I meant to post this last week, but with the baby due any
day now, my energy is a little zapped.
So, I sent a reply to the commander’s wife. I didn’t feel I
owed anything, but for me, it was a professional courtesy. I thanked her again
for her invitations and said how much I appreciated it. I also explained that
my previous challenges with involvement in a spouse organization had to do
mostly with the mandatory recalls. I didn’t go into detail, but I did mention
that our previous squadron would threaten visits from local law enforcement if
you failed to participate in the recalls. (Again, I realize I didn’t have to
explain myself here, but I wanted to.) I graciously thanked her again and also
mentioned that I would consider becoming more involved after the baby came and
we were settled.
I have not heard anything in return. Since I telecommute and
spend a lot of time sending emails, this one should come across as friendly and
appreciative, but I know if doesn’t always work that way. Hopefully it sounded
alright.
I do want to become more involved, mostly for the baby, but I want to do it slowly. At our last base, I hit the ground running and we all know what happened there... So I am just going to take baby steps and see what happens.
Still on the topic of military spouses, but changing gears a
little…
If you know me well, you know that I have always believed
that equality means equal rights for everyone. On June 26th, when
the Defense Of Marriage Act (DOMA) was overturned, I was thrilled. I was even
more excited to see the Department of Defense release the following statement:
Statement by Secretary
Hagel on DOMA Ruling
The Department
of Defense welcomes the Supreme Court's decision today on the Defense of
Marriage Act. The department will immediately begin the process of implementing
the Supreme Court's decision in consultation with the Department of Justice and
other executive branch agencies. The Department of Defense intends to make the
same benefits available to all military spouses -- regardless of sexual
orientation -- as soon as possible. That is now the law and it is the right
thing to do.
Every person who
serves our nation in uniform stepped forward with courage and commitment. All
that matters is their patriotism, their willingness to serve their country, and
their qualifications to do so. Today's ruling helps ensure that all men and
women who serve this country can be treated fairly and equally, with the full
dignity and respect they so richly deserve.
I sincerely hope that these husbands and wives are also
receiving invitations to attend the spouse groups. Maybe if a few of them do, I
will participate more :)
