My birthday is on June 15th and this year for it, I'd like to help reach the VFW's goal. My personal goal is $2,012. This is a cause near and dear to my heart for obvious reasons.
Please join me in helping my fellow Veterans.
Showing posts with label US Navy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label US Navy. Show all posts
United For Veterans Campaign
The VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars), which I am a member of, is running a fundraiser for Veterans to raise $50,000 between Memorial Day and Independence Day of this year. This campaign will help Veterans fight for the VA benefits that they've earned, have a voice on Capitol Hill, and apply for emergency financial grants to cover groceries, medicine, and mortgages. Donations are already being collected and so far, $10,146 of the goal has been collected.
My birthday is on June 15th and this year for it, I'd like to help reach the VFW's goal. My personal goal is $2,012. This is a cause near and dear to my heart for obvious reasons.
Please join me in helping my fellow Veterans.
My birthday is on June 15th and this year for it, I'd like to help reach the VFW's goal. My personal goal is $2,012. This is a cause near and dear to my heart for obvious reasons.
Please join me in helping my fellow Veterans.
Thoughts, Beliefs, Hypocrisy
I've been tossing about thoughts in my head for a few weeks now, and I figured it was time to draw up a conclusive post about them.
Firstly, the one thing that I absolutely hate is being taken out of context. It is something I sincerely loathe about our technological age. You cannot tell some one's tone through text. I know that I'm not the only one who is guilty of taking some one's typed words more (or less) serious than they mean them. That being said, I also cannot stand having a semi-serious conversation via social media. A simple disagreement can be taken to even higher levels because when you may think you are coming across as calm and attentive, that person is probably taking it as you yelling or disrespecting them. I have been guilty of this and you know that you have too. It's happened to me more than once and has happened recently, which brings me to what I'm writing about.
I have very distinct views of things and I don't hide them. I believe in equal rights for all, no American (nor anyone else in the world) should be made to feel like a second class citizen. I believe that the GLBT community should have the same rights as everyone else.
I tell myself that I am pro-choice, but I realize that I am more pro-life than pro-choice. I wouldn't tell another woman what she can or can't do with her body, to include abortion, but on the other side, if I was pregnant (no matter the situation), I would not be able to have an abortion. Do I wish that women would choose not to abort? I do. I wish they would go the way of adoption before ever having an abortion. In the end, though, it is ultimately their decision and they have to live with that decision.
I believe in Occupy Wall Street and what they stand for, and on top of that, I believe in supporting and defending the Constitution.. For some reason, this causes a lot of people to scratch their heads. How can I (as a military Veteran) support someone using their First Amendment rights? Do you sense the sarcasm in that question? I don't see how it's ridiculous of me to do so. I also don't understand how anyone who has served or is currently serving can be okay with what's going on. The first thing that I abided to do when I recited my Oath of Enlistment is to SUPPORT AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES AGAINST ALL ENEMIES, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC.
Take a look at the Navy's Oath of Enlistment:
"I,____________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God. I swear (or affirm) that I am fully aware and fully understand the conditions under which I am enlisting."
In the past 2 months during the Occupations around the country (and the world), so many people's rights have been trampled upon and violated. The Constitution is getting thrown out the window left and right. It sincerely disturbs me. I do not serve and protect the Constitution for it to be disregarded so rampantly.
The best example of this is all of these evictions of the Occupy protesters. The First Amendment states:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
Police (and the politicians who command them to commit their acts) have been guilty of prohibiting the free exercise of freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the right to peaceably assemble. The rights of Americans are being trampled by other Americans. The biggest example of this is the violence being taken against peaceful protesters. The pepper spray incident at UC Davis is one that sticks out in my mind. A police officer strolled up to a group of protesters sitting on the ground with linked arms. He walked around them with his can of pepper spray like he was showing off a new toy and then proceeded to use the pepper spray. He sprayed these people full on in the face without the ladder of force being met.
I spent my last 3 years of Active Duty serving in Sicily with a Navy Security Department. Even though by rate, I am not a Master-at-Arms, I still went through the classes to learn the basics of being a military police officer. This included learning the Ladder of Force and when to use deadly force. Deadly force is the force which a person uses, causing—or that a person knows, or should know, would create a substantial risk of causing—death or serious bodily harm.
Now this is where I have been called a hypocrite. I do understand when force is needed, but I also understand that throughout the majority of these incidents at Occupy camps across the country, the force has NOT been warranted.
