Got Orders? We do. Have you noticed that Navy spousedom seems to be lived in cycles; sea duty (that lasts too long) followed by shore duty (which is always too short); repeat. I love shore duty. Sea duty; not so much.

May I ramble about orders? There will be a point at the end, I promise. As the window for orders approaches ‘it’ starts; that wrestling with the unknown that impacts our life. I start anticipating and assessing the possible options. Will we be able to stay here? Will it be a good opportunity for my husband? Will it be a career enhancer or career killer? Will he love his next billet or will it be one that he ‘endures’ while counting down the days till our next ‘window’? Will we be moving? I love my house, will I find a house I enjoy as much as this one. Where will these orders send us, down the road or across country? What about my job, my career? What about the kids, what about family, what about friends? Arghhh! The mental gyrations can be dizzying yet I put myself through it every time! “Hello, my name is Beth and I’m a control freak.”

So we have orders. My husband just informed me that he has orders to HoA otherwise known as Horn of Africa. He has GSA orders for a year in Djibouti, Africa. One Year. Boots on the Ground. Africa. Did I mention that was for a year?

Many of you may know that my husband just battled kidney cancer, and won. He is home recuperating from surgery to remove the cancerous tumor from his kidney. We are so blessed. They got it all!

Can I tell you that during this challenging time I prayed? I mean I PRAYED. I prayed fervently. I prayed dangerously.
-  “Lord, thank you for revealing this cancer so early that it has the best possible prognosis. Please let them get it all!”
- “Lord, please let him be approved to reenlist.”
- “Lord, ‘You’ decide where his next orders should take him, you know his career desires, put him in the best place for his career - just let him be able to reenlist!”

Did I really pray that? Okay, Lord - when I said “You decide” what I meant was “You decide the orders that *I* would want…while still being the best place for him.” Horn of Africa? I misspoke God. Can we have a ‘re-do?’

So, we have orders. After my initial pity party I found my big girl panties, changed my attitude and set about the task of readying myself for GSA orders. I loved; let me repeat that, I REALLY LOVED shore duty, so much so that I forgot [conveniently] much about deployment. Orders in hand means I need to get my ducks lined up so my Sailor can deploy assured that I’m ‘good to go’. Where are those birth certificates? My Power of Attorney expired WHEN? Not another horrid photo ID, valid for another 3 years? I know I have a checklist somewhere…or did I throw it away in the bliss of shore duty?

Got orders? Are you heading back to sea duty? Perhaps your hubby is like my man, heading out on GSA orders (by the way I understand IA/GSA training at Fort Jackson is known not only for developing skilled IA/GSAs and some great Abs - I’m just saying…).

The point is orders change everything. Like it or not I’m walking the path of GSA orders. Have you been there? Are you there now? Will you be on the path with me? Walking with friends always makes the journey so much easier…wanna come along? I need you, your friendship, your insight and, of course, someone to share a coffee with…

You may have heard, even followed, the controversial front-page publishing of the photo of dying Marine Lance Corporal Johsua Bernard by the AP. Much has been written about this situation. SECDEF Gates as well as leaders of many veterans’ groups have condemned the decision to publish this photo.

The AP defends the decision to publish this photo, against the wishes of the family, as their ‘journalistic duty’ to cover the news and ‘reality of war’.

What is interesting to me is that I have never seen front page photos of a dying victim of gang violence. I do not recall photos of the mangled bodies of victims of drunk drivers above the fold. I have no memory of photos of the ravaged bodies of victims of spouse/child abuse ever published in the newspaper. Those photos would quickly (and rightfully) be decried as inappropriate and insensitive. But when it comes to photos of our brave service members - well, that is a “journalistic duty.”

BULL!

This family asked for the photo not to be published. Would this request be ignored if Cpl Bernard was a victim of one of the recent train wrecks?

I lack the words to express my anger, disdain and utter indignance at not only the publishing of this photo but the justification, the excuses, offered by editors as to why this was ‘responsible’ journalism.

We all know war is ugly. Hollywood has documented, personified and glamorized the violence associated with war and conflict. Video games emulate the violence. Quite frankly, the supposed claim that they were trying to do a ’service’ to the military by showing the true cost of war falls on deaf ears.

I don’t need to see the crime scene photos of Columbine to know that it was horrific. It would add nothing to my understanding of that tragedy. Likewise this photo offered nothing save inflict greater pain on the family and fellow marines who lost a son, a brother.

