The Beginning

So at first, I thought to myself this may not have been a good idea. But then I blinked and boot camp was over and done with. I was walking around with my parents and my brother's girlfriend in my dress white uniform, exhausted but proud to have made it through. My family seems to be proud of me, I'm part of something amazing, a brotherhood of sorts. While I'm not yet a real asset to the fleet, I'm still here, I've still started a journey that will aid in the defense of this country. Most days, I feel like I'm back in college. I live in 'dorms', I eat in a galley with everyone else on base, and I go to class Monday through Friday. The biggest differences are the uniforms I wear, and the regulations I follow. But while I know these are sacrifices, I'm happy with them. I'm following a family tradition of national service, and I'm proud of that. Most days I don't notice it, I just feel normal. I miss my family and my friends, and there are days I don't think I can take much more. But there are days I look at that flag and I remember what those colors stand for, and how much American blood has been spilled to keep her flying. The best I've felt is when someone walks up and says thank you, and they mean it. I don't mean when big name bands come, give concerts and say thank you, I mean when the random lady in a wheel chair comes up to you in the mall because you're wearing a uniform and shakes your hand while she says thank you with tears in her eyes. It hits hard, and then you realize that some people really do appreciate what we do.

I really notice it when the anthem is playing, for some strange reason. This past 4th of July was my first on a military base period, let alone my first as a Sailor in the US Navy. Every time I heard the anthem that weekend I felt overwhelmed, explain that!! Normally I just stand up straight, sing along, respect the anthem and the flag, but that's about it. I don't know if it was standing at attention among approximately 75,000 civilians, clearly being military despite being in jeans and a tank top or what, but I felt that surge of pride again. It's strange. Though I have to admit, right now I'm anxious to get out to the fleet. It's going to be a very long time before I get there, which, like so many others, is making me feel like the fleet is a mythical creature along the lines of unicorns and centaurs, but I'm assured it does exist. What I look forward to the most, aside from the travel, is the mix of purely military evolutions and the humanitarian works of the Navy. The line is always drawn to distinguish the enemy from victims of tragedy or senseless, violent governments. But for now, I'm in school learning my rate. Or rather, in a pre-requisite school to my 'A' School. But I'm excited, motivated, and ready to be here. I'll try to stay on here once a week or so, at least until I hit the fleet, then God only knows where I'll be at any given moment. But until then, I'll keep going here!!!! :-)