Another thing that has been bothering me is the number of pictures popping up of Active Duty military overseas with sayings like "I don't have time to Occupy because I'm too busy defending our country". I am ashamed by those military members and family of military members that even share these types of posts because it goes against everything that we stand for. One of the main things we do is to ensure the freedoms of our fellow Americans. When you state or support statements like that, you are doing the exact opposite. You are making your fellow Americans (that you swore to protect) feel as though their own military doesn't care. I also get that a good chunk of our country is unappreciative of our military, but you should be glad that these people get to have their say and that we don't live in a land where this freedom isn't a right.
The other screwed up thing about a lot of the military folk that I know NOT supporting OWS is how many people are on their way out of the military because of the economy. Between Perform-to-Serve and Enlisted Review Boards in the Navy, a lot of good Sailors are on their way out because the Navy is downsizing. What is going on in this country affects every single person. Just because you were that lucky person who made the PTS cut this time around, doesn't mean you will next time.
So where is the balance? When will I not be considered a hypocrite for standing up for my fellow Americans and the rights that are given to them via the Constitution? When will I not be considered a hypocrite for serving my country and doing so proudly and faithfully? It's a double-edged sword, I guess.
Firstly, the one thing that I absolutely hate is being taken out of context. It is something I sincerely loathe about our technological age. You cannot tell some one's tone through text. I know that I'm not the only one who is guilty of taking some one's typed words more (or less) serious than they mean them. That being said, I also cannot stand having a semi-serious conversation via social media. A simple disagreement can be taken to even higher levels because when you may think you are coming across as calm and attentive, that person is probably taking it as you yelling or disrespecting them. I have been guilty of this and you know that you have too. It's happened to me more than once and has happened recently, which brings me to what I'm writing about.
I have very distinct views of things and I don't hide them. I believe in equal rights for all, no American (nor anyone else in the world) should be made to feel like a second class citizen. I believe that the GLBT community should have the same rights as everyone else.
I tell myself that I am pro-choice, but I realize that I am more pro-life than pro-choice. I wouldn't tell another woman what she can or can't do with her body, to include abortion, but on the other side, if I was pregnant (no matter the situation), I would not be able to have an abortion. Do I wish that women would choose not to abort? I do. I wish they would go the way of adoption before ever having an abortion. In the end, though, it is ultimately their decision and they have to live with that decision.
I believe in Occupy Wall Street and what they stand for, and on top of that, I believe in supporting and defending the Constitution.. For some reason, this causes a lot of people to scratch their heads. How can I (as a military Veteran) support someone using their First Amendment rights? Do you sense the sarcasm in that question? I don't see how it's ridiculous of me to do so. I also don't understand how anyone who has served or is currently serving can be okay with what's going on. The first thing that I abided to do when I recited my Oath of Enlistment is to SUPPORT AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES AGAINST ALL ENEMIES, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC.
Take a look at the Navy's Oath of Enlistment:
"I,____________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God. I swear (or affirm) that I am fully aware and fully understand the conditions under which I am enlisting."
In the past 2 months during the Occupations around the country (and the world), so many people's rights have been trampled upon and violated. The Constitution is getting thrown out the window left and right. It sincerely disturbs me. I do not serve and protect the Constitution for it to be disregarded so rampantly.
The best example of this is all of these evictions of the Occupy protesters. The First Amendment states:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
Police (and the politicians who command them to commit their acts) have been guilty of prohibiting the free exercise of freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the right to peaceably assemble. The rights of Americans are being trampled by other Americans. The biggest example of this is the violence being taken against peaceful protesters. The pepper spray incident at UC Davis is one that sticks out in my mind. A police officer strolled up to a group of protesters sitting on the ground with linked arms. He walked around them with his can of pepper spray like he was showing off a new toy and then proceeded to use the pepper spray. He sprayed these people full on in the face without the ladder of force being met.
I spent my last 3 years of Active Duty serving in Sicily with a Navy Security Department. Even though by rate, I am not a Master-at-Arms, I still went through the classes to learn the basics of being a military police officer. This included learning the Ladder of Force and when to use deadly force. Deadly force is the force which a person uses, causing—or that a person knows, or should know, would create a substantial risk of causing—death or serious bodily harm.
Now this is where I have been called a hypocrite. I do understand when force is needed, but I also understand that throughout the majority of these incidents at Occupy camps across the country, the force has NOT been warranted.
Another thing that has been bothering me is the number of pictures popping up of Active Duty military overseas with sayings like "I don't have time to Occupy because I'm too busy defending our country". I am ashamed by those military members and family of military members that even share these types of posts because it goes against everything that we stand for. One of the main things we do is to ensure the freedoms of our fellow Americans. When you state or support statements like that, you are doing the exact opposite. You are making your fellow Americans (that you swore to protect) feel as though their own military doesn't care. I also get that a good chunk of our country is unappreciative of our military, but you should be glad that these people get to have their say and that we don't live in a land where this freedom isn't a right.
