Silver Lining

I've always been a glass half-empty kind of person. However, I've been trying to change that. Sometimes it takes me a little while to find a better perspective but it sure feels good to let a burden slip away. Prime example was this past Saturday - but I need to back it up a few weeks to tell the full story.

A little while back the brakes on my 4Runner started to grab. I took a look and realized that the wrong cap was on the brake fluid reservoir. Unfortunately, someone had deliberately stuffed a too-big cap on the reservoir. I assume this happened right before I bought it used about two years ago. So for two years moisture has been infiltrating the brake system. The end result was that the brake system was completely rusted out. Bottom line, after a huge repair bill, I had my truck back with new brakes. Fortunately, we had our tax refund to cover it though I intended the money to go elsewhere. The other blessing was that I was right next to the dealership when the brakes really locked and I was able to get it in for repairs. Finally, it was me driving - not Wendy or Amanda - so that was a relief.

Now back to the weekend. We were all loaded up to go on Saturday and on the way out of our neighborhood the engine just quit. Turns out the water pump had been leaking and the fluid had damaged some of the pulleys, etc in the front engine cover which caused the timing belt to snap. This will be another expensive repair and I was a bit frustrated at first. However, after a few minutes to calm down and the cheerfulness of a friend (whose house we broke down in front of) I was able to find the silver lining. First, I was driving - not Amanda or Wendy. It hadn't happened Thursday on the way to my retirement ceremony or on Friday when I went golfing with my Dad at Point Mallard. It happened in our neighborhood on a hill so it was easy to put it in neutral and park on the side with no pushing required. (I can only imagine the trauma if I had been in the left lane on 72 when it quit.) The tow truck was supposed to take an hour and a half but he happened to be in Madison on his way to South Huntsville so he came and picked up the truck on his way about 15 minutes after I called. So other than the unexpected cost and juggling vehicles for a few days, all in all it was really no big deal and there were tons of blessings for me to recognize. My glass was really more than half full.

The real payoff of my change in attitude was that it didn't ruin my day or my weekend. We still went out as a family and had a good day time Saturday. We still had a good dinner on Sunday with the missionaries. Twenty years ago I would have allowed this small little thing to ruin my week and Wendy's too. Maybe I am learning something...

It Has Been My Honor

I was recognized during the Post Retirement Ceremony today. At Wendy's request, I've posted my remarks from the ceremony below.

I have been part of the Army family for my entire life. While there has been sacrifice, the opportunities presented by the Army are difficult to measure. So let me start by thanking my mom and dad. Dad is a retired MSG and Vietnam Veteran. He remained in the Army through the difficult times following Vietnam and thanks to him and those like him; the nation learned a valuable lesson. Today, we are routinely thanked for our service instead of hated for it. I’m grateful to Mom and Dad for taking the assignment in Germany and extending so I could finish my senior year of High School. I imagine I was too young and stupid to appreciate the financial sacrifices they made that allowed me to travel throughout Europe and participate in V-Day celebrations in France and competitions in Spain. Those high school years laid the foundation for my military career. Mom, Dad, I love you and I can never thank you enough for the wisdom, patience and love you’ve shared with me.

My success over the past twenty years has everything to do with those I worked with. As a brand new lieutenant, I couldn’t have asked for a better platoon sergeant then Ken Ravenel. He knew how to motivate soldiers, he knew how to develop NCOs and he knew how to keep a brand new, know-it-all, second lieutenant out of trouble.

I have had the honor of serving with Army Civilians. What an amazing group of professionals; Hardworking and honest and forever respectful of the soldiers they serve - there are far too many to name but without their contributions, I would have failed many times over. So to them I also owe a big thank you.

Another group I need to thank is the support contractors. As any Acquisition Officer here in Huntsville will tell you, it’s often their hard work for which we get the credit. Their honest concern for the soldier and dedicated service makes them an important part of our Army family. (And I’m not just saying that because I will be one soon!)

Now, the hard part – About 22 ½ years ago, I met a girl who would change the course of my life forever. It took a year and a half before our interest turned romantic, but in that time we became best friends and 22 ½ years and six kids later that’s still true. Sweetheart, thank you for your support of me and the confidence you have in me. I am a better man because of you. Thank you for holding things together at home through deployments, training and TDYs. Thank you for your love for our nation and never showing resentment for the time apart. I’m not sure you knew what you were getting yourself into when you agreed to be my wife but you have risen to meet every challenge. I love you and am only ready for this next adventure because you will be by my side.

Rebekah, Amanda, Sariah, Hannah, Marissa and Liam: I’m pretty sure you’ve never entirely understood what I’ve done each day I’ve left for work. However, you have always shown me support. You’ve honored my commitment by your understanding at missed birthdays, holidays and performances. You’ve stepped up and helped Mom at home when I’ve been away. You’ve helped each other through difficult times. Most importantly, you’ve made life worth living and reminded me just how Blessed my life is. I am so proud of you all and immensely grateful to the Lord for trusting me with your care. I love you and am looking forward to seeing what life has in store for each of you.

In conclusion, I wanted to address the future of the Army sitting in the back of the auditorium. Thank you for choosing this honored profession and serving our nation. Take the time to enjoy every assignment both professionally and personally. No matter how long your Army career is you will be better for it. If you’re anything like me you’ll be a little embarrassed when someone thanks you for your service. I have never quite known how to respond. But, finally I know what to say. It has been my honor.

Lastly, I’ve been all I can be, even an Army of One and now I depart Army Strong! Thank you all again and may God Bless the United States Army.

Twenty-Five Photos

I was asked to provide twenty-five photos for use in a presentation prior to my retirement ceremony today. Here they are: