Well, it was not a bad day at all. Started out, I swam 20 laps for PT. That’s a little over half a mile. I’m not an overachiever like one guy in my unit who swam 70 yesterday and 50 this morning. Then at lunch we had an OUTSTANDING lunch. We had ribs, some pasta, cornbread, garlic bread, cake (3 different types), homemade macaroni and cheese, two different kinds of homemade beans, and other foods. Let’s just say it was a crap pot load of food and I am quite stuffed still.
Then, I got presented with my going away gift. Actually I got one yesterday, it’s a pretty nice looking Mexican Blanket that a couple of people transported all the way from Arizona to give to me. I escorted them in March, and they wanted to repay my “patience, understanding, sense of humor, and ability to drive”. Today I got my plaque from my work section. It’s a crystal stand plaque, with a picture of the projects section imprinted. It reads:
SSG Jared L. Foster
10 Sep 07 to 9 Sep 08
For outstanding dedication while assigned as 160th Signal Brigade S-3 Kuwait Projects NCOIC
Your professionalism and expert oversight during numerous projects throughout Kuwait resulted in greatly enhanced capabilities during OIF and OEF support.
From Soldiers and Civilians of the S-3
“A Job Well Done”
Before I got it, my superviser had to say a few words, and she had to keep it short. Her “Allergies” were about to flair up. Well, afterwards, as is tradition, I had to say a few words, and going into it, I knew my allergies would flair up, so I kept it short. I just merely said “I wasn’t going to single anyone out, that I wanted to say thank you to everyone for the swift kicks in the butt when needed, the mentorship, guidance, and support when needed. It has been a fast, fun, and memorable year. Thank you.” I was already told at the Awards Presentation, whenever that is, I won’t get off that easy. Of course the BDE CSM said that he was sorry he wasn’t here to provide one of the swift kicks. I laughed, he laughed. A few people had almost tears in their eyes when they came to shake my hand, and it turned into a big hug.
After lunch, and all I wanted was a nap, one of my NCOs was like, hey you booked your flight yet? I was like nah, not yet, waiting to let the Rotator (military flight) to book up so I can get civilian. She gave me a number, and told me to call. I called, and spoke to a very nice Southern sounding lady. She looked for a few minutes, and I have a 13 hour direct flight (civilian!!!). Granted I don’t leave until 2345 on my first travel day, but I get there at 0645 the next day. Now just gotta make sure I got transportation from the airport.
I’ll post some new pictures in a day or two, once they get uploaded to the server at work. Oh, and people now jokingly walk by me and just ask: how many days. I don’t think, flinch, blink, nothing..just matter of factly reply back (for today) 32!
Oh ya’ll want some good news? I just saved a bunch of money on car insurance. Now want some really good news? 32 DAYS!