Shame on the AP. Shame on the papers that published that photo.

Tomorrow my Sailor re-enlists. I know that is not earth-shaking news. There will be no ’special news alert’ anouncing the upcoming ceremony, no film ar eleven. But in this house - it is…

Five weeks ago my husband and I were having casual conversations about his re-enlistment ceremony. Scott posed his idea to re-enlist at the Reagan Library near Air Force One. We had three months to plan the ceremony so we focused on his next set of orders, there was plenty of time for reenlistment planning. That was five weeks ago.

A little over four weeks ago Scott went to medical to have his gallbladder checked. He is experiencing discomfort and there is a family history of gallbladder issues. His doctor, a flight surgeon, ordered an ultrasound of the abdomen to confirm our suspicions. This ultrasound confirmed the gallbladder as the culprit but that was not the only thing discovered. The ultrasound revealed ’something’ on Scott’s kidney and recommended follow-up.

Four weeks ago we learned Scott has renal cell carcinoma - kidney cancer. With that six-letter word our world changed. Cancer.The very word invokes an indescribable fear. How ‘bad’ is kidney cancer? Has it metastacized? What is the prognosis? Worry and fear become your constant partner.

Wait - Scott is in the midst of re-enlistment! He needs to be able to pass a medical screening to reenlist. Can he reenlist with CANCER? But if he cannot - then what? He loses everything he has worked for; a 16-year career gone! No retirement, no job, no career, no health insurance…and he has CANCER.

This blog is not about cancer. It is about a career, a sailor. My husband had a new, different enemy to fight: cancer. He also had a career he loves to preserve. Over the past four weeks I saw him research options, network, make a plan, take action, execute his plan and adapt; all the qualities and attributes that make him a great sailor, a great leader. I witnessed his strength, his faith in God, his commitment to me, our marraige and his career’ and yes, his country. 

I discovered so much about my husband through this ‘crisis’. Scott could get another job, but he doesn’t want another ‘job’. He loves his career in the Navy. He carries a proud tradition on his shoulders, one he loves and gladly bears. Scott’s fraternal grandmother was a Navy WAVE during WWII. His fraternal grandfather also served in the Navy in WWII. Scott’s father served as a ‘nuke IC’ during the Vietnam era and Scott proudly carries on the tradition of Naval service and the first to make it a career.

I used to joke that Scott ‘bleeds Blue and Gold.” Faced with the possibility of a career change I saw the depth of my husband’s devotion to the Navy. His pride of service transcends family tradition. Though a humble, quiet man my husband wants to contribute to the Navy mission through his personal service, sacrifice and commitment to honor the oath he swore. He will readily admit that his part is small, but he is committed to fulfilling that part.

Tomorrow Scott will reenlist. It took a great effort to work through the challenges to his reenlistment but tomorrow he will renew his oath. We still have cancer and gall bladder surgery before us, but tomorrow he will reenlist. Tomorrow I will witness the swearing of an oath by the man I love; the man who means each word of that oath.

Tomorrow he reenlists…

Do you have an aspiring musician in your home? Do you have teens making music in your garage or basement? USAA and U-TURN have partnered to bring a very cool opportunity, a contest, for the musician in your home.

USAA and U-TURN are looking for the Next Great American Road Song. Sponsored by USAA the call for entries has begun for U-TURN’s annual Garage Band Playoff ’09 (www.garagebandplayoff.com), a national battle-of-the-bands competition.

USAA & U-TURN host Garage Band Playoff your for asdpiring musician!

If your song makes the cut you will face off in a series of online, head-to-head match-ups against others…until only one song is left to be named “The Next Great American Road Song.”

• $2,500 cash
• a professional photo and video shoot
• an in-depth interview on U-TURN’s audio podcast
• tons of free buzz on MySpace, Facebook and more!

RULES OF THE ROAD:

• Open to solo artists, groups and bands of any musical genre
• Song must be original (no covers)
• Song topic must be about cars, driving or the freedom of the open road (instrumentals OK if evokes a driving feel)
• Song must be clean/radio-friendly
• Solo artist or at least one band member must also be a USAA member
• Solo artist or all band members must be ages 13-21 (as of July 31, 2009)

DEADLINE TO ENTER AT WWW.GARAGEBANDPLAYOFF.COM IS JULY 31, 2009. VOTING BEGINS OCTOBER 16, 2009. FOR MORE INFORMATION, E-MAIL UTURN@USAA.COM.

