Thursday, November 10, 2016

The End.

Today, I've been "out" of the Navy for 2 years.. but I was still inactive reserve, so in the case of an emergency, I could have still been called and told to pack my bags. But today, the possibility for that call comes to an end.

Today marks the official end of my 8 year commitment to the US Navy and the US government. It seems like eons ago, yet yesterday that I sat in O'Hare airport, on the floor, indian style, singing happy birthday to the Marine Corps and wondering what fate awaited me for the next 6 years. I knew I would struggle, but I also knew I'd be fine. I didn't know how the Navy would shape me. All I knew was that I was the girl who no one ever expected to go into the military, and then I did. I needed a job, so I signed my life away.

My naval career was an oddity. The only ship time I had was when visiting vessels. My stuff had more ship time that I did! How many sailors never sail? Some would say that means I'm not a real sailor, in fact, I've been told that several times. Nonetheless, I can say I served and it doesn't matter what you call me.

My impact might not have been something that made military history, but I can say that being in the Navy impacted me in ways I never anticipated. I met people that I instantly disliked, I met people that I instantly liked, I even met people that I instantly hated but later came to call friends, I met people who were friends and then we grew apart. Nonetheless, every person that I met had an impact on my life. Who not to be like, who to be like, who to trust, who not to trust.  
 
I learned many things in those years. Mainly, how to tactfully deal with stupidity, but also when to be a professional, how to be myself, how to dive, how to drive in the middle east, how to just keep on chugging through whatever shit was slung my way. I learned to persevere. I learned that I am as strong or as weak as I let myself be.
 
I believe in fateful timing.  I find a strong correlation between this election, my Navy anniversary, and Veteran's Day.  The Navy taught me to follow directions, even if I disagree.  This election has been hard.  It's the first election I actually gave a fuck about.  There was hope that a woman would be president!  There's always next time, but this time, it was a real shot.  Nonetheless, the Navy taught me to keep moving forward.  So on Veteran's Day, I'll remember those lessons and I'll act on the hope of the future.  


Let's have a little history lesson, shall we?

5 minutes after being released to our families after bootcamp graduation, Sailor Megan makes her debut.

Post training graduation, I officially "earned" a rate (job).

GTMO silliness.

Being promoted to E5 at GTMO.

Receiving an award while I was in Bahrain.

Formal photos after I applied for a special program that I would have stayed in the Navy for.

Last day in uniform.


Today I realized there are no "final" full body with decorations photos of me in uniform.  That's a real bummer, but it is what it is.  I've long since passed my uniforms on.

3 comments:

  1. Bittersweet.
    An close to one chapter and onto the rest of the days of your life.
    P.S. You look good in uniform. Love the last picture! :)

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  2. Wow. Great post. You did something that yes, many have done before you, and many will do after you...but YOU did it. You did something that even more people do NOT do. We express gratitude and appreciation, but I don't think any of us who have never walked in your shoes truly get what that commitment is. Congrats, and well done, and well written.
    I liked that "formal photo" because I know you really wanted to make a crazy face.

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  3. loved the little history lesson! i was legit afraid for those 2 years after KC left the marines.
    'how to tactfully deal with stupidity' seriously. this is a lesson that we all need to learn lol

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