captain
August 1, 2007
Yesterday my brother was promoted to a Captain in the Marine Corps. The ceremony was originally supposed to take place on base this morning, but Alison had chemo at that time and wouldn’t be able to make it, so instead it was held at their house. I think that made a big difference for people to feel comfortable and enjoy the whole thing a little more. The acronyms and details were explained a little for the average civilian (like half of us there). I was very honored that Tom asked me to pin on the new bars alongside Alison. (I have to admit though that I was just a wee bit tempted to give him a little poke with that pin out of big-sisterly love. hee. I somehow managed to restrain myself.)
The officer who promoted him gave a short speech about Tom being a good leader (and a good artist! I think Tom is the only art-major marine I have heard of). And then Tom spoke very briefly about how he loved being a marine and being able to mentor and see that spark in the people he deals with. (I’m being brief, I know, but it was touching.)
And afterwards we all just hung out and had shish-ka-bobs.
Hoo-rah.
August 1st, 2007 at 11:13 am
I’m so glad y’all could be there. I know it meant a lot to T. Thank you so much for all your help. You’re the bomb dig-a-dee on the grill girl! And I heard that use to be the tradition- to put the new bars on and give the Marine a big whack before putting the backs on. :) I don’t think T would’ve liked that so much.
August 1st, 2007 at 11:53 am
What a wonderful evening! I’m glad you could celebrate that achievement with your brother - and he is definitely the only art major Marine I’ve heard of, too - and what an artist!
The pictures were surprising…well, because I think I always assumed you and your brother were of roughly the same height. Isn’t it the big sister’s right to be tallest? That totally doesn’t even count for me, as the oldest in my family and second shortest.
August 1st, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Awww! That’s great.
P.S. In the second picture down on the right, I nearly thought you were wearing a funny-snowcap because of the K right behind you. :)
August 1st, 2007 at 3:48 pm
Please thank your brother for serving our country. It’s more than greatly appreciated!
August 1st, 2007 at 4:56 pm
Wish I could have been there….but it looks like a great time….choked up!
August 2nd, 2007 at 8:04 am
Man, Tom must be like 7 feet tall. Looks like a good time.
August 2nd, 2007 at 4:41 pm
I wish i could be there- congrats tom!
September 9th, 2007 at 6:35 pm
That is fantastice. Congrats to your brother!
September 9th, 2007 at 6:36 pm
fantastic … I really can spell (sometimes) ;)))))