 I am going to reveal my age here but did you know the member of the folk-rock band “America” were military brats? It is true! They were the sons of American service members stationed in the U.K. They were playing in two different bands when they met…and, as we know, the rest is history. By the way, their mothers were British.

So, if your son or daughter has been making you crazy with that incessant drumming coming from the garage or the volume of their singing you can channel that energy to this great contest. If your kids have a band or are interested in forming one they could be the next breakthrough band! This is U-TURN’s third Garage Band Playoff competition, but the first with a specific theme. Last year’s competition involved 16 bands from across the country which ranged in style from’ country’ to ‘metal.’

Check out the website (www.garagebandplayoff.com) for more information or email USAA at uturn@usaa.com. Let me know if your military musician competes, I want to follow their progress!

About eighteen months ago I met Ann, a Navy wife new to our base. Ann attended a ‘dessert & coffee’ I host for spouses new to the military or to our base. At this event Ann heard that another Navy wife was starting a home business. Ann quickly offered to host a party to help her get started. That’s just Ann, always looking to help others.

Ann is the devoted mother of two adorable daughters and proud wife of her Seabee. She was active in her church, a volunteer in her daughter’s kindergarten classroom, an active member and volunteer in her command FRG and amazing friend to many. Ann was alwasy helping others. She was known for organizing ‘play days’ for the children and events for her circle of friends.  The wife of a junior enlisted her resources may have been limited but her care, concern and love for others knew no bounds.

Ann was a breast cancer survivor. While her battle with cancer took its toll on her body, it never quenched her joyful spirit. She had a ready smile for everyone. She is a selfless woman. She was a humble, joyful woman who took such joy in looking out for and caring for others.

A few months ago I learned Ann was engaged in a second battle with cancer. Cancer was back and with a vengeance this time. When I talked with Ann she was resolved to beat the odds and defeat this enemy of her body. Through the months of treatments Ann continued to care for others, continuing to volunteer in the classroom and FRG as her body allowed. Each time we spoke she would focus on ‘me’ and my life rather than wanting to dwell on the battle she was waging. I never heard her complain, rather I heard her desire and concern for her children, her husband, her family. Amazingly, she would often say, “I don’t want to be a burden.”

This past Saturday Ann lost her battle to cancer but won her reward: eternity with the Lord she trusted. At her memorial service at the base Chapel yesterday it was evident the impact she had on so many lives, the Chapel was full. A friend whispered to me, we underestimated the impact she had, we have double the people we planned for.

Ann left us too soon. For her family; her husband, children, parents and siblings, an immense void remains. For her friends; well, we are left with the memory of a wonderful woman, a devoted mother, proud wife…her memory provokes me to be like her. Ann, my life is changed because your short life touched mine. I will miss you dearly…

It is hard to believe I have been on board five days. It seems like I just got here and yet it seems like I’ve been here longer.

The mission and deployment of the COMFORT is very different from a ‘traditional’ Navy deployment in several ways. On a traditional Navy deployment a port call is ‘down-time’. For the COMFORT a port call IS the mission. A port call is long hours and hard but rewarding work. On a traditional deployment transit time is the hard work time. For the COMFORT it is time for the crew to recharge their batteries and prepare for the next country.

Today was a ‘day off’ for the COMFORT. We were permitted to sleep in with a Sunday Brunch served a little later. Today is the last day before we sail into Antiqua so the crew is grabbing a little more sleep and preparing for the rewarding job ahead.

Even though the COMFORT, like the MERCY is unique in its mission some things aboard Navy vessels remain the same: drills. Today we had two drills - a fire drill in the ‘garage’ (I didn’t know we had a garage). Following that was a Life Boat Drill. I know drills are very important, they are what save lives in the event of an emergency. But, as you know, I tend to find the humor or irony in many situations.

For the Life Boat Drill we are to muster with our designated group/command in our designated area, don our life jackets then proceed to the flight deck. My muster location is on the next to the lowest level of the ship. Now I know you know how much I am enjoying the ‘ladders.’ Once again the Department of the Navy is providing a cardio workout for this woman! Yup, seven flights of stairs later, this out of breathe woman stood tall (ok, stood panting) in formation…and then it started to rain.

The day wrapped up with a fun Steel Beach Picnic on the flight deck. While the “Fun Boss” (now that is the job to have!) planned an outstanding event complete with enteratainment, activites and great food the weatherman did not cooperate…the picnic was cut short by rain. Regardless a good time was had by all.

