Father tells son he is proud of who he is after Air Force training

Jacob Snowden gave his son Sam an emotional speech after Sam completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. The video, shared on social media, shows Snowden describing his pride in his son before embracing him, and drew widespread attention for its message that a parent’s pride goes beyond achievements.

Snowden recalled Sam’s accomplishments, including becoming a welder, doing well at school and overcoming a fear of heights, as well as his fitness and ability to solve a Rubik’s Cube in under 10 seconds. He said Sam’s achievements were not what made him proud: he valued who his son was. Lackland is the sole site for basic military training for enlisted Air Force members.