First be proud ofmyourmson man! I said screw my JW family and joined the Army at the tender age of 17, I Was in boot camp on my 18th birthday. I know my dad (non baptized JW only making my mom happy and Royal Navy vet) was proud of me - he hugged me at the train departure and said so.
I loved being a young man venturing out into the wild blue yonder, what an incredible life experience. And my sense of adventure has always been my mainstay to this day with an amazing wife who shares the same passion. Wow to be young and head out on your maiden voyage.
secondly you're going to love the real west drive. The moutains and pink deserts are breath taking. San Diego, La Jolla was the first place I stayed coming to the US (I had connections). It's an awesome place, multicultural, great cuisine and great night life. And the beaches are Caribbean sweet.
The moment I read your thread it struck a nerve. I wish the two of you the greatest father and son journey ever (you're a rock star dad) and envy both your and his proud moments in a young future. Goodluck to him, I toast a glass of Laphroaig tonight!