We parked at Pfingston and asked if there was a closer parking lot but those soldiers said no. So they gave us instructions on how to walk over the bridge, which took forever. And you know what? There are two parking lots right at the parade grounds. Everyone here is super uninformed because no one has any of the details. You'd think if your detail includes working the parade and sitting at the information desk, you'd know something about anything, but anytime you ask someone a question, they don't have a clue. My mom won't be able to make that trek in a few months when my nephew graduates. Even the soldier at the gate had no idea that minors are allowed in without a base pass. The lady at the Luke East Visitors Center said because she didn't have a base pass, she couldn't enter the base. For me to tap my soldier, I had to leave our soldier's 13 year old daughter at a nearby Dunkin Donuts during the graduation ceremony. So not only did she miss her mom's graduation, but she was left alone at a donut shop so I could help her mom be released. I told her to not talk to any weirdos while I was gone. I come back when the ceremony is over, and there my niece is, sitting and talking to some weirdo. How messed up is that? She was left endangered because the only other alternative was leaving her mom untapped and not knowing what happened or how to find her daughter. I know Secretary Hegseth wants the military to be tougher, but can they also be smarter and better trained to do their jobs too? read more