On Friday, October 13th we celebrated the two hundred and forty second birthday of the United States Navy. In Kabul, we maybe a small contingent of Navy personnel, but that didn’t keep us from showing up in force to celebrate. We started the day with a formation run. On our little base there are not a lot of places to run. Even if you run everywhere you can one lap around is less than a mile. Let’s just say there are not a lot of places to run outside unless you continue to repeat the same route over and over again. Despite the limited space and the small number of Sailors we united on Friday morning in our Navy PT (physical fitness) gear. We ran a few laps in formation showing our Navy pride. I am very proud and impressed to say we stayed together for just under a mile and maintained a sub-ten minute mile pace.
On Friday’s I don’t have to show up to work until after lunch, so I usually go for a long run. Then I enjoy a cup of coffee sitting outside chit chatting with people and browsing through Facebook and Instagram. On the Navy’s birthday I ran a few miles on the treadmill prior to our formation run, ran our formation run, and then ran a few more to round out my long run. I did another “sandwiched” run. I still had the opportunity to enjoy my coffee and a little sun shine. These Friday mornings rejuvenate me!
For the Navy’s birthday, prior to dinner, the Sailors reunited again to ceremoniously cut the Navy’s birthday cake. The youngest and oldest Sailor cut the cake together. We are fortunate enough to have an Admiral stationed her in Kabul. Prior to the cake cutting she spoke to us about the history of the U.S. Navy. We’ve been around since 1775. The Navy was established prior to 1776 and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Continental Congress established a naval force in the hopes a small fleet of privateers could attack British commerce and offset British sea power. The Navy started as a force multiplier. The Navy brought a new capability to the early days of the United States of America. Today in Afghanistan surrounded by the Army, the Navy (The JANRs), are a powerful force of multipliers. We bring something the Army can’t, and we extend their capability through our Navy and Civilian acumen.
To say it’s easy to being away from home would be a lie. I miss my babies and want to give them hugs and kisses everyday. As many of you know, after a long and scary pregnancy, Taylyn was born healthy but remained sick most of the first year of her life. Through every sleepless night, ear infection, and surgery (minor); I was there to hold her hand. I held her hand while she slept most of the first two years of her life. Since I left, she managed, until this week, to stay healthy. Over the last week she had a fever, upset stomach and her tube in her right ear was bothering her because it was plugged and causing pressure. She most certainly associates being sick with her mommy being there to hold her hand. As corny as they are, she hugged her mommy doll and everyone at home made it through. Today when I called, Taylyn took the phone from Grandma and hid to tell me I needed to come home. When my mom tried to get her phone back she sat on the phone to make sure no one could get to me. Trust me baby girl, I can’t wait to be home to hold your hand again.
This last week while I was here multiplying the force, TJ and my mom were back home multiplying the force as well. My mom gave Taylyn the extra cuddles she was missing from mom. TJ was there to take her to see the ear, nose, and throat specialist (we have him on speed dial) and after a few ear drops she’s back to normal. I may not be there, but the kids are happy and there are many people who are multiplying themselves to make up for the gap I’ve left.
Life stretches us and challenges us. We are asked to multiple to fill in where others can’t. Remember there will come a time when you will need someone to multiple for you. As long as we stretch when you are able and accept the multiplier when we can’t the balance of give and take will remain steady. We should all be able to multiple when needed, yet accept the help of a multiplier when we can’t.
Darchelle's Vacation with Uncle Sam 