SECNAV INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE TO THE FLEET

I think the Memorial Day Message to the Fleet went over well. These words come from the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV).

1. 232 YEARS AGO IN PHILADELPHIA, 56 PATRIOTS SIGNED A DECLARATIONOF INDEPENDENCE - A DOCUMENT SPELLING OUT THEIR GRIEVANCES AGAINST KING GEORGE III AND EXPLAINING WHY THEY FELT IMPELLED TO SEPARATE FROM GREAT BRITAIN.
2. THIS REMARKABLE DOCUMENT IS A CIVICS LESSON ALL ITS OWN-EVEN DECLARING WHY GOVERNMENTS EXIST IN THE FIRST PLACE: THAT TO SECURE THESE RIGHTS, GOVERNMENTS ARE INSTITUTED AMONG MEN, DERIVING THEIR JUST POWERS FROM THE CONSENT OF THE GOVERNED; THAT WHENEVER GOVERNMENT BECOMES DESTRUCTIVE OF THESE ENDS, IT IS THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE TO ALTER OR TO ABOLISH IT, AND TO INSTITUTE NEW GOVERNMENT, LAYING ITS FOUNDATIONS ON SUCH PRINCIPLES, AND ORGANIZING ITS POWERS IN SUCH FORM, AS TO THEM SHALL SEEM MOST LIKELY TO EFFECT THEIR SAFETY AND HAPPINESS.
3. GOVERNMENTS EXIST TO SECURE OUR RIGHTS; THE PEOPLE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE THEIR OWN LEADERS; THE PEOPLE ARE SOVEREIGN; CONSENT OF THE GOVERNED IS A FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE - THESE ARE THE FOUNDING IDEAS THAT SET OUR NATION ON A COURSE THAT HAS LED TO THE GREATEST SUCCESS STORY THE WORLD HAS EVER KNOWN.
4. OUR FOUNDING FATHERS BELIEVED THAT SOME THINGS WERE WORTH FIGHTING FOR. 232 YEARS LATER, WE STILL BELIEVE THAT OUR RIGHTS AND OUR LIBERTIES MUST BE DEFENDED. OVER THE COURSE OF THOSE 232 YEARS, THIS NATION HAS FOUND, TIME AND TIME AGAIN, THAT HER CITIZENS WERE WILLING TO STEP FORWARD AND ANSWER THE CALL OF DUTY TO DEFEND THE BLESSINGS OF LIBERTY AS SET FORTH IN OUR FOUNDING DOCUMENT. THIS FOURTH OF JULY, LET US TAKE A MOMENT TO REFLECT ON THE MEANING OF OUR INDEPENDENCE, AND ON WHAT IS REQUIRED TO PRESERVE IT. I SALUTE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICE AND SERVICE, AND EXTEND MY SINCERE THANKS TO YOUR FAMILIES AS WELL, WHOSE STRONG SUPPORT IS CRITICAL TO OUR SUCCESS. YOUR DEDICATION TO DUTY MAKES OUR FREEDOM POSSIBLE, AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR NOBLE EFFORTS TO KEEP OUR COUNTRY SAFE, PARTICULARLY NOW DURING THIS TIME OF PERIL. YOU ARE WORTHY HEIRS TO THE PATRIOTS WHO FOUGHT FOR OUR INDEPENDENCE IN 1776, AND I AM HONORED TO SERVE YOU AS YOUR SECRETARY.
5. RELEASED BY THE HONORABLE DONALD C. WINTER, SECRETARY OF THE NAVY.

Party Time

For the last few nights, which included our one weekend day, we were able to relax somewhat and engage in some party time. Thursday night we honored King Juan Carlos of Spain and witnessed some Karaoke on the camp, a common Thursday night occurrence. Some of it was actually good. Seeing an old Belgian sing La Bamba and John Denver is one sight, I’ll tell you that much. Friday night was the Croatian Independence Day celebration. I learned a bit about the country and had a spicy beef soup cooked in a huge, traditional, cast-iron vessel on an open fire which was unbelievable. They also served us a couple free beers. Nice guys, the Croats.

