The day was busy, busy, busy today. Surprising for a Saturday but if you recall, just about a month ago I traveled to the northern part of the country for the 2nd time where I briefed about 25 combat engineers. Well, they poured on the orders to me...to the tune of about $3 million! All at once, too. So, almost my entire day was working on that with them to get it all sent Stateside to be worked on. In the background in the office, though, steak was marinated, drinks procured, and all the tables and chairs for the new outdoor patio outside the brigade headquarters where I work. As the day wore on, my commander from my reserve unit back in "Kansas" arrived who would read me my oath today. It's been the plan for nearly a year now that on this day, if we could connect and be in the same place, I'd like him to be the one to read me my Oath of Office. Like they say...if you don't plan, you plan to fail! Well, we planned and did so very well.
So as 5:30pm rolled around and we finished our weekly staff meeting, we headed on outside where about 25-30 had gathered and in the air, all we could smell was the grill...oh so good...especially over here. I had made the agenda which was to be my promotion, dinner on the patio, then our Hail and Farewells. I wanted to create a clear distinction between my promotion and the folks we were saying goodbye to and those we were saying welcome to. That was the reason for tonight..not my promotion, so I didn't want to take away from it. We gathered everyone up under the new gazebo and my commander and I took our spots up front. He started with a few words to thank everyone for stepping out for our country and to come forward into Harms Way to serve. Many whom I work with are civilian government employees...not just military so his words were meant to everyone. After that, I stood at attention, raised my right hand, and reported the following words: "I (my name) do solemnly reaffirm that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will continue to bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution and the Country whose course it directs, and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation. So help me God." I then lowered my hand and my commander tore off my LTJG (O-2) patch from my chest and replaced with my LT patch. We shook hands and that was it! When we did shake, the commander had a surprise...a Navy Lieutenant gold coin that had the raised eagle on one side and on the other, some Navy ships and engraved at the bottom was "20 AUG 2011 / AFGHANISTAN". That was a really cool gift. He also gave me his bright silver lieutenant bars which you see in my hand above. Again...a total surprise. After my oath and the coin, I said a few words to those who were there and then we continued on with the festivities of the night. It's always great to break bread with others and relax a bit. It's also great to see people break down a bit and say their goodbyes and receive awards. Every Hail & Farewell has been great so far. What's really cool is that the next time we have one, I will be getting the "Farewell!" OH YEA!!!! OK, don't get too excited...still a ways off!!! I'm not that short yet!!!
After cleaning up the patio, we headed on back to our side of the base. I ducked in quickly to the chow hall for some praline ice cream. I had a super craving for it and couldn't pass it up. Afterwards, I worked on the video I had shot of my oath (currently uploading....very, very, VERY slow!), relaxed in front of the TV, and blogged. Truth be told...this blog was interrupted by about a half hour. While today was actually a pretty good day, it was made real again where I am. As I type these words, we're quarantined into our rooms and cannot go out because we were just rocketed again. I ended up having to call everyone tonight for a full accountability. Right now, I'm waiting for the "All Clear" but haven't heard it yet. This one is lasting longer than the others...it's already been 30-40 minutes since I felt the rumble. Yea...I felt this one. It doesn't mean it was that close but who knows. I distinctly felt 2 - 3 impacts. Tomorrow, I'll read the intel report and see how close it really was. I'm guessing it wasn't too close or I'd hear stuff going on outside my room. So yea...Ramadan or not, they (the Taliban) don't give up. They just cross their fingers and send those rockets over the wall, hoping they get someone. Sorry to end today on a sour note but hey, it's real. With that, I'm going to continue to wait for the "All Clear" then shower and head to bed.
Goodnight, everyone.
After cleaning up the patio, we headed on back to our side of the base. I ducked in quickly to the chow hall for some praline ice cream. I had a super craving for it and couldn't pass it up. Afterwards, I worked on the video I had shot of my oath (currently uploading....very, very, VERY slow!), relaxed in front of the TV, and blogged. Truth be told...this blog was interrupted by about a half hour. While today was actually a pretty good day, it was made real again where I am. As I type these words, we're quarantined into our rooms and cannot go out because we were just rocketed again. I ended up having to call everyone tonight for a full accountability. Right now, I'm waiting for the "All Clear" but haven't heard it yet. This one is lasting longer than the others...it's already been 30-40 minutes since I felt the rumble. Yea...I felt this one. It doesn't mean it was that close but who knows. I distinctly felt 2 - 3 impacts. Tomorrow, I'll read the intel report and see how close it really was. I'm guessing it wasn't too close or I'd hear stuff going on outside my room. So yea...Ramadan or not, they (the Taliban) don't give up. They just cross their fingers and send those rockets over the wall, hoping they get someone. Sorry to end today on a sour note but hey, it's real. With that, I'm going to continue to wait for the "All Clear" then shower and head to bed.
Goodnight, everyone.
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