Some readers have been wondering how Younger Daughter (our Navy daughter) has been doing in the wake of recent events. In fact, late last year she made a monumental life decision. I asked her to write an update, which is as follows.
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Hello Mom's Blog Readers:
Mom's been asking when I can pass along a status update for you guys, so here goes – I'm separating from the Navy in a few months!
This was not an easy decision to make, as I have very much enjoyed my Naval career. I was selected for a special duty that I worked very hard to achieve, and I recently was also selected for board for advancement to E-7 (note that this is NOT the same as being promoted to Chief – just saying that I passed the first screening. I just can't pass off one last opportunity to brag about how good I am at taking tests).
However, in the past year there have been many, many military decisions that are beyond my comfort level. My beliefs may not align precisely with the demographic most likely to follow my mom's blog, and I am definitely not going to attempt to justify the specifics to anyone here, but my ethics and personal philosophy will not allow me to support acts I believe to be immoral. At the same time, as long as I stay in the Navy, I am under an oath to obey the orders of those appointed over me. Those two things don't go together.
(It's worth noting that this decision was made well in advance of the war in Iran, which consequently did not factor into my decision to cancel my reenlistment.)
Anyway, on to the good news! I was recently given a great job offer and will be moving to Washington State in July. It seems like a really interesting position and I'm extremely enthusiastic about it. I am particularly looking forward to being able to let my hair down (literally) and wear cute clothes at work.
This has been an extremely chaotic time for me and a very bittersweet one. I am sad for the circumstances that have led me to this decision, but I am excited for the new opportunities that civilian life will hold. I also haven't lived in the U.S. since I was 20 years old, and re-adjusting will be a whole new experience. I'll miss the espresso, but Italy just hasn't figured out how to make hashbrowns yet, so perhaps it will all balance out. – YD
I'm sure that your daughter's decision was a very difficult one for her to make, but you should be very proud of her for distancing herself from this immoral war of choice brought upon the world from this out of control administration. Good for you "younger daughter", you are making the right decision.
ReplyDeleteThis administration is totally under control of a man that wears pants unlike under the last admin wear the man wore a dress. jeez.
DeleteI hope you can feel very proud of the person she is becoming and choosing to be! Kudos to her for knowing and pursuing the right choice for herself.
ReplyDeleteYD, Thank you for your service. Please don't feel you have to justify your choice to anyone.
ReplyDeleteSounds like she made an honorable choice.
ReplyDeleteYD, thank you for your service and also, some of your mom's blog readers are tiresome liberals. That said my son is seriously considering joining the Navy because he wants to fly fighter jets. No, he's actually an adult, not a ten year old who just saw "Top Gun." Siiiiiigh. But he's a grownup and is gonna do what he thinks best, even if I happen to be right as usual.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your service YD! Best wishes on your next chapter. KinCA
ReplyDeleteI especially appreciate that YD does not want to create dissent among her mom's followers on this peaceful blog. A walk of peace should characterize Christ's followers, even though perspectives differ. I think she shows maturity and grace in the way she is moving forward with her life .
ReplyDeleteAs an Army vet myself, I fully understand her decision even while I might not know the details. The experience she has gained in the military will take her far in life. Godspeed, Younger Daughter.
ReplyDeleteThank you YD for your service. Enjoy the next journey of your life.
ReplyDeleteDebbie in MA
Thank you for your service and sacrifice from starting your own private life. I pray you visit your grandparents and regain your roots and see real life before joining crazy civilian life and the obligations of your new job.🙏
ReplyDeleteThanks, YD, for the update! You didn't owe us any deets at all regarding your life choices, and no one should feel like they can critique them. Thanks for your service, and I pray that your new civilian job is very enjoyable and rewarding. I also hope that the transition goes well for you! I'm glad your mom and your sister fit a trip in to visit while you were still in Italy.
ReplyDeleteAnd hey, Patrice, I was just in a Lehman's (in Ohio) for the first time this week--whee, that was fun! :) I had to be very selective because there was just so much good stuff!
Congratulations on your new job prospects. I know that you will do well.
ReplyDeleteClearly the apple didn't fall far from the tree with the writing gene.😊
ReplyDeleteThank you YD for your service. I’m sure you will have a great career in whatever field you choose.
ReplyDeleteYounger Daughter: Congratulations on your successful Navy enlistment, swabbie. Welcome to an exclusive and proud group known as American veterans. Well done — from an old Air Force sergeant.
ReplyDeleteYounger Daughter,
ReplyDeleteThis old Chief who's been out of uniform for over a decade would assume you are a hard charger and will succeed in nearly any endeavor since you're already eligible for CPO. I was selected on my third time eligible at 11 years. Transitioning out of service can be quite difficult in many aspects. First, things just work different as a civilian, it can be quite an adjustment. You've been a Sailor for many years now and that identity stops once you get out. Many have a problem with losing something that was so familiar. Pay attention in TAP class, ask questions or do the research yourself. If you have any reason for submitting a VA claim don't hesitate. Doing it before you get out, or in the first year after is so much easier than waiting. It get's much tougher after one year out.
I saw the good ol' Nav going to pot in 1917 when West Pac ships started running into other ships, and 7th Fleet said it was because they didn't have time to train. I was Home ported out of Yoko '70 - 73 and ran Tokyo Wan twice a month we never even came close to hitting anything.
ReplyDeleteThank you YD for your service to our nation. While you would probably be surprised by some of the demographics that follow your mom, you don't owe anyone an explanation for your tough decision. We just all appreciate that you have the freedom to do so. And, we are grateful that you served.
ReplyDeleteWe all (or at least I hope we all) wish you well in the next chapter of your life. I know it is a little early, but WELCOME HOME!
How sweet of you to update us YD! We have followed you girls for so long and love to see you succeed. Your parents must be so happy to have you on the same continent. Congrats on your exciting changes!
ReplyDelete