Military Life and Politics

Late posting:  I've been urged to start blogging again.  This was written prior to the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell. It was really just a vent about the Army order for military personnel in war zones. No response is required.

I have to preface this as:

I am not speaking on the behalf of the US Navy, DOD, or US Government.

The last couple of months have brought a few issues to the surface in regards to military life.  The first was war zone pregnancy, and the second is the discussion surrounding the proposed repeal of "Don't Ask.  Don't Tell."  How our leadership treats these issues affect me and my fellow service members.

As a mom who happens to also be a sailor, I take sexual responsibility and parenthood seriously.  I have nine years between my first and second child.  I'm not being judgmental but the guys you serve with are your brothers, add to that idea, the service members were in a war zone.  Really?!  People couldn't control their urges long enough to wait until they were safe?  (Safe in ALL meanings of the word.)

On the other hand, the military has an unsupported portion of it's population who must hide its sexual identity. How can anyone serve in the military with Honor, Courage and Commitment if they have to lie daily to their co-workers, supervisors and subordinates?  For me it's a no brainer.   

Bootcamp Best Friend

Sixteen years ago today I was on bootcamp day 2:2 or so.  Not too long ago my Best Friend from K026 found me on facebook and shocked me some pics of us from that time and now I share them with you.  Thanks for the memories Heather... I wouldn't have stayed "sane" without you.

Today in my history: September 5, 1993

Today in my history: September 5, 1993

           I’m reenlisting in a few days. I’m not sure about others but whenever my personal Navy anniversary arises it’s time to revisit the reasons I volunteered to join the service. This isn’t the kind of blog entry to stir your patriotic juices or to teach a lesson, it’s just another piece of my personal puzzle more of an adjunct to my last entry.

Sixteen years ago today was a Sunday, which meant I was going to work at Gymboree. It was also my last day coordinating outfits for toddlers. I originally chose to work at Gymboree because there was nothing there I would want to spend my paycheck on! It was a great job but without benefits. The place was filled with happy music, colors and little clothes making it an easy job and a joyful part of my week.

My weekday job was as a Teacher’s Assistant at the Rockville, Maryland Treatment and Learning Center. It was another rewarding job but without health benefits. The children were speech delayed 2-4 year olds, some were abused others had other types of developmental delays. I enjoyed the personal satisfaction of watching my students grow and overcome their disabilities or learn new life skills. Watching the light bulb above their heads go on and their eyes light up with understanding were addictive but it wasn’t enough to hold me there. My mentors were professional women who taught by example and were generous with their time whenever I had questions.

My final job was at Natural Wonders. It was by far the coolest place in the mall to work. Amongst leadership skills, display techniques, and shoplifter spotting, I learned how to juggle! I had the most seniority at this job but without a college degree I would never make it to manager or earn benefits. This is job where the manager had been in the car accident and spurred me to join the Navy.

I actually went to the recruiter’s office on August 11, 1993 and went to the Baltimore Military Entrance Processing Site (MEPS) and entered the Delayed Entry Program on August 13, with a shipping date of August 1994. Imagine my surprise when I got a call on September 2 that an opening came up and was to leave in ten days! Now I had to tell my parents that I joined the Navy… and that is another story.

Ask not what your country can do for you, Ask what you can do for your country

Yesterday, I witnessed the retirement ceremony of a Hospital Corpsman Master Chief Petty Officer. He read a Woodrow Wilson quote during the ceremony that I felt represented my feelings of Naval Service:

"You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand."

~ Woodrow Wilson

My enlistment began toward the tail end of Desert Storm 1. Like my peers it was a call to serve our country. During my junior year we all took a career indicator. Imagine my shock when it indicated I was suited for military service, healthcare industries, and environmental conservation (park ranger). I graduated from high school, took a few classes & had 3 jobs. Yes, I had 3 jobs all part time with no benefits. One of my managers was involved in a car accident (her fault) and required physical therapy and corrective surgery. Her benefits barely covered it. This shocked me into realizing I wasn't immortal and needed to protect myself. Were my enlistment intentions completely altruistic? No and I admit this freely. There was some talk of money for college but the military draw for me was strictly patriotism and healthcare benefits. I know the recruiter at that time saw me as a minority female. Lucky for him I suppose. Luckier for me, to get a Navy job that truly fit my skill set.

Recently I've become aware of a subsection of military enlistment, I was never sensitive to these sailors who enlisted strictly for college money. It seems more and more of the junior sailors have been sold on the promise of college money and tuition assistance. Some of them think that the military pays really well!?! I made equal the amount of money my senior year with 2 part time jobs as I did my first year of enlistment. The year prior to enlistment I made MORE! I wonder if these new joins in DEP realize during the first year of enlistment they spend it in training (if they are lucky enough to get a technical job), normally not allowed to have a car on base and are not eligible for certain pays because of their student status.

I am aware of Officers who have commissioned to help pay off their student loans. As far as I'm concerned, that is like indentured service. I am most impressed and proud to serve with those officers elevated from the enlisted ranks of E-5 thru Chief. They know sacrifice, they know what a watch is about, they know how to follow and they know how to lead.

To those who are only enlisting for the "money," I suggest you look deeper into yourself and find another more spiritual reason to sustain you while standing a 12 hour watch, in the rain with no umbrella.

"I would rather belong to a poor nation that was free than to a rich nation that had ceased to be in love with liberty."

~ Woodrow Wilson