FOUR MORE YEARS!

I suppose this event is worthy of some recognition… Up until last night I was going to have a very low-key, official reenlistment ceremony – my boss (the reenlisting officer), me, the Career Planner (Sgt Gillis), a witness and someone to snap some shots.  Afterall, this event would mark my last four years before reaching the big twenty-years where I can say I served my country honorably and could throw in the towel at any point thereafter. 

Well, late last night I decided that a ceremony wasn’t necessary and that I’d rather not have to deal with it (one of the perks of being in charge).  I would still have to show up at 8 a.m., however, to meet with Sgt Gillis since I was unable to pass him the “good news” the night before.  

He showed up just after eight this morning and I voiced my intent, he had me sign a few documents and then handed me the certificate binder.  That, to me, was my reenlistment.   

As a young Marine, I never fathomed ever reaching the point of military retirement.  Heck, I was kid from Los Angeles only going to do a four-year stint and move on to “bigger and better things.”   

So...as I look forward to my continuing military career past twenty and closer to the thirty-year threshold (four years at a time), I can look back and say “atta boy.”

Cheers and Semper Fidelis!!

* Marines receives honorable discharge and reenlistment certificates.  During an official ceremony, the discharge certificate is read first then is given the opportunity to say a few words as a "civilian" before swearing in once again.  Nine out of ten times, the Marine declines then the reenlistment certificate is read.  Every now and then the "civilian" will talk trash about people or things; however if they're smart, they will refrain as they will be a Marine a minute later.

Just before lunch, I asked my boss if we could stage some shots in front of the 1st Marine Division memorial.