s like Christmas morning. We’ve been waiting so, so long for this."

Adm. Mike Mullen addressed the graduates this week in Colorado Springs, Colorado, saluting their willingness to serve in the dangerous post-9/11 world.

"We've been a nation at war for nearly half your young lives. It's a reality you've literally grown up with," Adm. Mullen said. "And yet, here you are, ready to step into the breach, ready to face the enemy's fire and ready to take your place in the long blue line that has preceded you. That you do so, knowing full well the risks and rewards of military service, speaks volumes not only of your character, but also of your courage."