35 Years Ago...

Hi, fellow Navy Dads. Allow me first to introduce myself before getting into my discussion today. I am a retired US Navy Chief Petty Officer, and proudly served from 1978 until medically retired in 1995. And now, I am more proud to be here because my eldest step-daughter Julia is going into Boot Camp in September. The proud tradition of sailors in my family continues!

Anyway, my reason for today's post is it was 35 years ago this month (the 6th to be exact) that I was standing on the parade grounds of RTC San Diego, all my hair shaved off my head (my eyebrows were the only hair left!), standing at attention in the sweltering sun and reminded myself that in 1928 my Grandfather stood here, too, so if he could make it, so could I!

Yes, your children are going away from you and entering a world that you are not familiar with. I'm hip. The Navy I knew and loved is much different than the Navy of today. But these changes have largely made our Navy much better. And I say "our Navy" because now with your kid in it, it's your Navy, too! Be proud of that as you are of your kid. 

Although I am an "old salt", I am paranoid about her leaving home, I am worried if she will be compatible with Navy life (or if Navy life is compatible with her!), and fret about where she may end-up after Boot Camp and "A" School- just as I am sure you do, too.

But I am not worried about one thing- she made a wise and mature decision to forego a lifestyle of taking our freedoms for granted and do something to protect them. 

If I can help anyone understand the Navy life as it pertains to your child, please don't hesitate to ask me. I'm retired now and have lots of time on my hands- except to prepare my next child to enter the Navy!