Speaking of Belgians, I was invited to the farewell of Chris, the senior Belgian on camp at their National House. There was wine and beer and a wide assortment of cheese and fruit – a very well done little party. After that a few of us hard-chargers in the directorate, meaning us guys in our mid-40’s, settled into a classic movie sent to me by my friends Lynne and Mike. Was it one of the Bogie and Bacall movies they sent me? Not this time, it was Blazing Saddles. Yes, the classic lives and is remembered by those of us still able to enjoy the humor of the great Mel Brooks. We had some chips and dip and laughed harder than we have in a while. It really takes one’s mind off things going on a few hundred yards away.

I’ve prepared for my brief and all is secure for the evening.

Romania!

The Romanians defeated the mighty Macedonians in the Base Euro Cup Football Finals 5-2, a game much closer than the score would indicate. The Macedonians, generally considered the base brutes, fielded a team indicative of their reputation – big, intimidating players. As their job here is force protection meaning they are the ones going out on patrols outside the base and district, I am happy to have them as they are. The Romanian team was a much smaller, speedy, finesse team. Before the game both teams lined up in centerfield and both anthems were played. Supporters joined in the singing, much national pride on both sides. I don’t know anything about soccer, but I could tell these guys knew what they were doing. A number of fights broke out for which the players get two minutes similar to hockey. I know why the field is surrounded by a cage; the throngs would have had no problem storming the field at any point. Hundreds turned out for the match and, in the end, it was a positive experience save the few fans who wanted to kill the ref. I am reasonably sure that is the first soccer game I have seen in my life from start to finish. I think the next season starts tomorrow, these guys don't let up.

Other than that, not much news on the base front and that is a good thing.

Busy Days

It has been the busiest few days for me as our general remains away, our deputy is new, and there are many other new people around looking for information. I just got out of a meeting at around 2000 this evening with the Chief of Staff. He is the German general who participated in my promotion ceremony. He wanted to talk over some issues with me personally (and that means in person) about our directorate that he will relay to the Commander tomorrow. It's always nice to meet with him. (Few will get the movie reference, except my Dad).

One of the big things on our camp right now is our own version of the Euro Cup in soccer. The Macedonians just laid waste to the Turks and made it to the finals. The area went wild like it was the Superbowl, the release of tension is phenomenal. I think the Romanians are in the other semi-final tomorrow. I think I'll be pulling for them. It's all good for morale.

My friend Bob goes on his leave tonight. He was married four days before deploying, third wife I think, but not all on this deployment. He is Canadian and from Kingston, not too far, maybe four hours from Lake George. I'll look forward to seeing him again some time after this is all over. My friend Greg (Paris) starts his leave back home today. He'll return though as he has a longer tour than me. We missed each other on his way out, perhaps there will be another chance when he returns. I wish them both safety during their travel.

School is ending back home, I think today was graduation. I'll miss this class a whole lot, so many good kids. Perhaps they will come back to visit next year. Some have told me they will.

Big Brief(s)

So the highlight of today and what will be one of the highlights of my tour was briefing DSACEUR. Our general is on travel and the responsibility or perhaps honor fell to me to take care of this one. We always speak in acronyms and DSACEUR translates to Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe. So he, a British General, is the number two guy of the most powerful alliance ever assembled. His boss is SACEUR - in WWII that was Gen Eisenhower. Doubtful I’ll ever be in a room again with someone at that level with so few others around. He requested a talk with our small directorate and came down to see us in our little world with just his two assistants. One hell of an experience. We did not just provide him with some basic information on what we do; we addressed significant concerns we have that someone at his level needs to help solve. He was extremely receptive and I think we got through on a number of items that will have long-term significance in this theatre. In addition, yesterday and today I had to meet with our force head of operations (one of our generals) and hold our ground on a few issues. I hope what I’ve done makes a difference. Time will tell, but I do feel a twinge of success.

Paul and I along with a couple others relaxed as usual on a Thursday night, our one “weekend” night with a couple beers and a cigar. I hope to get a good night’s sleep and that Aaron feels better back home. It was a good day.

