Baby Steps

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 26^th, 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 :)