I've pretty much been told (if not scolded) by just about everyone at work that considering my condition, I shouldn't be there at all. So isn't wonderful that I'm home especially early on a Thursday afternoon? It is. My shop pretty much told me to just go home...and that, I did.
What was cool was that they did up a farewell lunch for me at Fuddrucker's today (I chose the restaurant, of course). With the entire unit on block leave, I was suprised to have pretty much my entire section there (with the exception of MSG Williams, my NCOIC, and Leah, my LT--she's on convalescent leave for having her baby boy)...a great turn-out. And of course, Malu showed up for the fun as well.
My Chief even paid for my lunch. How sweet is that? And I he didn't mind at all as I helped myself to a hearty burger and one of Fuddrucker's delicious strawberry shakes!
What was extremely cool was that they presented me with a farewell gift--my first ever nameplate for my desk, complete with our regimental crest (to represent the Adjutant General Corps) and rank. They took the liberty of promoting me to the next rank (which should be coming in the next month or two, hopefully) and I've been wanting one of these since I was a lieutenant, but just never got around to it--or just didn't think I was important enough to have one. But here it is!
To say that I'm thankful for each and every Soldier/Officer not only in my section, but in this unit is an understatement. This has been the shortest assignment I've ever had, but one of the best experiences I've had as well. I'll be moving to the post headquarters this week to work for the G-1 (who is the Human Resources Officer that works directly for the post commanding general). It is just a hold-over position until I PCS to Germany this winter, but it's wonderful because I've been reassured that I will be given ample time with our daughter in her first few months--something that probably would not happen if I were to remain in my current unit. So I am thrilled.
To be honest, I cried to Malu when I got home. I was just so overwhelmed by the generosity of all the wonderful people in my shop, as well as my hormones, of course. But I will never forget them. Thank goodness the Army is so small. I'm sure I'll run into some if not all of them later on down the road.
So farewell, you guys. Thankfully, I'll just be down the road, so I will be stopping by often, at least until I leave Fort Bliss.
So farewell, you guys. Thankfully, I'll just be down the road, so I will be stopping by often, at least until I leave Fort Bliss.
