Damn...I never knew a firm handshake, saying goodbye and a hand salute at attention, feet at a 45...could be so f’n tough!
My Navy F/A-18 avionics/electrician son will fly out of Atlanta heading back to San Diego this evening. He and the crew of the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier will set sail one last time on Jan 15th...heading to Bremerton, WA to dry dock, and an 18 month or so overhaul/heavy maintenance/upgrades and modifications to the Carl Vinson carrier. His EAS (End of Active Service) is Nov 9th of this year. He’s decided he is going to get out at that time, after 4 yrs, come back home. I’ll get him a job working DoD Fed Govt civil service where I work C-17’s at Robins AFB. He’ll probably end up in F-15’s...it’s all the same money.
It’s amazing how quick almost four years of service to his country have passed...its been an amazing thing watching this young man grow up, and grow up into the man he has become. He’s spent three quarters of these years deployed...he’s been around the planet a time or two. He’s ported in many different country’s, seen a lot of places on this rock that 95% of us will never see.
He’s lived a tough life the last three plus years...any young man who can handle the rigors of a life spent working 12-18 hour days, day in and day out on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier...deserves and warrants my ABSOLUTE respect. It’s a very dangerous and rough and tough way to make a dollar.
This ol’ Marine is very proud of my son Jared...and I’m very proud and a hand salute to my deceased brothers/sisters, all who have served and are currently serving this country.
I think the world of all you f’rs in here...I know every damn one of you would have my back, push come to shove...and it’s a reciprocal thing!
Semper Fi!