Years In The Making!

Well...it finally happened.  I've officially outlived many of my peers!  I want to thank everyone past and present who have made me the person I am today.  The day was nearly perfect.  I wish more people from my past would have been able to make it.  I spoke about only three of my mentors from the past...mostly because I thought my 8-page speech was already too long.  But really, I just talked about MSgts, since that is the grade I was being promoted to.  I don't have the speech with me right now, but if you'd like to read my thoughts on the importance of being an NCO, send me an e-mail and I'll send it to you.  Here are a few pics from the day.  Enjoy!

Top Leftt: MAJ Bryant preparing to re-affirm my oath of enlistment.  Almost every pic of me, my eyes were closed.

Top Right: My boss, Retired Navy Chief, Keith Boydston making me an honorary Navy Chief.

Bottom:  The entire family tacking on my new rank.  Ollie and Maddy were happy to be able to "hit" me.

Me trying to read my speech.  I had to skip the first page.  It was all about Shelly and the kids.  I was in tears from the first word.  Shelly said she was happy I skipped it, because she started to cry too.  Ollie was more interested in his awesome shoes with flames on them.  I wish they fit me!  I think I would look cool in flame shoes.

That is Daddy Eagle...aka, Bill Hickman...friend and mentor giving me "much love."  The best part about promotions...CAKE!

We are doing great living La Dolce Vida in Italy!

What Will I Miss? What Won't I Miss?

I'm about two weeks out from returning back to my wife and kids. My first weekend home has already been booked out to playing with the kids, quite time with my wife, and NFL Sunday...actually on Sunday. Complete with Margaritas, salsa verde, and chips. The following is a list of things I'll miss and not miss after I leave:

What will I miss:
1) Seeing the Al Rasheed everyday on the way to work. The events that happened in that building have changed me forever.
2) BACON! As little or as much as I want.
3) A sense of duty and accomplishment.
4) A routine that rarely changes.
5) The smell of eucalyptus trees.
6) Working with my new VO friends. (I will keep in touch!)

What I won't miss:
1) BACON! As little or as much as I want.
2) Any sort of meat product in mass quantities.
3) MY MUSTACHE!
4) Carrying a weapon 24/7.
5) A routine that rarely changes.
6) Seeing the Al Radheed. It often brings tears to my eyes.
7) DIRT EVERYWHERE! Did you know I'm allergic to dust?
8) Salt stains because I sweat too much.
9) Doing laundry at 5AM in the same place nasty dudes do.
10) BEING AWAY FROM MY FAMILY. I MISS THEM A LOT!

fyi. Mustache update coming soon. It is really starting to grow in. Don't forget to vote...even if I spelled "Awful" wrong.

Decisions Part 1- The Best

My grandpa once told me everyday I'd have dozens of decisions to make. He told me decisions were easy to make...but the consequences of my decisions could be tough to bear. Well 10 years ago today, I made the best decision of my life!

Christmas 06


Brugge 03?

My wife...well is my life...and she completes me. Whoever said opposites attract...WAS RIGHT! She is quite and complete. I'm loud and quick. She is cautious and sure. I'm free and spirited. I think the differences stop there. She loves with all of heart, I wear my heart on my sleeve. She is a perfect compliment. She also is a fantastic mom...she always puts the kids first and loves them completely!

Summer 07

Summer 07

The first 10 years have been full of adventure. I'm sure the next 10 years will be the same. Many decisions were made, some good, some not so good. But at the end of the day...I'm ok with every one of them we made!

Easter 2007

Uncle Sam gave me a real nice camera to take on my all expense-paid summer vacation. I took it for a test drive today to make sure I could use it. Here is what happened:




This is how my friend Chris spent his Easter in Baghdad...