GoArmy.com > For Parents > SPC Jodie Wood

eyond their daughter beaming with pride, the first thing Buddy and Deb noticed at BCT graduation was Jodie's newfound sense of honor, respect and responsibility–a reflection of the Seven Core Army Values, the true distinctions of a Soldier.

Of course, Jodie still revealed her usual excited self–at least to her parents. "She kept saying all day 'I'm so happy to see you. I'm so happy you're here,'" recounts Deb, who was just as excited to watch her daughter marching in unison with hundreds of other Soldiers.

“Basic Training graduation
was absolutely incredible. I
don't think I've ever
been so proud.”

— Deb

After BCT, Jodie made the
transition to Advanced Individual Training (AIT), where she learned how to perform her job: Multi-channel Transmission Systems Operator/Maintainer. Ten weeks of intensive training later, she had developed the skills for a new career.

Non-Flash Version

Unfortunately, Buddy and Deb couldn't attend her AIT graduation.
Their youngest daughter,
Jordan, graduated BCT on the
same day. It seems Jodie had
set a good example for
her sister.

Now 26, Jodie still isn't
satisfied. She's motivated to
go even further. Her plans
include Officer Candidate
School, then a master's degree in
criminal justice, followed by a career
in the Army JAG Corps (the Army's
law firm).

As a Soldier in the U.S. Army, Jodie's future is hers for the taking–and her parents continue to support every decision. As Deb says, "I think she is very set in what she's going to do and how she will strive for any goals that may be out there for her."

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