Day 3

I'm struggling a bit today with what to talk about here. It was a pretty dry day here on the Yellow Brick Road, stop #1. The morning consisted of more briefs about topics such as sexual harassment, sexual assault, PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and we were briefed by the command chaplain. The talk he had with us was really good as he has been deployed three times himself. He had great real-life examples and stories to tell. At the end, he asked if he could pray for us. With no objections (thank goodness!), he prayed and truth be told, the little hairs stood up on the back of my neck. It was a really heartfelt prayer for our safety going forward to Oz and for our families that we left back home. His voice shuddered a bit which showed his true sincerity and passion he had for us and his "job" as a Navy chaplain. Afterwards, he handed out New Testaments and Rosaries for those who wanted them. I grabbed myself one of the New Testaments, "military edition." After the chaplain finished his prayer, we received our legal briefs. One covered the international LOW (Law of War). Afterwards, a Navy JAG (lawyer) briefed us on wills, powers of attorney, etc. and offered up same day service this week for those who need it. Luckily, all of those matters are taken care of and in a safe place back in Kansas. Later on that afternoon, we finally received our briefing on our family's medical benefits now that we have been placed on active duty.

It was also brought to my attention today about a law that is not too old. It's called the Service-Member's Civil Relief Act. For a service-member being deployed, it lets all of the debts held by us to be lowered to a maximum of 6% interest rate. So, if someone is getting gouged on his/her credit card at 12 or 22%, the rate will be brought down to 6%. This law applies to ANY debt that existed prior to active duty...from mortgages to credit cards to auto loans. For me personally, only one loan needed to be addressed. After a quick call to USAA (insurance/finance company for the military and veterans), I found out that they do 4% AND extend it a year past the deployment. Great news! I also found out that the credit bureaus offer an Active Duty Fraud Alert. It prevents someone using our credit without our approval while gone. One visit to one of their websites and it was done.

The mid to late afternoon resembled that of a lazy vegetable.  Boredom set in and I think I may have even fell asleep in my room. One thing certainly never changes with me: I'm a loner. I prefer to be alone with my own thoughts and even if my family is a 100, 1000, or 10,000 miles away, they are all I need. They are in my thoughts and prayers and that is perfect...for me. I sure do have friends, some I consider to be my very best friends. Their number is few but I highly value them. I will also gain new friends along this journey which I hope will last a lifetime. Still, though, I'm one and one alone and that's OK. After a quick dinner post-nap, I wandered around the base just enjoying the coming sunset and light breeze. A few calls home to Kansas and a few miles later, I called it a night. Tomorrow brings a psychological review along with final looks at medical/dental records and my audiogram to check my hearing.  "Country Strong" is playing at the base theater tomorrow night for free so that's my plan.

In closing, thank you again for the support so many of you have shown my family. Today, two of the Tin Man's friends offered to take her to the Father/Daughter Dance this Friday along with their dads. The one who she is going with even suggested she wear a yellow ribbon around her waist. Not knowing what that meant, her grandma told her. Hearing her tell me this left me speechless...  Not sure why, but my heart sunk. I feel so grateful for those who have wrapped us up in their arms and provided a hedge of protection. I have to say, it brings me peace so thank you.

Goodnight.