Commissioned

Well, it finally happened! This is something that I have been working at since 12 September 2001 - I made the decision that morning to go back into service and to become a naval officer (doing whatever it is that we do). From the beginning there were a lot of obstacles (you have no idea what a roller coaster ride this has been). I was told dozens of times that this was never going to happen and to just give up - did I mention that I am persistent? Well, it is incredibly satisfying to be here now, and take it from me, it was worth all the hassles (you only truly appreciate the things you have to work and fight for...). There is a lot of work in the future (gotta go back to school and start training from scratch). There will be a lot of mistakes made, and I will have to learn a whole new way of doing things, but I am so happy, and I know that I made the right choice here. The picture up top was taken just before pinning on the gold bars of Ensign (nicknamed "butter bars"). I received my first salute shortly afterwards from a Petty officer First Class (and he got a shiny new 2009 silver dollar - as per tradition). Still not used to that. Wearing khaki in the Navy is a big deal, and I am definitely not used to that either! Yet, I can't wait to start this brand new chapter of my life - I am incredibly thankful for all of this...