New Life

It is approaching my one month mark of living as an Ensign in the United States Navy.

First, I want to make known my appreciation for all my brothers and sisters serving and fighting for the freedoms that we as Americans enjoy.  Much blessings and prayers go out to you shipmates.

I am now completing my second week here at Naval Supply School, and have enjoyed it thoroughly.  Admittedly, there are many times I am lost and overwhelmed by the influx (or should I say hurricane) of new information, supply systems, etc etc.  In addition, I am attempting to become more proficient in Naval History by way of reading historical materials.  If you should ever choose to join the Navy, be aware that it's all-in, or don't do it.  Almost everything I do now is about the Navy.  It's a blessing as I can see how everything I read, see, and talk about, I consciously reflect on how it is impacting my ability to lead sailors and become a better Naval Officer.  And I do this gladly.  I don't know many careers where this would happen.  I definitely understand now the talks from my drill instructor and chief petty officer on how being a Naval Officer is a 24/7 job.  It eventually becomes the very essence of your speech and thoughts.  It's kind of hard to explain it.  Let's just say I spend almost every waking moment with other Naval Officers.

On a side note, I've been trying to explore Newport in my spare moments, and have found some amazing sports bars, restaurants, tourist sites, cafes, and most importantly, a church and jiujitsu gym.  I've only been to the church once, but I really liked the sermon last week.  As for the jiujitsu gym, it has a connection to the Machado brothers and is led by a former Navy SEAL, so I am excited.  Well, I'm going to go back to reviewing a 2,000 page navy publication to try to get used to classes...

I'm definitely getting older...I sleep by 2230 every day, and wake up...early.

Thoughts of the day:
1) God must be number one in your life
2) Treat everyone with respect
3) Never underestimate the eating ability of 20 young officers, and always come to class equipped with at least two boxes of cookies.

Commissioning

And so, one day after my commissioning as a Naval Officer, I am trying to process what happened in the past 12 weeks.

Today was the first day I put on a regular pair of pants with a shirt, slept under my sheets, walked around with nobody watching me, and not really stressing about anything.

So the inevitable question awaits me...what was it like?

To be curt, it was hard.  

That first week was probably the most difficult week in my life.  The combination of mental, physical, and spiritual stimuli led me to question my motivations, pursuits, and perceptions of the world around me.  

The following weeks ushered forth new medleys of stresses; including academic classes (engineering, navigation, naval seamanship, naval history, etc), drill, billets, physical training, inspections, and more.  

Spending every moment for 8 weeks with the same 27 people brought it's own set of incredibly joyful moments as well as moments of frustration.  

First impressions matter, but in our case...ending impressions mattered the most.  People I disliked in the beginning I grew to like....I was reminded of the need to reserve assumptions for inconsequential situations.  

Started with 45, ended with 27 (after some roll-ins).  What an amazing journey.  Now we are off to different parts of the globe.  Japan, Bahrain, Florida, Hawaii, Rhode Island, Virginia, San Diego, and New York are only a few of the places we are all headed to.

The moments of desperation always ended with laughter, and for that I am thankful.  Let us never forget the sweat and tears we shared on Prichard Field, the track, in the pway before RLP, rose garden, suya, and cookie jar.  The smiles at Hi-Moms and our firm handshakes and mutual respect as we swore in together as Naval Officers.  

Class 02-13 Golf Company will always hold a special place in my heart.  Despite all the suck, it was well worth it.  Would I do it all over again?  First, I would cry.  But there is no doubt I would do it again if I had to in order to be commissioned as an officer.

All praise and glory goes to God for comforting me in dire moments and surrounding me with the right people.  But most importantly, saving me from my sin so that I may join him in heaven.