Beginning Life as a Sand Sailor

On Friday, 27 March, 0730, I began a new life as an active duty sailor.  I was blessed to be able to check in remotely, which means that, instead of driving 200 miles to Norfolk on Friday to check in at the Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) at Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base, then sitting in Norfolk until Monday with nothing to do all weekend, I was able to drive 57 miles to the NOSC at Andrews Air Force Base, check-in and go back home for the rest of the weekend.

On Sunday, Theresa, Sarah and I drove to Norfolk where I would report the next morning for mobilization processing.  We are blessed to stay with our good friends, Greg and Janet Sandway, in Chesapeake for the week.  This is providing us more time together before I leave on Saturday for training in South Carolina.  

I am honored to serve my country.  I follow in the steps of many millions of Americans who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.  In Iraq, I will be serving in an environment that has been secured by countless American Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen who have served valiantly over the past six years.  Every American should be proud of these brave men and women and the incredible work they have done under challenging circumstances.

I look forward to my service and subsequent return home to Theresa and Sarah.  The thoughts, prayers and encouragement of friends and family mean more than anyone can know and they will serve to strengthen the three of us as we sacrifice together during this deployment.