sejgirl

Sunday, January 21, 2007

Words of a Fallen Soldier

"If you think the only way a person could bring themselves to volunteer for this war is through sheer desperation or blind obedience, then consider me the exception."


2LT Mark Daily,the authur of those words, was killed in an IED attack in Mosul along with three other soldiers. He was named the ROTC's outstanding cadet for 2005 and also a Distinguished Military Graduate, the highest ROTC award.

Read it all...

Why I am Joining the Marine Corps

WHY I WANT TO BECOME A MARINE OFFICER

Trained as an educator, I have chosen to spend my life making a difference for the next generation. I want to equip individuals with the tools to make their lives better as well as the lives of their family and community.

The Marine Corps is truly doing something about the problems facing the local community and the world today. I want be involved in the challenge and opportunities in providing help with issues that are facing the world. As an officer in the Marine Corps, I can make a difference.


When I look at the atrocities around the world, I feel helpless. I see the discouragement in Iraq. The defiance in North Korea. The desire of Iran and Syria to transform the middle east. The dangerous direction the president of Venisuala is taking his country. China and their possible arms race. I see these things and I want do whatever I can to make this world a better place. I know God is in control, but I also know he uses us as His tools.I do not want my children to have to face the dangers we are currently facing, yet, I know there will always be 'wars and rumors of wars.'

Yesterday, I submitted a rough application to the Officer Selection Officer for the Marine Corps Reserve. Please pray for me. I want to know without any doubt that this is God's will if I am to do this. I know I can't make it without Him; I don't want to make it without Him.

This week I must tell my boss my intension and ask for a letter of reference. I pray that she will be understanding as this is one of the hardest decisions I have made. I am a loyalist. It's hard for me to leave when I know others expect me to stay. I hate to cause any disappointment or inconvenience.

So, why am I even thinking about joining? I am a wife, I have a stable job, I am involved within the community and church. It seems crazy to uproot and leave. Yet, military service has always been in the back of my mind. I thought about joining the Air Force Reserve when I graduated high school. I didn't because I started working and was set on going to college. I loved college and know MNU is exactly where I was supposed to be at that time in my life.

I was reminded about my desire to serve when Aaron began looking into the military 2 years ago. That desire to serve my country and community has grown as I have been involved with Aaron's military activities and commitments. I have been praying about this for some time now and have asked that God remove this desire if it is not His will. I know I will regret this decision if this is a result of my own selfish intentions. I am still asking for God's guidance and wisdom about this matter.

Submitting an application is just the first step. I have to send in references, pass a medical exam, and stand out as a superior candidate. I have no commitment up until the point of commissioning. I know this will only come to pass if God is involved. The selection board meets in four months. If I am not selected, I do not plan to try again. I would be 27 by the time the next board meets. If I am selected, I will serve my country, my family, and my God to the best of my abilities. Semper Fi.

Off to OCS

Aaron is on his way to Officer Candidate School today. He left on a 6am flight and should be arriving at his destination around 2pm. He will spend about 2 days in-processing and then the real fun begins!

Good luck, Love! I know you can do this! Just ten weeks... I know you can do this.

Sunday, January 14, 2007

Officer Candidate School

As you may have heard, Aaron has been selected to go to Officer Candidate School! He will be leaving next week for a 10 week "interview" of physical and mental stress to show that he has what it takes to be a leader of Marines. He has worked hard for this! More info later...

Christmas Pics

Yes, I know it 's January...

I spent my very first Christmas outside of Oklahoma this year. Aaron and I went to a family reunion Christmas as all of Aaron's father's mother's decendents gathered at his aunt and uncle's Colorado Springs home. I must say, if I have to be away from my beautiful home state on Christmas day, looking out the window at Pike's Peak is definitely a close second... Hawaii might be nice too, if I can get the hook up (so, Jillian...).

Here are some of the pics:




This was taken at Garden of the Gods. About 10 feet away is a sign that says to stay on the trail...




A couple of pictures from Aaron's aunt and uncle's front door...


Aaron's family.


On a side note... We lost our luggage on the way to and from Colorado. We had it for less than 24 hours of our trip! We were delayed on first flights out and the luggage loss would happen on our connections at DFW. We seriously ran across that airport considering both times we came in, our connection had already boarded, yikes!