24 Years as a Sailor
/Today, on my first day of retired life, it's hard to believe that I joined the Navy 24 years ago. 24 years seems like a long time until it's already past. Looking back, though, 24 years passed so quickly.
My family and me as we’re rung off. “Navy Family, Departing.”
Navy Family, Departing
I remember Induction Day at the Naval Academy like it was yesterday. Almost two months ago, though, I heard the tear-jerking words that I had heard at so many other retirement ceremonies: "Navy family, departing." I had a hard time keeping the tears back because I love my country. I love my Navy. And I have loved being a Navy Sailor.
While our time serving the country that we love so much has not been without its challenges, we've been so very blessed during our journey. It's hard to believe that it's over. I thank God for the privilege to serve others and pray that He would open doors for my family and me to continue to serve others as long as we are blessed with life.
For those who have said, "Thank you for your service," I thank YOU for your support. Thank you for supporting me. Thank you for supporting my family.
Franicia and me on my last day in uniform at the Naval Aviation Museum celebrating one of my friends assuming command. Since I didn’t belong to a command at the time, I chose to wear my patches from my first sea tour with the Providers of HC-5 in Guam.
Thank You
Thank you, Franicia White, for being the most amazing friend, wife, and mommy ever! The Navy has demanded much of us both, and I am thrilled to be able to have more time to devote to loving and serving you as well as leading and serving our precious children together. I'm thrilled about what the future has in store for us and am thankful that I get to do life with you!
Thank you, Mom and Dad, family, friends for all of your support throughout the last 24 years! There’s no way that Franicia, our children, and I could’ve served this long without your help, and we owe you a debt of gratitude!
Thank you, Team El Paso, for being so awesome and sticking with me in the good times and the bad. Keep up the great work. We came a long way during my tour with you, and I'm thrilled that you were recognized for your outstanding performance recently!
Thank you, Eric Coy Young, Robin R. Braun, and Matthew Berta, for your mentorship and for believing in me. Thank you, Kyle Cozad, also for your mentorship and encouragement. Thank you, Mark Hofmann, for trusting me to command.
If I gave an individual shout-out to all of the people who invested in my life and helped me get to the finish line, I'd be typing all day and all night (and no one would read it). Please know, though, that I thank God for you and am indebted to you.
May we always remember that life is precious and is worth fighting for. May we always remember that freedom is precious and is worth fighting for. May we live in such a way to bring praise and glory to God and honor those who have gone before us -- especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of others and stand by their families and friends who carry on their legacy.
#ShipmatesForLife #HonorCourageCommitment