Once a month we have a medal parade for awarding of the NATO ISAF Medal. This month it was my turn to be a part of it, it actually occurred a few days ago. We have around six lines of a lot of personnel each standing at attention and one of six generals pins on your medal after a short ceremony. By luck of the draw The Commander, himself, happened to pin mine on. I brief him once a week and he sees me around other times and still calls me, “sailor.” I don’t think he has to deal with too many naval officers here. The other generals who know me use my first name. It’s a nice looking medal, adds to the fruit salad. And I love the color.
As you all know, today is my birthday (for those of you keeping track like Stephanie, I am 44) and it has been a great one so far. First, I feel a lot better, still a little weak, but doing well. I got all my work done and got a haircut from our usual Afghan barber. He speaks no English, but somehow the haircut goes through all right or so we're told. I saw our Deputy (the boss) this morning and he said hello and the usual. Then before he went off to a meeting, he said he needed to see me in his office at 1000. I was a little nervous about what it could be, always thinking what it was he found that I screwed up and wasn’t able to hide. So, the Military Assistant comes in to tell me he is ready to see me now and I go in. When I open the door, the whole directorate is in there for a surprise party! I was floored. They had a real cake made and everything. One of our people, Lisa, had it ordered and had to get into her armor and helmet to go pick it up. That’s dedication. So I had a lot of people wishing me a Happy Birthday today, which made me feel great. I also received many emails from friends and family. I received a very original e-card from Cara – thanks so much! I know some of you said you mailed cards and packages. It may be a few days, but they’ll get here and I’ll let you know I received them. Still waiting on the one big delivery back home, but we have plenty of time.
I am off to Canada House for the first time in a while. Bob has invited me to their BBQ and perhaps I'll be able to have a beer. Thanks to everyone for making this a great day!
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7 comments:
Congratulations on your birthday and your medal and especially for getting over your illness (Cat fever). The surprise party should have hit the spot and my thanks to Lisa for getting the cake. I can tell she's a nice person: "From her picture" That's from an old movie! Guess! The star was Loretta Young. I know Lisa is a Lt. Colonel (from her picture) but what is her Jah?
If my calculations are correct you are 45. Weren't you born in 1963?
I can't believe you are questioning my age. It's like that old Lite beer commercial where the guy tries to guess Nick Buoniconti's name and when Nick tells him the guy says, "No, that's not it." Or like the time Mitchell questioned my knowledge of the navy ranks or Marc told me I didn't know enough to navigate his father's boat.
I rechecked and you are right. You are 44. I wish I could lose a year off of my age as easily . However,this was my first mistake since 1987 when I thought I had made a mistake!
The movie was "The Farmers DAughter"
Ithan, congratulations on your happy birthday. Sounds like you had a good day. We are all anxiously awaiting the imminent arrival, any second. Hope you can make the connection to the portal. Sheree has put everything on hold until the arrival. Hopefully, we'll sleep through the next night.
Glad you had such a great day! Your friends there sound nice...no one putting up black 44's all around the room or anything, right?
When you get a chance, can you explain more about what the medal signifies?
And I can't sign off without commenting on your dad's entry about his mistake about thinking he made a mistake, back in 1987. I smiled at that one! My father says the same kind of thing... "I make mistakes. Like the time I thought I made a mistake but then I realized I was wrong!"
HAPPY BIRTHDAY. It's not over yet over here in the USA - its 11 PM. You might share it yet with little girl Zimmer, who knows?
Love, Jane
Personnel eligible for the ISAF NATO award are those who are members of units or staffs as set out in the Joint Operations Area (JOA) Combined Joint Statement of Requirements taking part in NATO operations in Afghanistan in accordance with the qualifying conditions (30 days minimum). Entitlement will be acquired by those forces under NATO command or control whilst in the JOA, and those deployed to the JOA under national command in support of the NATO operation.
Today I received the Birthday Box from SBHS. WOW! Lots of good stuff inside from so many different people. Thank you! I received some very interesting cards including one from The Tick and his little girls and a large card from my B day classes. They're all great. Of special use, I received Hannah Montana trading cards and this red tea lamp thing. Don't go to war without it. The school included a number of things for donation to the children here. I really enjoyed hearing from so many.
Ithan,
Hope you were able to enjoy your birthday with your new friends, knowing your old friends will lift a glass here in your honor.
Congrats on the additional fruit salad. "In Service of Peace and Freedom" says it all, huh?
Wish I had the gift that you really wanted. Hopefully those working on it will be able to gift wrap it soon. As for another celebration, did you have any of your colleagues celebrate Norwegian Constitution Day? Who knew it fell on your birthday as well.
Enjoy the upcoming week.
Sean
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