Father's Day

So yesterday was Father’s Day. I don’t get into specific days of the year in general for a variety of reasons. Like the man said, “To you it’s Thanksgiving, but to me it’s Thursday.” (That would be Rocky by the way). People here just don’t get too wrapped up in that type of stuff. My first Father’s Day was two years ago and it really wasn’t too different from any other day as strange as that may sound. I think I got the day off from changing diapers or something like that. No, I still changed the diapers.

This year was a tough one though. I haven’t met Alyssa yet, I’ve missed 100% of her life. By the end of this deployment I will have missed over a quarter of Aaron’s life. Both have changed dramatically in multiple ways, physically and socially. It really puts a perspective on things. In the end, taking everything into account, I know it will all be for the best.

Today was a real challenge. Our general left on another trip, the deputy changed hands, which leaves me as the senior staff officer as the one who knows what’s going on. Who dealt this mess? Many operations going on, many things to do, a bit stressful, but we persevere. A big week of events lies ahead.

I was invited to the German National Support Element for a social gathering to see one of their colonels off. He was the director of a very interesting group here, working with psychological operations, the same as the Romanian colonel that I have breakfast with every day. Nice time, great beer. Yes Kathy, I remember the Green Weenie (barely) and the Feva! My Dad might remember some others.

Euro Cup

If you haven’t been following the European sports scene, the Euro Cup is in full swing. It is the pastime talk here. Obviously soccer is what they live for. I am friendly with so many people from all the different countries that I have to be careful of my allegiance. In reality, I don’t care of course, it’s soccer. As you know from early posts, we have a small soccer pitch here. It is in constant use. The games are four on four with a goalie and they are all serious. I know next to nothing about the game, but one can tell, these guys is good. Phenomenal ability. Often the games are pick-up. However, while Euro Cup is going on, the games are televised via satellite and before the game, the countries that are playing against each other in Europe play against each other here. They hang their flags on the wall, wear uniforms and have cheering sections. Like I said, serious stuff. Whoever came up with the idea that we mirror the games in Europe deserves a load of credit. Great for morale.

On Friday my friend Bob and I had a good physical training workout. Bob is an old infantry man and runs one of our branches. He wanted to train so he could go out on patrol with the army here to see how things are going. So we did a fast-paced walk for an hour in our body armor. It was one serious work-out. We walked 5.5 kilometers in the hour in the heat and were proud of ourselves when we finished. We treated ourselves to real breakfast at a café on base (perhaps akin to Rosie’s bar). I had eggs, bacon, toast, fries, and coffee just like I can’t wait to have when I get home.

Today started a tough week for me. I briefed a Japanese delegation that was visiting. They are here to find ways they can help our cause. The form of their assistance is financial, which is something we need. The delegation was made up of some military officers and cabinet members. It was a good experience for me and I’m glad the General assigned me to the job. We’ve got some other events coming up that I’ll write about later.

Everything here is going well.

This and That

I've had and am preparing for a number of high level briefs. My first one to the new Commander was this past Sunday. It went off all right. It's funny who recognizes me now after a promotion who did not before. The only thing that changes is the insignia on the collar. For some reason, people who saw me all the time ask if I am new here. Funny thing about people.

Yesterday we entertained someone from the embassy of a partnership nation who was looking to contribute. So we gave him a few ideas based on the "force building" we work on. I'll deliver a similar brief to another, far away country that is not part of our coalition in a few days. Too bad I don't get to travel to these exotic lands, they come here. It would be win-win if we did it the other way around. One of my co-workers leaves soon for two weeks for a conference in Europe. Thought I had a chance of going, but the General said no way. They will make stops in no less than four countries. I do have a really big brief in less than two weeks that I won't talk about until after it's over, assuming it goes well. I must say, it is interesting and just a different world from what we do back home, working with people from forty different countries under such circumstances.

I understand it is hotter back home than it is here. Schools are closing. It still cools down here at night, the desert will do that. I got to see a lizard scurry across my room floor. He left without too much fanfare.

