Leadership

Another Late Entry this is from August 2010


If you ask different leaders what their one piece of advice would be to their protege you might hear a few different answers:
"Lead from the front" is common.  This is usually heard when the unit or command you belong to run in formation... often.  I admit, I am not a runner. A sprinter yes, runner no.  Does this come from a "Hurry up and wait" acceptable norm?  Maybe, but more than likely it's because I ran track in my youth and played basketball.
"Take care of your people" is good too.  It's good practice to not burn out your work force.  You want to make sure they come back the next day.  People who are taken care of do better work. Compensation isn't just found on a pay stub, but in recognition and appropriate discipline and structure.  Those wayward members of your team who seam aimless probably are.  The greatest thing you can do to care for your people is to see that "light" go on behind their eyes, when they "get it" and know what to do with it.
The final piece of advice I've heard quoted is "What is popular isn't always right, and what is right isn't always popular."  This is the reason I am breaking my silence on my blog.  What you're about to read isn't popular, but I think it's right. You'll probably defriend me or unfollow me, and more than likely blast me a response.

Sometimes with courage comes a little pain.

Don't Ask Don't Tell Repeal

The survey response was under 30%. Really people, you have no opinion about the repeal of DADT?

Military Voting Rights in Jeopardy WHAT!
We serve to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. The 15th, 19th, 24th and 26th Constitutional Amendments identify reasons why every US citizen should not be denied the opportunity to vote, it's up to the states to grant the right to vote. Service-members and their families are sometimes stationed overseas and not every GWOT service-member is stationed in a tax free-zone. If these eleven states want to take away our ability to vote because we happen to be stationed in a far off locale preventing us from "popping" into the local voting precinct to make our voices heard, I think our required state taxes for those same states should be exempted until the procedural issues are fixed. It's easy enough to check how many tax dollars these Military Unfriendly states are due to lose. If any service-member is interested in changing their state of legal residence (which can be changed at anytime) the DD Form 2058 can be found here: http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/eforms/dd2058.pdf
BTW: The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania NEVER seems to have any problems getting an absentee ballot to me.

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.