It’s so easy sometimes for us to sit in our comfortable environment and debate the war. Should it have ever started? When will it end? What’s the truth about what’s going on?
This weekend I spent time in Virginia Beach at NAS Oceana, the Master Jet Base. My son was promoted to Senior Chief and he invited us to attend his pinning ceremony.
My wife and I are incredibly proud of Doug as we are of all of our children. They’ve grown into wonderful adults and each one of them makes an impact with their jobs as a teacher, a Navy Senior Chief, an athletic trainer and a singer-songwriter. I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve them all but it is certainly a blessing that I thank God for every day.
One thing I can’t help but notice whenever I’m in Virginia Beach is the incredible commitment of the men and women of the United States Navy.
Now we could debate what’s going on over there and what the true motives may or may not be. I also know one of my readers has commented before about the “military-industrial complex” but I’m not thinking about any of that as I sit out on the deck of my son’s house after a day of celebration.
Every time I’m down here I am always amazed by the people. His friends. His colleagues. And their commitment to our country.
This weekend was no different.
The ceremony was held in the Chiefs Mess on the flight line. Just driving onto the base is impressive and the steps you have to go through to gain entry.
It was 96 degrees with a heat index of well over 100 yet they were still out there working on the jets and getting their qualifications done with F18s flying overhead. Yes, we have servicemen and women dealing with Iran but the training continues here at home as there always has to be someone ready.
I’m always amazed at how everyone is so respectful. Even the pilots and lieutenants who hold a door for me and greet me with “Sir.” Me! “Sir.” Of course the gray hair and the cane probably have something to do with that but I’m always so impressed.
So there we were in the Chiefs Mess, a room you can only enter if you’re a Chief or invited by a Chief. There were Chiefs, Senior Chiefs and Master Chiefs along with the five or six civilians (including us) that were invited. I found myself appreciating the history of this moment. Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana has been there since 1943 and this is a ceremony that has been held countless times over the years.
People from all over the country come together on a military base. They have so many stories and as someone who loves to help people tell their stories, I just soak it all in.
This weekend there was a pilot who saw my baseball bat cane. It’s a Louisville Slugger and he asked if I was from Louisville because he was. He seemed so happy to think of his hometown.
A Naval Flight Officer I know was on the USS Gerald Ford when a fire broke out in the ship’s laundry. They had a few hectic weeks while they dealt with that and still flew their missions
At the cookout yesterday I found myself explaining what Fluff is to someone who has never had a fluffernutter. And Doug’s neighbors have offered to pick up the tab if I bring down some clams to make them a clam boil.
I like to talk about hockey with his friend from Colorado. He’s an Avalanche fan, but I won’t hold that against him.
A few months ago I wrote how my wife, Priscilla, and I were concerned because Doug was scheduled to deploy. Turns out that didn’t happen as his orders came through with the promotion. People have asked Priscilla and me if we’re relieved he didn’t ship out. Obviously we are but he has many close friends, some we’ve met and gotten to know, that are deployed.
We have a friend who is a mother of two and her husband is deployed until at least December though they’ve been advised to plan for a longer trip. It’s amazing to see those stateside that have her back. The support these families have for each other is so heartwarming.
So, yeah, there’s plenty to debate but for those that do the job every day and for those that they love and who keep the home fires burning —- you will always have my respect and appreciation.
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