Unceremoniously Significant

With everything going on, I forgot to share this story. 

In the least ceremonious way possible, I was sworn in today (June) at the Fort Lee Army Post in Richmond. 

Though a significant moment and one step closer to finding out where I will be stationed, I simply walked into MEPS where I was met by a LT (NAVY) who simply asked, "Where do I sign?" He signed on the witness line and walked away. 

I spent a second after he walked away comparing that to being sworn in at Camp Ramah nearly a year ago, surrounded by my Tzevet (staff), and 900 campers, staff and visitors.

The comparison was almost laughable.

I wish I could say that I was surprised at this momentous occasion being the most unceremonious significant and yet insignificant at the same time. I should have taken a picture, not been alone... anything to make the moment something more meaningful, but at least I get a good laugh out of it or at least a smirk with a shake of the head at the silliness that has been my journey to becoming an active duty member of the armed forces.

Collegue

In my preparations to go to Okinawa, I am incredibly lucky.
The same person who swore me in, who is from my neck of the world, will still be in Okinawa when I get there.
I will have a friend and mentor already there, ready to show me the ropes, talk me through it all, give me someone to lean on who knew me before we put the uniform on.

Yoni Warren and his wife, Leora have been in Okinawa for 2 years already.
They have accumulated much knowledge in that time and so for the last few weeks, I have been skyping with them to learn the ins and outs of living as an observant Jew on Okinawa.

Who is ever this lucky?? One of the best moments was Yoni telling me that we will get to chevrutah (be study partners) and we'll make a point of learning Talmud together. We left the bubble of JTS and here, we are creating our own thousands of miles away. I thank God for the path that God has set me on.  

Okinawa

Word has come down from the powers that be and I am off to Okinawa, Japan.

Where is that, you ask?
Let me show you.




What happens next?

I report to the base in Norfolk, VA. Once all my paperwork is in order, I will fly out to Okinawa, also known as 'the rock' to those who have been stationed on there.

Now I get to figure out what I am taking with me and what is staying in military storage for the next three years.

For the past three weeks, I have sorted through every piece of paper, book, whatever, figuring all of this out. I have taken over the living room, dining room and most of the Florida room.

I don't know where all this stuff came from!!!
Thank God that my books count as professional gear so it does not count (weight wise) towards my weight allowance.

Next stop, quick 'see you later' tour to my family and friends up and down the east coast.

In Between

I submitted my application to be "recalled" to active duty.
This means that I go through some paperwork and hope that a board of chaplains will recommend me to the personnel committee of the Navy, who will (hopefully) approve me.

I have been accepted - to which I am eternally thankful for all those who were a part of the process.
You have made the right choice.

However, I am now in between.
There is no time-frame as to when I will be told where I am going and when I need to report to said base. It could be 3 weeks or 3 months.

I've got some free time so, I'll just go to the Submarine School in Groton, CT for the Department Head Leadership Course.

I got to spend a week hanging out with a bunch of bubble-heads. They were funny, welcoming and everything I was told they would not be. I was invited to go into the submarine trainer. Ahhh, another time gentlemen.  

Two short stories worth sharing: 

1) In one exercise, we were to map out the reporting-in process when you first arrive at a new command. As I have yet to do this, they assigned me to lead the group in this activity. WHAT??? I learned a lot though and feel more prepared for when I go to my first command and have to go through this for real.

2) I have learned that a well placed expletive is very helpful. One of the officers said something that included a curse word, looked at me, cursed again while trying to apologize. Like I haven't heard anyone curse before - ever. I laughed and gave him a colorful response. They appreciated it and we went on with business as usual.  

Motivating Doors

This is what is posted on the door leading into and out of the NOSC (navy operational support center) in Orlando, FL.

I know that looking at this sign every time I enter the building, I think about how I am going to make the team stronger.
At the end of the day, when I leave, I reflect back on my day to see if I have fulfilled this mission or not.

You Can Work Anywhere

My office in the NOSC is a part of a cube farm, with a label "MEFRELLANT" above the area so we easily found.

That does not help when I work next door to Training and Manpower. They sometimes forget that I am there and speak like sailors can and do - very loudly. They are entertaining.

NOSC Orlando - Part II

 CRMT - Command Religious Ministries Team

I was beyond lucky while assigned to NOSC (navy operations support center) Orlando. The lead chaplain was in Chaplain School with me. He guided me, didn't get annoyed at all my questions and gave me directions in Reservist life.

My RP (religious programming specialist) - RP1 (petty officer first class, three chevrons) was outstanding. She was as excited about working together, training together and doing community relations projects as I was. She gave me the chance to guide her at times and I submitted her for the MOVSM (Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal).

I could not ask for a better RP and if she gets selected as an officer, I'll lose an amazing RP and the NAVY will gain an incredible ENS. 

NOSC Orlando

I moved to Orlando to work as an associate rabbi at a congregation in town and so joined the local NOSC to drill as a reservist.

I learned a few things along the way.

1) Putting the "fun" in funeral 

One of my most meaningful opportunities, was being a member of the funeral honors team. I learned how to bugle "TAPS" and even chaplain a funeral or two. The entire funeral, the timing and even what is said is scripted but something emotional happens when the procession of the funeral honors team begins. It is solemnity with respect and love for a now deceased comrade. We were a sight to see - all in our whites - to me a symbol of purity and unity. I choke up every time I hear TAPS (even when I play it) and watch the flag folded. I feel such pride for what I am standing for and who stands beside me. 

In Judaism, the act of eulogizing and burying the dead is called "Chesed Shel Emet," the righteous act of truth. It is considered so important since the deceased will never be able to return the favor. This is one the the things I will miss most about being a Reservist.  

Port Hueneme

When I joined the Reserves, I did not know what to expect. I reported for duty in July to Port Hueneme (pronounced, Why-knee-me) and as I walked into the officer to report to the commanding officer, he jumps out from around his desk to shake my hand, call me 'chaps' and share how excited he was that I was joining his team.

I could not have felt more welcomed.