My day was to include my daily broadcast of Navy Homefront Talk! from the ship. As a spouse I am grateful to have the communication stream we enjoy with our deployed service members. But there are those days as a spouse that I wondered why I didn’t hear from my Sailor. Today I experienced the other side of that equation - shipboard communications. Communication resources are primarily for the mission, for the ship. Today was one of those days that communications were not working well. Internet was painfully slow - it took hours to post a simple email. As for my show - well, we tried several times over a five hour period to get a connection off the ship to broadcast. Finally the broadcast originally scheduled for 1100 hrs broadcast at 1630 hrs.  I have a newfound appreciation for the ’silence’ from the ship.

Take time to listen to the show that finally broadcast (www.blogtalkradio.com/nht). The show features several members of the crew sending out messages to their loved ones for birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions that will not be shared together because of deployment. I was so honored to be apart of making these moments happen for these crew members.

As they fought tears to convey their messages I fought tears along with them. Listening to their messages, seeing their faces, their tears it drove home to me how very hard it is for our service members to miss our birthday, our anniversary, Mother’s Day…where are those tissues? I know I’m a ’softee’ at times…but this opportunity to embed has profoundly changed my life. I have a renewed respect for not only my Sailor but all service members who leave their wife, husband, children, newborn, mother, twin sister…to serve. Heros, you are heroes.

UNREP. Don’t you love the military and their ‘insider’ terms and acronyms? Well today I learned the milspeak term UNREP or Underway Replenishment. My husband told me it would be a fascinating thing to witness and it was.  Allow me to ramble…

The COMFORT is currently ‘underway’ meaning we are transiting to our next destination; Antigua and Barbadu. This morning another Navy vessel met up with us, the USNS Perry. the PERRY is a supply ship carrying much needed supplies and fuel for the continuing mission of the COMFORT.

I discovered some amazing things about this process. First, in my mind I thought both ships would align themselves and drop anchor - then begin the transfer of goods. There is a reason I am not in the Navy, and not in charge. Actually both ships are moving at about 12 knots. The supply ship, the PERRY, approached the COMFORT from the port side (left side when looking at the front of the ship). The PERRY was approximately 165 feet from the COMFORT.  It was an amazing thing to witness. (I have video footage that I will post when I return - uploading video takes too much bandwidth for the ship.)

Once properly alligned the PERRY ’shot across” the lines that would connect the two ships and provide for the transfer of fuel. Quite literally a gun is used to shoot across what to the layman looked like a very large bean bag with a line attached. The MSC’s (formerly called merchant mariners) on the COMFORT scrambled to catch the line, pulling it across and securing it on the COMFORT.

While this process was continuing the chopper from the COMFORT was flying between the two vessels picking up pallet after pallet of supplies including medical supplies and the crew’s top concern: Ice Cream. (inside joke…this crew thus far has consumed 2, 103 quarts of ice cream. The XO is proud of this accomplishment and is encouraging the crew to ‘keep up the good work’)

Since I mentioned the MSCs one of the interesting things about the COMFORT is the crew that runs the ship is not Navy. Rather they are MSCs or Military Sealift Command, commonly referred to as mariners. I am captivated by this group. Our ship has both male and female mariners and they are some of the most dedicated, hard-working, capable I’ve ever seen. And a few have kept me entertained as well.

The Mariners have their own galley, their own berthing area and other areas on the COMFORT. Rumors among the crew are that they have steak and lobster. I’ve enjoyed getting to know these men and women and today I got the truth. Indeed they are eating very, very well - and that includes steak and lobster.  In their defense, they start work before we do and are working long after I am snoozing in my rack. And, the two times I’ve been lost on the COMFORT it has been a Mariner that helped me find my way.  Check out tomorrow’s broadcast from the ship (www.blogtalkradio.com/nht) as the Captain of the MSC, Captain Finger will be on the show to talk about his role and the men and women who serve under his leadership.

Back to the UN REP - again, I marvel at the capabilities of our Navy and today was just amazing to watch. Tomorrow I have more news from the ship to report on…something called a “Steel Beach Picnic” and much more. Till then….Beth

Wow! I’m here, I made it! I am aboard the USNS COMFORT! I have no idea where to start, there is much to be said already. Let me start by saying that this blog is going to be focused on my personal experiences, observations and encounters while my San Diego Union Tribune blog will focus on the mission, its leaders, crew and efforts. For all my blogs and broadcasts from the ship go to my website www.homefrontinfocus.com.

