Update from Younger Daughter

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