USS Wasp (LHD-1): #1 in the Fleet

We have this son we are so proud of... gearing up to leave this command but he has been deployed so often or the ship was unavailable in dry dock or staged for deployment... and this was the first time we have had the opportunity to tour his ship, the USS Wasp (LHD-1)! I was bummed that the aircraft and landing craft were not on board, but we did get to see [most] everything else.

After touring this ship, talking with a number of sailors and Marines, and seeing how well run and well kept this ship is, please allow me to say that if any numskull thinks they can save money by cutting back on funding for the Navy -- her systems or her people -- I am here to tell you that you are certifiable. These are some of the most competent, skilled, and dedicated people we have in the military. We came away confident in their dedication and abilities.... proud just doesn't cover it. Bravo Zulu !!! and Oorah !!! Ladies & Gentlemen. And a special BZ to Our Guy on the USS Wasp.

the ready room brought back fond memories for the DH
(the first is with flash, the other under red light)

the stripper pole (no, it's not really; just the nick name)

absolutely a must (lol)

loads of brass... polished to a mirror shine (or painted battleship grey)

she's a beaut, isn't she??

ARMY PATERNITY LEAVE

I know a bunch of "will-be-daddy" guys and some soon-to-be mommas who will welcome this news!!

Paternity Leave

What is it?

The Army's new paternity leave policy gives fathers additional time to be with their families when a new child is born. The policy, which was signed into law under President George W. Bush on Oct. 14, grants married Soldiers up to 10 consecutive days of non-chargeable administrative leave after the birth of a child. Paternity leave must be taken within 45 days of the child's birth; deployed Soldiers must take the leave within 60 days after returning from deployment. Leave not taken within the established time frame will be lost.

Single Soldiers who father a child out-of-wedlock are not eligible for paternity leave.

What has the Army done?

The Army recognizes the importance of families being together during significant events such as the birth of a child. It has developed a flexible paternity leave policy that allows male Soldiers to support their spouses during the joyous, but possibly stressful, time of adjustment following the arrival of a new family member. It also provides Soldiers returning from deployments uninterrupted time with their child to begin building bonds that will last a lifetime.

The policy allows Soldiers who have taken annual leave in connection with the birth of a child since October 2008 to request up to 10 days of leave be restored/re-credited to their leave account. Soldiers must provide documentation to support their claim (e.g., DA Form 31 or LES) and submit it through the unit S1 or Personnel Administrative Center.

My question is, "Does this apply to adoptions as well?? (It should!)

Every Soldier's Mom

The link to the blog of an Israeli soldier's mother from Brat reminded me that we parents of soldiers (and sailors, marines, air force, coast guard) share the universal love and admiration -- and WORRY -- we have for our children when they are deployed. It is a universal feeling among parents who value and cherish the lives of their children... in the parents who know the hope of the world is in the LIVES of their children and not in their deaths.

Yes, it is hard to be a soldier's mom while the world is at war. I have written any number of posts on that topic over the past few years... about the worry that pervades night and day... 24 hours a day, every day that they are in harm's way. How hard it is to be HERE when they are THERE... how hard it is to be a soldier's mom...

Thoughts of A Soldier's Mom in a Time of War
Hard to Be a Soldier's Mom
Every Parent's Nightmare

And, sadly, like many of us who blog about our soldiers, we are subjected to the most horrible comments from the ignorant, the vile and the despicable. This Israeli mother is no different. I left her a comment telling her that she is one of us -- the mothers of soldiers who serve even though we did not enlist. I reminded her that we mothers -- that we parents and the families of those who serve pray every day for peace... we pray for peace everywhere. So run on by A Soldier's Mom and offer her encouragement... give her a virtual {{{HUG}}} and let her know she is not alone.

x-posted at Parents Zone