2006-08-07 - 4:28 p.m.
Hi! I'm alive. It's true. I've been keeping busy, nothing unusual about that. Work's got me hopping. That's likely to continue - the fall schedule is scary. Job security, I guess.
The memorial service for 1SG Rafferty was tough. The service took about an hour, and ended with the Last Roll Call. The sergeant major called the first sergeants, who each answered in turn, "Here, Sergeant Major," until he got to Rafferty. He called him three times, using more of his name each time. Then the 21 gun salute rang out, followed by Taps. Even the soldiers were crying by that time.
I try not be morbid, but I couldn't look at Mrs. Rafferty without putting myself in her shoes. Every soldier's spouse thinks about getting that visit. Ugh. The world has gone mad.
1SG Rafferty was famous for saying "The life of a soldier is a small price to pay for the freedom of his country." I'd bet his pre-teen daughters might disagree.
So, having survived that particular experience, I've had some good things happen. I got new glasses and contacts. I'm so happy to be able to wear contacts again, I hardly know what to think. Except, "I can SEE! I can SEE!"
Saturday, I went to a fundraiser for the Democratic Congressional candidate. He recently staged an event where he was at a gas station, pumping gas for $1.22 a gallon. The line was 2 hours long. I appreciate the thought behind the idea - that regular working Joes are getting screwed by high gas prices, etc., etc. Still, I don't think cheap gas is the answer to energy problems, quite the contrary. Sigh.
Yes, high gas prices are making life hard for lots of people. But people will never make choices to limit fuel use unless it hits them in the pocketbook. On the other hand, some folks are not in a position to reduce their driving, for reasons of employment, child care, all kinds of stuff. Another thorny political problem reduced to a quick video sound bite on CNN.
Anyway, the barbecue was good at the fundraiser, and I had a great conversation with a guy from Rockingham. Nice to be around like-minded people occasionally.
Sunday, I got to go kayaking. I attended a kayak clinic the week before, to learn such techniques as the "wet exit," or how to escape from a capsized kayak. So yesterday we carpooled out to Sampson County to kayak a six mile section of the Coharie Creek. It was fantastic, and I loved it. I am having serious thoughts of getting a kayak for myself, or at least a roof rack so I can rent one from the MWR recreational equipment place on post. Anyway, it was only my first kayaking trip, and I have another in two weeks, so I'll wait to see if I still like it. It was hell on my wrists and I gave myself a nasty blister.
So now I'm back at work, and trying to get a hundred little details taken care of, each and every day. Job security. Yep.
