Friday Flashback

I was blogging long before it was a trend.
Ok, not blogging really - but I used to be pretty good about sending monthly updates to friends and family while we were in Iceland, living so far from 'Home'.
I came across this old email while reminiscing today. We were such newbies in this whole military world. Oh my how we've grown!
Dated 10 years ago this week -
May 23, 2001:
It's Wednesday afternoon. The drizzle is falling outside, the Keflavik breeze is blowing, and the whole freakin' base is at my house. Sometimes I wonder why I even have a door on the hinges - it's being opened and closed constantly. But it's the sound of kids having a great afternoon and I love it!

I'm sure you've all seen the picture from the dining out by now. For those who didn't recognize who I was with... it was my husband disguised as a marine. I know, I know.... Sympathies are in order.
I sent David to the barber shop Saturday (the day of the big event) thinking he would get a trim. Luckily, I was forewarned by my neighbor who had witnessed the event. 


My response when I saw him..."Oh NO!" - spoken in full whine!  
His response (while in full strut up the sidewalk and sporting a stupid grin) "Well now YOU don't have to worry about what YOUR hair looks like."


As for the dining out itself - it was a bit of a bore. Lasting 5 1/2 hours long, we toasted ourselves silly with too much H20.  
The highlight of the evening was when Captain Dickey's wife came up to me at the beginning and asked "Who was that new JG you were talking with?" Well, let me introduce you to my husband.
David received a penalty for that silly haircut. But it was forgiven when he told them about the "fine" he had already received at home.


We're at 20 hours of very bright daylight, followed by 4 hours of dusk. I just wish the warm weather would accompany that sunlight! I do have hope though.   Bless-bless, Chan

A date which will live in infamy

69 years ago President Roosevelt broadcast those words following the attack on Naval Base Pearl Harbor and the Pacific.


Fast forward to 2009 . . . . . .

When we finally received our housing on Hickam, I was bummed to say the least. It was OLD. Ugly. Tiny. But. . . . "Historical".We set out to make the rounds of our new neighborhood to gather our bearings.

At first glance, I saw chunks of concrete missing from walls of buildings and idly thought there were definitely parts of this base could sure use some work.

I knew of the history of Hickam Field, but had never come this close to it.

I eventually opened my eyes and really took notice of the damage that mars the building. My mind instantly went to thoughts of those who had meandered these same sidewalks before me so many years ago. 

The sight of the many pockmarks and bullet holes serve as a constant reminder of those 2,402 people who lost their lives Dec. 7, 1941. More than 130 medals, including 16 Medals of Honor, were awarded to those who fought most valiantly to defend against the attack.

At every opportunity, our little family earnestly took visitors to take a closer look at those pockmarks and bullet holes. We scoured the plaques and remnants on Ford Island, playing on the same banyan trees that carefree military kids had played on December 6, 1941 - shoving history into our visitor's vacation framed minds.

Being able to attend and witness the ceremony last year made me realize how very few survivors are left.


It's so important to our nation's history to tell the story of Dec. 7, 1941. It still relates to 9/11 and the world's current events today.

I don't want future generations to not understand the battle cry "Remember Pearl Harbor".

The Mountain

More than a few friends have asked, "What is this mountain you keep referring to?"

I guess I've taken for granted that most folks have seen Stargate. (Or maybe that's just my nephew and nieces that are science fiction crazed.)

The Cheyenne Mountain Complex is the official name. And just as the name says - it is one complex location!

Trying not to use MilSpeak, let me give you a very brief overview. (When you have ample time, Dave would LOVE to give you every detail.)

The design of this facility makes it one of the most unusual installations in the world. Apart from the fact that it is housed 2,000 feet (600 m) inside the granite mountain, the interior was actually designed by the US Navy. It is also notable in that it houses a bi-national United States and Canadian organization charged with the missions of aerospace warning, aerospace control and maritime warning for North America.

Highlights:

*25 ton blast doors.

*4.5 acre of excavated chambers & tunnels

*15 buildings. 12 of those buildings are 3 stories tall. All of them freestanding, without contact to the mountain itself.

How, you ask?

All of the buildings are mounted on 1,319 steel springs, each weighing approximately 1,000 pounds. The springs allow the complex to move 12 inches in any one direction.

*To make the complex self-sufficient, adequate space in the complex is devoted to support functions. A dining facility, medical facility with dental office, pharmacy and a two-bed ward; two physical fitness centers with exercise equipment and sauna; a small base exchange, chapel, and barber shop are all located within the complex.

We like to sum it up by likening it to an aircraft carrier built inside the mountain.

Time.com has a great photo tour. Giving some pretty cool glimpses into what most of us will never actually see. Click here to take a gander.

Want even better photos of inside?

