One Step Closer to Real

When I left Chicago on June 4th I separated my transition to real (getting to Afghanistan) into 3 steps.

1. Get on the airplane and leave Chicago.
2. Get on the bus to Fort Jackson in South Carolina.
3. Get on the commercial flight that will eventually land me in Afghanistan.

My last week was spent doing normal Navy things in normal Navy places.  The first step in my transition to real.  The week was rather uneventful and allowed for time to rest, workout, and to get done any last minutes things before the adventure became more real.  Last week was a stepping stone in getting closer to the reality of this next year.  On the other hand at home, there were no steps to real.  The minute I got out of the car at the airport they were in 100% real deployment status.  Where I was only at 33%.  Sleep is at a premium at home.  If anyone has a suggestion on how to get a stubborn 2 year who is angry and confused to sleep, I’m sure your advice would be welcomed.  They may even be willing to just give her up for a while.  The queen of stubborn is pictured below after 3 nights of no sleep and well on her way to making it 4.

This morning at 0600 I started step 2.  I made sure to get up early and get a 4 mile run in prior to our 6 hour bus ride.  Before we left, the American Legion was kind enough to bring us doughnuts and wish us farewell.  I made sure to get a picture with them.  This whole experience has really touched me to the core.  I am proud to get the opportunity to serve my great country in this capacity.  The brave men and women of the American Legion who came today served at a time when our service men and women were not honored.  They were shunned.  It means a lot to me for them to come early, feed us, greet us, and send us on our way with honor.  I know we will be welcomed home the same way instead of spit on and scorned.  They are the ones we should be thanking.  I image it is much easier to leave when there is support not shame.

I was given 2 necklaces before I left.  One my latitude and longitude to my home from Brittney Kieres.  She wants to make sure I don’t forget my way home.  The other is a locket from the Neal Family.  I have been wearing the lat and long necklace every second since I left.  The locket I didn’t feel comfortable having on in uniform, but I’ve kept it safe and decided to wear it today for the first time.  It’s like I’m adding a new reminder as I get closer to real.

With all of this I have been lucky enough to put my feet in the water, then jump in, and soon I’ll have to swim.  Until then I’m going to enjoy the next 3 weeks where someone will tell me what to do and when to do it.  I will be sure to give you a full update when the time is right.  As for having to swim, I’m not going to think about that until I have to actually put my goggles on, put my face in the water and start the strokes.  One step at a time.  For TJ and Mom who have been doing the front crawl for a week now,  THANK YOU!  I know for you it will only get better and for me well, let’s hope I remember my rhythmic breathing and can stay calm and swim to the finish line as I approach 100% REAL!