Impending Departure

The unit will be heading south on Sunday. We’ll spend a number of weeks in San Diego training and preparing and then depart from San Diego for sandier places. As my day of departure looms closer, the hugeness of what I’m about to do is starting to sink in. I will be separated from my … Read more

A Man (or Woman) In Uniform

It has always been my habit to wear my uniform to church and other occasions when I am on active duty. I consider the uniform an honor and wearing it a privilege that I have earned. Secondly, I think it is important that people be able to put a face to “the military.” It is … Read more

A Wonderful Life

Had a wonderful Christmas. Started the morning with coffee, blue berry muffins and presents. Santa gave the kids Nintendo Gameboy Advanced SP machines. Each got their own game but of course one game — Crash Bandicoot — is more popular. So they take turns playing that game. We opened presents, played with our toys and … Read more

Merry Christmas

I hope everyone has a wonder Christmas. As a Christian, the Christmas holiday holds a special and significant meaning for me personally. However, Christmas is also a cultural phenomenon. Regardless of your views of who Jesus was — personal saviour, just a man or a myth — I hope and pray that you have family … Read more

KILL BILL

I walked out on a movie tonight. I have done that in years. It was so bad I simply could not continue watching it. As I left I muttered to myself, “this is disgusting.” And it was. The movie Kill Bill is a live action rendition of a particular genre of Japanese manga. They are … Read more

USN Active Duty: Days 1 – 3

Day One We spent the day going through various stations getting our records checked. Medical, Dental, Admin, Legal, etc. It was pretty standard Navy fare. Hurry up, get to your assigned station, are you where you are suppose to be? No? Get there. Once there, you waited. Plenty of confusion prevailed. Are we leaving today? … Read more