Cnet had the best photo tour I could find. Don't miss their descriptions that accompany each photo on the right hand side. It's like taking a quickie engineering class for dumbies.

Seriously, go look at them!

A trip to the complex doesn't happen for Dave daily. In fact, it's rather rare. And thank goodness! The process of just getting inside to a work station is quite cumbersome.

However, we can't help be get excited at one project associated with NORAD. Tracking Santa! Having been such active participants in this tradition since the kids were just little, we're excited to be on the operating end of it this year.

To read the story of how NORAD Tracks Santa all began, click here.

*photos courtesy of norad.mil

The Poppy Campaign

Dave's been off playing War Games locked inside a mountain all week. I've barely seen him. But when I do, I can't help but notice his bright red poppy.

It was given to him by one of his Canadian Military counterparts that works alongside him in the surgeons office.

When he can't wear the poppy on his uniform, I've seen it on his work bag.

I can tell he respects this tradition and obviously what this poppy represents. So of course, I want explanations.

Not having much time for conversation lately - he summed up by telling me to google "In Flanders Fields" . . . . .

So you don't have to google yourselves, I'll share what I learned:

The use of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance comes from a poem written by John McCrae, a Canadian doctor serving in the military. The poem is called In Flanders Fields and describes the poppies growing in the Flemish graveyards where soldiers were buried.

In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Each November, Poppies blossom on the lapels and collars of over half of Canada’s entire population. Since 1921, the Poppy has stood as a symbol of Remembrance, our visual pledge to never forget all those Canadians who have fallen in war and military operations. The Poppy also stands internationally as a “symbol of collective reminiscence”, as other countries have also adopted its image to honour those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The official start of the Poppy Campaign is the last Friday in October and runs until November 11.

The military wife can handle . . .

I saw this on a friend's blog recently and I wanted to share it here.

It's more true than I care to think about. It can often be difficult for my civilian friends and family to understand what is regular life for our military family. I've read many salutes to the military spouse that involve all the things we are required to do but I think this might explain it best.

The military wife can handle...

Lots of moving...
Moving...
Moving...
Moving far from home...
Moving two cars, three kids and one dog...all riding with HER of course.
Moving sofas to basements because they won't go in THIS house;
Moving curtains that won't fit;
Moving jobs and certifications and professional development hours.
Moving away from friends;
Moving toward new friends;
Moving her most important luggage: her trunk full of memories.

Often waiting...
Waiting...
Waiting...
Waiting for housing.
Waiting for orders.
Waiting for deployments.
Waiting for phone calls.
Waiting for reunions.
Waiting for the new curtains to arrive.
Waiting for him to come home,
For dinner...AGAIN!

They call her 'Military Dependent', but she knows better:
She is fiercely In-Dependent.

She can balance a check book;
Handle the yard work;
Fix a noisy toilet;
Bury the family pet...

She is intimately familiar with drywall anchors and toggle bolts.
She can file the taxes;
Sell a house;
Buy a car;
Or set up a move...
.....all with ONE Power of Attorney.

She welcomes neighbors that don't welcome her.
She reinvents her career with every PCS;
Locates a house in the desert, The Arctic, Or the deep south.
And learns to call them all 'home'.
She MAKES them all home.

Military Wives are somewhat hasty...
They leap into:
Decorating,
Leadership,
Volunteering,
Career alternatives,
Churches,
And friendships.
They don't have 15 years to get to know people.
Their roots are short but flexible.
They plant annuals for themselves and perennials for those who come after
them.

Military Wives quickly learn to value each other:
They connect over coffee,
Rely on the spouse network,
Accept offers of friendship and favors.
Record addresses in pencil...

Military Wives have a common bond:
The Military Wife has a husband unlike other husbands; his commitment is
unique.
He doesn't have a 'JOB'
He has a 'MISSION' that he can't just decide to quit...
He's on-call for his country 24/7.
But for her, he's the most unreliable guy in town!
His language is foreign
TDY
PCS
OPR
SOS
ACC
BDU
ACU
BAR
CIB
TAD
And so, a Military Wife is a translator for her family and his.
She is the long- distance link to keep them informed;
the glue that holds them together.

A Military Wife has her moments:
She wants to wring his neck;
Dye his uniform pink;
Refuse to move to Siberia;
But she pulls herself together.
Give her a few days,
A travel brochure,
A long hot bath,
A pledge to the flag,
A wedding picture,
And she goes.
She packs.
She moves.
She follows.

Why?
What for?
How come?
You may think it is because she has lost her mind.
But actually it is because she has lost her heart.
It was stolen from her by a man,
Who puts duty first,
Who longs to deploy,
Who salutes the flag,
And whose boots in the doorway remind her that as long as he is her
Military Husband,
She will remain his military wife.
And would have it no other way.