So where do I begin? I think I must start with my taxi ride to meet the ship. I tried to explain that I wanted to go to the port. The nice taxi drivers told me the port was closed. Evidently they assumed that I was wanting to meet a cruise ship and they only come in on Friday and Saturday. This was Thursday.  Finally I said, “American Hospital Ship.” Wow, all five cabbies knew exactly where I needed to go. They all knew the American Hospital Ship was here.

I asked my cabbie why he knew about the ship and he quickly answered, they treated my nieces and nephews. The impact of USNS COMFORT was known and felt. It was my first insight into the mission of the COMFORT - touching people’s lives.

I must tell you about how I traveled from shore to the boat. The taxi took me to the BLZ or Boat Loading Zone where I took a small boat from shore to the ship. We were experiencing a bit of stormy seas and took more than a few big swells. I’m happy to report this Navy wife did not get seasick! During this boat ride to the ship, which was anchored out in the harbor, I pondered if I would be climbing a rope ladder to embark. Imagine my surprise when we pulled up alongside another small boat that was alongside the ship. This second boat was actually one of the life boats of the COMFORT. We all climbed aboard this lifeboat and were lifted up to the deck of the Comfort. Can I say  it was an interesting ride? Lifeboat drill - in reverse!

For those of you aware that I am in the midst of losing weight you will be happy to hear the layout of the COMFORT is supporting this effort. The COMFORT is a refitted oil tanker. The ‘ladders’  do not always give you  the most direct route to any of your destinations. So I find myself going down several flights of stairs (um, yes, we have real stairs - not ladders), across the deck and up several more flights of stairs to reach just about anything. Yup, I am developing some seriously muscular legs!

That is some of the anecdotal parts of my embed thus far. I could talk my acrobatic feats climbing into the top bunk or the flashbacks to college dorm life that our showers provide but the more important part of this embed is the mission.

So what is the mission of the USNS COMFORT? Called ‘Continuing Promise 2009′ the mission of the COMFORT is a humanitarian/civic effort in seven Caribbean/Latin/South American countries. Assembled aboard this vessel are amazing teams, experts in triage, dental, surgery, women’s health, pediatric, opthalmic, and even veterinarian care.  They are both military, and international military at that, as well as non-governmental agencies (NGO’s) such as LDS ministries, UCSD Dental Association, Project Hope to name a few. In addition to the medical teams aboard the proud Navy Seabees are here to provide engineering expertise to projects at the various destination countries.

The mission Commodore, CAPT Bob Lineberry, says, “This is the most diverse crew of its kind, and the easiest to work with.” While we have Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines from the US we also have military medical personnel from the Netherlands, France, Canada, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Domican Republic. A personal observation: I believe it is the very nature and purpose of Continuing Promise that has enabled this diverse team to overcome cultural, language and other differences to become a dynamic and effective team.

So what has this team accomplished? Prior to my arrival the ship stopped in Haiti to provide care for the people of Haiti. As I have talked with members of the crew the impact of this port stop is monumental. Each crew member has their story of a child or situation that touched their hearts, how the poverty they witnessed gave them a new-found respect and appreciation for all that we have in the United States. Many tear up as they talk about their Haiti experience and they all regret that they had to move on, wanting to stay in Haiti to ‘do more.”

Obviously there is more to tell, check in tomorrow for more from this amazing vessel!

It’s here - my new passport is here! It’s the last thing on my ’to-do’ list for my  first Embed is finished! Okay, true to form the photo really stinks, but it is here and I’m one step closer to embarking upon the USNS COMFORT. I’m so excited…really…I mean this is…

What is this feeling in my stomach, my heart? I mean, I really am excited about being the first military spouse embed…yet…I’ve done my research, made my plans…

My wonderful mother-in-law is going to keep our 10-month-old Cocker Spaniel, Strydor. She loves my little puppy and Strydor loves her. She half-joking/half-serious quipped, “You know, I may not give him back.” I laughed as she put him in her car but now as I hold this passport a fleeting thought races through my mind, “What if Strydor really bonds with her while I’m gone for so long?” Oh, that is silly thinking. Of course he’ll bond with “GiGi” as we call her, but he is totally “my baby.”

