No fighting required.

I have been in commands where I have had to fight for everything from: 

 -an office (so I can actually do my job and counsel Sailors and Marines)

-a parking spot (because I need to run around, and cannot waste time finding a spot when there is a crisis, and because I am a department head, and thus am entitled to one like the other DHs)

 -an RP (my enlisted counterpart, a Religious Programs specialist)

-office supplies (because why should I be the only one to have to buy my own)

You name it. 

I arrive on deployment, and I am assigned an cubicle in a large work center. The guys assigned there are great, and funny. The problem is, I cannot counsel people there. Confidentiality is impossible. 

The HMCS (Senior Chief hospital Corpsman) walks in, sees my space, and was unhappy. 

I had decided I would simply counsel people ouside the building, getting coffee... somewhere else. 

She had other plans. 

Within 2 days, I had a real office with a door that closes. 

All because THEY understood the importance of what I can do. 

I did not have to fight. 

Medical fought for me. 

That is when I KNOW when the chaplain reputation - not mine - but chaplains as a whole, have done something right. 

Thank you, God, for allowing me to follow in the footsteps of those who came before me, and may I continue that legacy of service for those who come after me.  

Challah on deployment

 Just because I am on deployment does not mean I will not bake Challah for Shabbat. 

I made a cinnamon raisen, garlic, and a "everything but the leftovers" from Trader Joes. 

Surprisingly, the Trader Joe's spice tasted EXACTLY as Thanksgiving stuffing!!!

Am I that short?

 I banged my arm on the bathroom door knob. Twice. 

I realize I am smaller in stature, but this is ridiculous!!!

Lesson learned. 

Prayer for earning your Navy Wings (Aviation)

 Once upon a time, I was a youth director of a synagoge. There, I met a wonderful family, and the wife was a RK (rabbi's kid) like me. In fact, our families knew each other from our days on Long Island. 

Her oldest son decided to join the Navy as a pilot. 

She asked me if there was a blessing for that moment. Besides the "Shehecheyanu" prayer, no. But I'd happily write one for him. 

Who knows? Perhaps one day, Arik and I will serve together. Wouldn't that be something!

==========================================

If you would join me in prayer.

 

Mekor Chayim, Source of Life,

 

We are so proud to be present at this holy moment with Arik, as he earns his Navy wings.

 

With Your support, he overcame the adversities of every trial, physical and mental - like our ancestors Avraham and Daniel.

 

From aerial attacks and defense at the Battle of Midway, to support of ground troops in Okinawa, to anti-submarine warfare, and humanitarian relief, Arik joins the legacy of Naval Aviation that is rooted in heroism.

 

He joins the likes of Butch O'Hare, David McCampbell, Thomas Hudner, President George H.W. Bush, Senator John McCain, Neil Armstrong, LT Miroslav “Steven” Zilberman, and so many others.

 

We ask, Hashem, that you bless Arik as he takes on the mantle of Navy pilot, and the holy mission of Naval Aviation  - of making the world a safer place for all,  with the blessing that Moshe bestowed upon Yehoshua…

 

“Chazak V’Ematz,” be strong and of good courage.

We pray that You continue to guide Arik, as he continues to embody those words with every new step his Navy journey takes him.

 

Protect him, as he protects us.

 

And may he always have fair winds, and following seas.

 

Amen.