A Daddy Deployed

The reality, no amount of digital interaction can make up for events missed or time spent together as a family.  With the consent of my daughter...I offer a glimpse into the email correspondence of a Daddy deployed;

Dearest ---, in regards to whether you should participate in 8th grade volleyball, my intent is not to tell you what to do, but rather to encourage you as you move through the decision process.

As you begin to make more of your own decisions, I can tell you a few things for sure…you will make mistakes, experience great joy and encounter disappointment…but through it all Momma and I will love you.

Athletics is a wonderful training ground for life---it develops your work ethic, exposes you to success and failure, instills discipline and goal setting, nurtures teamwork and sportsmanship, improves self-confidence, reveals your personal character traits, enhances leadership and communication skills, and promotes a healthy lifestyle---all that while having fun!

I read recently, that to be successful in athletics requires 3 things; talent, opportunity and passion. You possess natural athletic ability and are blessed to have the opportunity…all that remains is your personal commitment and desire.

This I do know…your volleyball team would definitely benefit from your involvement. If you choose to play, expect your coaches to be tough and competitive. They will demand your best effort. With the help of your coaches, you will learn what it takes to compete at higher levels (high school and college).  I am confident the experience will help you grow as a person and ultimately make you a better tennis player.

If you choose not to play, you will miss out on some new friendships, distance yourself from some current relationships and lose the opportunity to serve as a mentor for some younger girls. In addition, Momma and I will miss cheering for our beautiful girl!

You have just completed a wonderful tennis season---discovering a new level of hustle, determination and success. You now understand the feeling of elation, satisfaction and pride...which is a result of putting forth your best effort.

Life is a great adventure…so I encourage you to explore & have fun Try new activities...bowling, tennis clinics and camps. Meet new people, laugh  and love those around you. With summer around the corner, Momma will make sure you have balance...time to play, swim and spend time with your friends.

Take it step by step, since there is no need to decide today. Realize there will be good days and bad…lay your fears and concerns at the feet of Jesus…continue to use your God given talents…share your beauty and grace.

No matter what you decide, you are still a Champion in my eyes. I love you so…Daddy

So parents...the next time you have a choice between a chore, errand or playing yard volleyball...I hope you choose to play...because Harry Chapin's "Cats In The Cradle" lyrics ring true in Africa..."When you comin home home Dad? I don't know when, but we'll get togther then...you know we'll have a good time then"

Ngorongoro & Arusha

Scientists claim that 2-3 million years ago a giant volcano erupted in northern Tanzania, with so much force, that it collapsed in on itself...all that remained was a massive crater with a depth 2,000 feet and covering over 100 square miles. 

Over time, vegetation returned and wildlife prospered in this naturally enclosed ecosystem...that site is now referred to as the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which adjoins the Serengeti National Park and is considered one of the most unique animal habitats in the world.

The second day of the trip was spent in the Arusha National Park, which has as it's centerpiece, Mount Meru, a 14,980 foot volcano.

Thanks goes out to our photojournalist pilots for capturing this safari adventure.

Dive Trip

The latest indication it may be time to retire...I pulled out my PADI Open Water Diver card, issued in July 1979, as proof I didn't always have grey hair...in response, our Operations NCO quickly pointed out he wasn't even born until 1985!

 

We boarded the Boreas, a 115 foot vessel, for an hour cruise to dive sites around Moucha Island in the Gulf of Tadjoura.  The day consisted of two dives, the first was a wreck dive where we descended to 60 feet (referred to as Rafael, but found online as Orchard Reefer), followed by the Sunken Bouy, a reef dive during the afternoon.

The visibility was over 50 feet, which allowed us to view a variety of fish and even a small shark...our instructor took this group photo while we sat on the ship wreck.

So far on the deployment...3 unit members & 1 mechanic SCUBA qualified