I’m so excited to embark…yet, in recent weeks my husband’s beloved paternal grandmother has faced troubling health issues. “Grandma Terry” welcomed me into her family with open arms and an open heart. I deeply love her. This strong and gracious woman was a Navy WAVE during WWII where she proudly served, met and married her sailor. My heart is heavy with worry that ’something’ might happen to her while I’m gone. There are moments that the knowledge that I can’t ‘just leave’ the ship to come home for her grips my heart with fear and sadness.

I can’t wait to show my husband my Passport - oh how he’ll laugh at the photo! Did I mention how madly in love I am with this man, my Sailor? He is my best friend, my soul mate, my hero. Our god-children tell us we’re “over the top” with our affection for each other. We love being together and treasure each day spent with each other - especially since military service requires so much time apart. You know, this time it is ‘my fault’ that we will be apart…

I am still excited about this and other embed opportunities - but, holding this passport - well, I am taken aback by these feelings. As I mentioned these feelings to my husband he smiled and said, “Welcome to my world, Honey. As deployment approaches we all struggle with guilt for leaving you. I know you’re a strong woman but I fear I won’t be there if you really need me and I will have let you down. We all face these feelings and more.”

Being the one left behind as a spouse - well “tough” is mild. I knew it was hard for our service members to leave us but I did not fully appreciate their challenge till standing in my husband’s shoes. Spouses, this is far harder than they make it look.

So, today I’m packing…packing that passport. I’m traveling to Washington, DC to attend the Milblogger’s Conference before proceeding to meet the ship, USNS COMFORT, already underway.

I’ll be broadcasting each day about my embed experience beginning April 29th on my internet talk show at www.blogtalkradio.com/nht and of course I’ll be posting here. Check out my video posts on www.greatamericans.com!

I hope you’ll follow my journey and join the conversation! What do you want to hear about from the ship?

“Take me out to the ballgame…” Are you a sports fan? Are you a baseball fan? One of my dear friends is such a Chicago fan that she named her dog, a Basset hound, “Wrigley”…as in Wrigley Field. Perhaps more interesting is her husband is a diehard, bleeding-blue, Padres’ fan. Don’t you want to be in their home when schedules conflict? LOL!

If you haven’t heard, this Wednesday night is the Padres Military Opening Night, presented by USAA. While my husband and I cannot attend, I had a great time in advance of this event. Why? Because I received an email from USAA’s John Hancock asking, “Beth, if I gave you 20 field-level tickets could you give them away?” Could I give them away?!?

If you are a regular listener of my show (Navy Homefront Talk! - www.blogtalkradio.com/nht) you know that I am in the midst of the “Year of Give-aways.” I am giving away gifts each week on my show and 20 field-level tickets? You bet I can give them away.

So I went to my list of those listeners who entered my year of give-aways and spent the next few hours having the best time - giving tickets away! I have to tell you about these phone calls.

I contacted a Sr. Chief whose wife entered my drawings asking if they would like tickets for their family. When I offered him up to four tickets he quickly said, “Hey, can I give them to four of my single sailors? They’d LOVE this!” Sr. Chief Caldwell, you made my day!!! I gave him four for his men, and four for his family.

Kirsty, the British-born wife of a Sailor was so excited. Though she lives minutes from Petco Park, she and her three children have never seen an American Baseball Game. She is totally excited!

Photina’s husband is in the midst of work-ups. As a USAA member she was going to pick up tickets for her and their children. “My young daughter is a HUGE Padre’s fan,” she remarked. Well, it turns out her hubby will be home in time for them to go as a family, making a memory before their upcoming deployment.

If you have read my work for long you know that IA’s are my heroes. Through the FFSC we were able to offer four tickets to the family of an IA.

Thank you, USAA, for giving me the opportunity to spend the day giving away such great tickets to those I admire most, my fellow miltiary families and Sailors. By the way, John Hancock will be on my show Wednesday morning at 10:00am to talk about USAA’s Military Opening Night…join us at www.blogtalkradio.com/nht.

The USAA Military Opening Night is packed full of fun! There will be a great pre-game ceremony that includes a special video from a currently deployed service member and a wounded warrior will throw the first pitch. There is a surprise in store for our military children and you can get a free, commemorative T-shirts (reserve yours at https://www.usaaevents.com/padrestshirt/Public/Default.aspx)

Half Price tickets are available for USAA members. Logon to www.padres.com and enter keyword USAA for your discount.

I’m bummed that I can’t make the game, but have a great time! Let me know how it goes, and…I want pics!