7/2/2015 Commissioning

Jack and David

0600  We meet up with Dave, Jack's prior boss from DC, to watch a tame version of the OCS morning exercise routine and Victory Run.  Jack's leadership in the Company earns him 
the privilege of carrying his Company's guide-on (flag).  

0830  Joined by Jack's friend Greg, Vicki and John;  Jack's dad (retired Navy Captain) administers the Officer's Oath commissioning Jack as a Navy Ensign. We are so proud and know that his grandfathers and great grandfather who served in the Navy before him are proud he is carrying on the tradition. We have an octant from John's mother's great-grandfather, a sea captain who sailed around the Horn in the 1800's from New Bedford, Massachusetts. On Deb's father's side, she had a grandfather who was a sea captain in Newfoundland in the 1700's. The salt is clearly in Jack's veins.

0930  Jack finally gets his orders and will report to a school in San Diego and in the fall to the Destroyer USS Chung Hoon in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. HE IS THRILLED!

1030  We take a tour of the Naval War College Museum.  Behind the scenes, Deb's family from Massachusetts and Connecticut are congregating at our campground, helping to prepare for the after-party.  

1300  Carrying the guide-on, Jack leads the Company onto the field. They all take the oath of office together and we listen to a moving speech about the special responsibilities of Naval Officers. Sherrie hands me the flag that flew on the ship the day our father was buried at sea in 2009 which Jack later holds during photos.  

1600  Family and friends join us at Melville Campground for a New England Clam Boil.  Included are Newport friends, Theo and Kalia; Deb's brother and sisters, nieces, nephews and Aunt. Dave gave a heartwarming speech about Jack and his family. John's brother gives Jack their father's WWII Ka-bar knife and we present Jack with a copy of MacArthur's prayer to his son entitled "Build Me A Son". We all had a great time celebrating and reminiscing.