A proud veteran sergeant major gave an inspiring speech to his grandson before tapping him out at his military graduation.
Edward Chambers, from Tullahoma, Tennessee, had been inspired to enter the military by his grandfather, Sergeant Major Roger Chambers, who served for more than 22 years, including two tours of Korea and one in Europe.
Roger showed Edward how far hard work can get someone in life, he said, and the life that this dedication provided for his family inspired Edward to follow this path.
While at bootcamp with the United States Army, Edward wrote a letter to his wife, Allison, asking his grandfather to be the one to tap him out at his graduation ceremony.
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The moment, on March 26, at Fort Jackson, South Carolina happened to be the anniversary of when Roger graduated from bootcamp himself.
With Allison’s camera rolling, Roger walked through the crowd of soldiers standing to attention, before proudly standing in front of his grandson, a private second class, ready to speak.
Looking his grandson dead in the eye, Roger said: “Wipe that smile off your face, private. You ready to join my Army?” to which Edward replied: “Yes sergeant major.”
Then Roger stated: “You know your next step is being a real soldier. That’s for life, I’m proud of you. Welcome to my club.”
Edward then thanked his grandfather before Roger gave him a huge hug to tap him out.
Allison said: “The video has inspired so many people, especially those from blended families and different backgrounds, showing love, legacy, and unity.
“And everyone loved Grandpa – his swag, his presence, and how he still got it!
“People even joked they wiped the smile off their own faces when he said it.”
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Edward said: “I was happy my family came to see me – it was emotional and happy because I felt like I made my grandfather proud and happy.
Roger added: “This was a great honor for me, and being around a lot of soldiers again felt like home.”
