Last week I had a very surreal moment. As I closed the door of my truck I sat there for a moment asking myself if I had just done the right thing.
During life's journey I have walked thousands of miles over a path that has taken my family to many places and exposed us to experiences that most folks could never understand. Often I have come upon bends, curves, and road blocks that have caused me pause and question what I do, who I am, and why I do it. Every time I have felt the Lord telling that it is not my time and that I need to keep climbing up a mountain that has many blind turns, jagged rocks, dangerous cliffs, and beautiful green meadows.
Last Wednesday I came to another of life's crossroads, but this time the feeling was different. This time as I reflected on the past, present, and future I knew it was time and without reservation or regret I submitted my retirement papers.
When approved (probably another three weeks) I won't be out for another 18 months (1 Nov 14), but I submitted early so the Marine Corps can plan accordingly to promote to my vacancy which not only helps a captain get selected to major, but also a CWO get promoted to captain, and a continuing trickle effect that leads the appointment of warrant officer to some well deserving enlisted Marine.
The Marine Corps is all I've done since high school so taking this step, especially in this economy, is a leap of faith. My family is definitely ready to go and while my wife may be nervous about our future she stands behind this decision like the true friend she always has been.
So, hopefully in a few weeks I'll get my official notice of an approved retirement. My ceremony will most likely be in August of 2014 and I'll retire with 28 years and some change. We'll most likely be moving to Southern Maryland and hopefully I'll get a defense contractor job of some sorts.
During life's journey I have walked thousands of miles over a path that has taken my family to many places and exposed us to experiences that most folks could never understand. Often I have come upon bends, curves, and road blocks that have caused me pause and question what I do, who I am, and why I do it. Every time I have felt the Lord telling that it is not my time and that I need to keep climbing up a mountain that has many blind turns, jagged rocks, dangerous cliffs, and beautiful green meadows.
Last Wednesday I came to another of life's crossroads, but this time the feeling was different. This time as I reflected on the past, present, and future I knew it was time and without reservation or regret I submitted my retirement papers.
When approved (probably another three weeks) I won't be out for another 18 months (1 Nov 14), but I submitted early so the Marine Corps can plan accordingly to promote to my vacancy which not only helps a captain get selected to major, but also a CWO get promoted to captain, and a continuing trickle effect that leads the appointment of warrant officer to some well deserving enlisted Marine.
The Marine Corps is all I've done since high school so taking this step, especially in this economy, is a leap of faith. My family is definitely ready to go and while my wife may be nervous about our future she stands behind this decision like the true friend she always has been.
So, hopefully in a few weeks I'll get my official notice of an approved retirement. My ceremony will most likely be in August of 2014 and I'll retire with 28 years and some change. We'll most likely be moving to Southern Maryland and hopefully I'll get a defense contractor job of some sorts.