Monday Morning Musings

This weekend, my family had the privilege of attending a military retirement ceremony.
The town we live in has a naval shipyard and military families come and go with regularity. Over the years, my son has become friends with many of the military kids but, unfortunately, has lost touch with most of them as they have moved away. One exception, however, is Brett. They moved back to Connecticut 4 years ago but Evan and Brett are closer friends now than they were before they left. The boys manage to get together 3 or 4 times a year and stay in contact via text messages and facebook.

Brett's father was facing another relocation and decided to retire instead of making his sons move to another school. It was a long day but very interesting and moving. It was strange. I know the father as a baseball coach and as a father but had never given much thought to him as a military man. It was interesting to see the other side of him. I was very impressed to see that Brett's mother and both boys were given certificates of appreciation from the Department of the Navy. They realize that a military career involves the entire family.

I found it ironic to attend the ceremony marking the end of one military career after reading many posts over the past few weeks by Hallie about the pending deployment of her son. I am sure that Stan's mother and wife experienced many of the same feelings over the past 20 years. I hope CJ has much success in his military career. Career or short term job, CJ and the rest of the military folks deserve our thanks. God Bless them and God Bless America.