I did not get to meet the First Lady. She did not stop by our base. The VP didn't either a couple months ago. What is going on? This is a great place to visit! The First Lady did get to meet the New Zealand detachment and they did the traditional war dance for her, very impressive, there were pictures in our Stars and Stripes newspaper. I'm friendly with a NZ Colonel, nice guy, very much like the Aussies, good people.

That's about all for now. My brother's birthday is tomorrow, so a shout-out to him. Stephanie is aware of how old he is. I understand he will be one year older whereas his wife does not age at all. It's a good deal if you can get it.

Promotion Pictures

We'll try to post a couple pictures from the promotion. Looks like I can't control where they go, so I'll just describe them. One is of me being sworn in by MGen Champoux. The other is of me and my friend Tony, a Spanish Marine, who works with me in the directorate. We used the actual pins so we could have a "pinning." The uniform uses the sewn on black patches of eagles like you've seen for the previous rank. One of the Staff Sergeants I know took a lot of pictures and set them to a couple songs for me. It was a real nice thing to do. He's one of the guys who taught me how to play dominoes. Constant laughs.

Jane mentioned the hostile territory. I had to read it twice to see she was talking about the high school. Very hostile territory from what I can gather. Returning back will be interesting to say the least. Why do I get the feeling the war is in South Brunswick and not here?

I remember the Change of Command on the RICHMOND K. TURNER quite well. I'm sure Greg does too over to the East where he is serving now, as well as the others. I wonder if Mr. Critchley is following the blog? As Blake said to me, "You and Mr. Critchley is my favorite officers."

Today is the 6th of June. We'll have a remembrance ceremony at noon today to honor those who fell. With all the countries represented, it will be one to remember.

Change of Command

Today was our Change of Command at ISAF. One four-star general relinquished command to another. It was surely the most impressive military ceremony I have ever attended. Flags of forty countries were represented. One doesn't see that too often. I lost count of the number of generals who were there, well over thirty to be sure. Most impressive, the President of Afghanistan was in attendance. He was one of the speakers of course. When he spoke, he was no more than ten yards from where I was sitting. I won't forget that too soon. Everything went off without a hitch. The coalition and the local security forces were ready for any type of interruption. None occurred. The reception after was a nice touch. Excellent food and cookies. I miss good bakery type cookies so much. They have them at the US camps, but not here. The rigors of war.

We'll spend the next few days and weeks getting used to the new Commander. Change is a fact of life in the military, more so than in other organizations due to the amount of personnel turnover.

Paul and I got to see one of the movies Stacey sent for Father's Day. Low-brow, unrated high school humor. I received another awesome comedy movie from Jeff, which I watched yesterday. Nothing like it over here and few better ways to end the day.

Good Day

My presentation went well for the Commander today, it is the last for this one as he will move on soon. Soon we'll all have to deal with the anxiety, questions, and concerns that come up when a new Commander takes charge.

Today was my promotion day. It went very well. Our Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, a U.S. Major General (two stars) swore me in and it was good ceremony. He spoke a little bit about me and I said a few words. He and the Chief of Staff (a German two-star general) pinned on my new rank. So now it is Captain. When going over my "bio" covering the last twenty-two years for the guests, the General made a point to say that what impressed him most was that I was a teacher. To a man, everyone I've met throughout this deployment is impressed that I'm a teacher and many are inquisitive on how to become a teacher or they want to discuss how they always wanted to be a teacher. They all have questions. I guess that career choice was a good one. We got a lot of pictures taken, I hope people remember to get them to me.

I just returned from the "Wetting Down." This is a traditional gathering sponsored by the promotee (me) to buy his friends and comrades a drink or two. My brothers at Canada House were happy to let us use their deck. We had a wonderful time, some beers, soda, snacks, and a cigar. The weather could not have been better. A good time was had by all.

I skyped the family today. My darling, adorable wife saw me in my new uniform and asked if the new rank insignia I wear in place of the oak leaves were butterflies. I reminded her that they are eagles. She did mail them to me, so I thought she might know. Perhaps the butterfly is the insignia that should be worn to command the utmost respect? Nah.

It's June, we move on.