Promotion Ceremony

My promotion ceremony occurred on 01Jan24. We returned from Japan on 01Jan24 early morning so it wasn't an ideal date in that respect. However, Allison, the kids, and I had the day off. Also after being passed over, I was excited, and being #5 on the lineal list this was the first day eligible. It occurred at 1400 on a Micronesia Divers Association boat I rented for $700. This allowed up to 40 guests. We had 44 people come but Captain Bill let it fly. It is Guam. We had Pizza Hut. I planned on smoking a brisket but did not have time. The ceremony was Captain Barrows Captain Hoyos and Allison at Spanish Steps. The dolphins were not playing so we snorkeled at Finger Reef. It really went well.  

This goal was incredibly important to me. Getting passed over, and evaluating my need for external affirmation was even better to finally achieve my goal. In the dental corps, we are not dogma constrained so 06 is hard but possible. I saw this as a goal back in 2003 as many dental school role models were retired 06s. The goal mattered not for the rank or pay. No one cares about a dentist 06 and I am donating 100% of the pay difference to UMKC School of Dentistry. The goal mattered in that a lot of people I admire happen to retire at this rank. I am not there yet, but I am closer than in 2003. Also to mark off requirements to be competitive I did many things I would not have otherwise done and these had value (JPME1 EMBA SWIMDO FMF MILESTONE etc.)  It was and is the journey, not the destination. The Navy is more than a job to me, it is a way of life to me. My life would not be the same without the Navy. I meet Allison through being stationed at Bethesda etc. I appreciate the Navy and want to do right by the Navy.  I hope to live up to those mentors who have made this honor possible. I am at terminal rank for me, but the Navy promotes not based on what you have done but on what it hopes you will do is the common phrase thrown around.