The other screwed up thing about a lot of the military folk that I know NOT supporting OWS is how many people are on their way out of the military because of the economy. Between Perform-to-Serve and Enlisted Review Boards in the Navy, a lot of good Sailors are on their way out because the Navy is downsizing. What is going on in this country affects every single person. Just because you were that lucky person who made the PTS cut this time around, doesn't mean you will next time.
So where is the balance? When will I not be considered a hypocrite for standing up for my fellow Americans and the rights that are given to them via the Constitution? When will I not be considered a hypocrite for serving my country and doing so proudly and faithfully? It's a double-edged sword, I guess.
A Veteran’s Thoughts
My friend, Brian Moore, summed up one of the feelings that I usually have with a few simple words. "What sucks right now is knowing people I care about are deploying without me". Unless you have served or are involved in the military in some way, you won't really get it. Most people look at me like I'm crazy when I say that I miss my squadron and I miss being on the ship.
.5% of Americans take the oath of enlistment and boldly go where many will not go. With an exception of those who support our military (and you all know who you are), the rest of the 99.5% of the country seems to really take for granted what we do.
I have been called a murderer because I worked on the planes that refueled the F/A-18s that dropped bombs on Iraq and Afghanistan. I am not a violent person by any means. There's a reason why I chose the branch of service and rate that I did. I did not want to be boots on the ground. I did not want to be infantry. Many people have tried to guilt trip me about this and it's ridiculous because I have the utmost respect for every single person who has gone over there, but I knew what I wanted to do and where I could excel. I also have spoken to people who have been on the ground who have thanked me for serving onboard ship because they "just couldn't do that". In the end, it's all about the team.
When I was in high school, the Navy's "Accelerate Your Life" recruitment campaign was in full swing, even had one of my favorite bands on the commercial (Godsmack playing "Awake"). I took one look at that commercial - the final checker sending the bird off, being that last person to lay eyes over that machine to make sure that it was 100% prepared for flight, and I said to myself that I wanted to be there. I wanted to be that person. I wanted that responsibility.
And I did it. I went to boot camp and completed it. Many of my own friends doubted my abilities, and tried to bring me down before I even left. The man who recruited me, the Navy Recruiter who sent me to boot camp told me that he didn't think that I would make it. How's that for a cheap shot and even better vindication??
I completed it. Everything they threw at me, I threw back. Boot camp was also where I met the first of many people in the Navy who would have a profound effect on my life. Someone who challenges me and doesn't let me feel sorry for myself. Someone who inspires me to be a better person, and isn't afraid to tell me when I've fucked up, but someone that no matter how much time has passed, I can always count on. I am so lucky to have more than one person who is like this for me.
My squadron was a challenge that nothing in this life could have prepared me for. I was met with challenges day after day, work and personal wise. I cannot say that I enjoyed working in my shop because that would be a lie. I enjoyed working with certain people in my shop. The people who were willing to teach, willing to give me a shot, and not give me the stereotypical bullshit about being a female.
I carried parts almost heavier than I was. I ran my ass all over the flight line and flight deck. Did I make mistakes? Hell yeah. Did I learn from those mistakes? Every single day. But I never made the same mistake twice.
I had to deal with people bringing me down when I meritoriously advanced to Third Class Petty Officer, and had to deal with it again when I was the only person in my shop to get an end of deployment Navy Achievement Medal (the only NAM that I ever got in the military). I didn't go to work every single day to earn medals or awards. I went because I made a commitment. I went because I wanted to serve my country. I went because the military gave me something when I had nothing at all.
If not for the US Navy, I would not have money to go to college. If not for the US Navy, I would not have had the time of my life traveling around the world. I still have many more places to go and see, but the Navy got me started on that.
I would not know some of the most brilliant people to ever set foot in my life. I am thankful for every single person that I've met because of my service. It is those people that after years of not keeping in touch that I can pick up and talk to again like we just saw each other yesterday. There is an understanding that life continues, and its okay if we don't happen to talk daily and that we can't always keep in touch. The important thing is the knowledge that if you need something, all you have to do is ask.
I am feeling very nostalgic tonight. I get this way every now and again. I didn't think my departure from the military was going to be this rough. That I won't go back to sea and I won't feel the pride of seeing an airplane that I fixed fly in the sky. This door has shut. There's still the Reserves, but its not the same.
A lot of people that I know were just so happy to do their one tour of duty and get out. As I watch and see, so many more of my comrades are being let go because of the same ridiculous system that I went through. People who I served beside, People who I entrusted with my life, People who I consider to be my family. We are all being faced with this harsh reality, but I will never regret one minute of my service to this country.
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