--Author Unknown

Remember Pearl Harbor

December 7, 1941: A date which will live in infamy
The events of that day are a stark contrast to the amazing evening sunsets we enjoy over the Pearl Harbor channel out our front door.
As I watch the sun disappear, I realize we've led a charmed life.

The opportunities, democracy, and even basic human rights I enjoy are possible because of the sacrifices these men made along with many others so long ago.Those freedoms still are being protected today by our men and women in uniform.
And I'm grateful we play a small partWe must never take peace and freedom for granted. We must honor our warriors.
We must always value their service and sacrifice.

We must Remember Pearl Harbor.

Friday Flashback

October 2000. This week, 9 years ago - was a turning point in our lives.

David graduated from OIS in Newport, Rhode Island.

The USS Cole had just been attacked in Yemen a day earlier.

We had been apart from David for 6 WHOLE WEEKS! I thought I would never survive.
When I think of that now - I giggle a bit. 6 weeks . . . .cakewalk!

I met my beloved Subaru for the first time.

We gave it a good introduction to our family by driving it from Newport down to Baltimore - with plenty of stops along the way. Including the unplanned night in Groton after Garrett launched his lunch in the backseat amongst all our Iceland bound luggage.

And who can think back to that time without remembering Madi's famous PURPLE CLOGS!

The Suite Life

Today marks our two week anniversary on the island.

What better way to celebrate than by moving . . .

. . . . . to a new room!

Moving up in the world of lodge living gives us 2 tv's AND a couch! Not to mention 2 additional chairs at the little bistro size table. Bliss I tell ya!

A sign of the times

You can tell a move is in the works on 8 Anderson.

Nothing screams temporary housing to me more than base white walls!

You mean some people don't have passports? *

* A direct quote from Madi, age 7

Living this military lifestyle is so far off from anything I could have imagined while growing up.
I still struggle with with many aspects of it.
The constant changes are the most difficult for me.

But it's also given me so much more than I ever dreamed. I have friends (that I consider family) from every background imaginable - from every part of the country (and world, for that matter)
It has made this world such a smaller place.

In a recent email conversation with a dear friend, she asked:
"Ok I just have to ask - how the heck* do you afford to take all these exotic trips around the world? Do you get a special discount or get to go free with Dave being in the Navy?"

*Bonus points if you can guess where "the heck" this friend lives.

I have to answer the exotic trip query. . . .(and yes - it gave me a little chuckle)
The secret is POINTS/Frequent flier miles.
Because we're so close to these exotic locales - it's only 25,000 points/ticket.

Another dear friend on FB chimed in:
"marry a Navy man and see the world - I've done Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, China, Palau, Australia, Cambodia, Thailand, Bali and maybe more (can't remember) in the 5 years we've been this side of the world!"

Between our AmEx points and David's travel - our miles add up pretty quick.
I have to take advantage!
Once we move to Colorado that same 25,000 will get me to Kentucky or something. (no offense to the continental US or Brandi - but . . . .)

No military freebies to be found - Darn IT!

Make All Preparations for Entering Port....

USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) and Carrier Air Wing 14 (CVW 14), along w/ USS CHANCELLORSVILLE (CG 62), and USS THACH (FFG 43), spent the holiday weekend inport on the island of Guam for some well-deserved liberty. All three ships spent the past few weeks off the coast of the P.I. (Phillipines) assisting with typhoon relief efforts.

Here are a few pics of REAGAN's transit through Apra Harbor.

Educational Moment - Apra harbor is the largest natural harbor in the world.

If you know where to look, you can see our home in this picture.

We can walk to the pier.

A sign of the time . . . .

. . . .Of the year.

It's oppressive.

When I was young - the anticipation of summer vacation was an adventure in itself.

For our little family - it brings ambiguity.

Will the kids survive their best friends moving?

Did we make the right decision to extend here a year?

Can we really spend the $$$ on visiting Utah?

Will we get new families in our tiny struggling branch?

It all weighs so heavy!

Home Sweet Home

We have hit a major milestone in the Navylang family . . . .

3 consecutive years in the same house!

I was excited to tell the kids when I picked them up from school - but was adamantly corrected.

"Actually mom, we have only lived in 3 houses. You can't include condos, apartments, or even townhouses in the same category as a house!"

So please pardon my lack of technicality!

I just know we've looked at the same paint color,

Have sat in the same furniture arrangements,

Cooked in the same kitchen

And let 3 years worth of "stuff" accumulate under Madi's bed!

I Can't Believe It!

After 10 years, 4 moves, 3 different areas of the world, and many times in different ovens - my Pampered Chef rectangle stone broke.

I was making a cute, yummy pizza braid for dinner - I opened the oven to pull it out and the stone was in 3 pieces. It must have broke close at the end, because the braid looks cooked, and pretty much in good shape.

I feel strangely sad. Really.