Civilian Again

As of today, The Man is a civilian.  He is no longer apart of the Active Duty Navy.  He’s now a Veteran, one who proudly served his country.  Thank you baby, for your service.  I am so proud of you!

The Man served one enlistment, almost 5 years.  We met about 6 months into his enlistment.  I was there when he graduated sub school on September 11, 2008.  I remember being so proud of him that day.  Then he moved to the PNW and joined his boat.  He deployed with them for a WESTPAC and earned his dolphins in record time.  We were married two months after he returned from deployment and we moved me to the PNW.  From there, life settled into a routine, with his boat being in the shipyard.  Being in the yards did mean long hours but at least he was home just about every night.

In a way, I was spoiled since the boat was in the yard.  There was no regular underway/deployment schedule but we did have a few separations for school and TDY to work on quals.  Sea trials came and went as did an underway.  Nothing too big to complain about though.  We did deal with LOTS of schedule changes but no more than any other milfamily. 

Even though the last year and a half has been challenging for other reason, The Man’s time in the Navy has been good to us.  Neither of us regret his time in.  We were able to buy a house, The Man was able to get help through SARP, Munchkin got excellent care through out my pregnancy and delivery and The Man is going to be able to get a degree using his benefits. 

We got married thinking he would make this a career.  We didn’t come to this decision to get out lightly.  We though about it for a long time and prayed hard.  We talked and talked and talked some more about it.  The idea of getting out made me nervous but over time I gained peace about it.  Now I’m excited that he’s out.  I would have been more than willing to hold down the fort for more underways and deployments and to move where ever they sent us.  I’d be lying though if I said I’m glad I don’t have to do any of that now.  We’re excited that he’s going to be home for the important days…and the everyday things too.  He’s going to get to watch Munchkin grow up.  We’re not going to have to plan her sibling around a deployment schedule. 

The Man is excited to be a civilian again.  He’s been a civilian longer than in the military.  It’s going to be a transition but one that we are so excited for. 

You did babe.  You did a great job and finished strong.  I’m so proud of you!