In less than 48 hours, my recruiter will pick me up. In less than 72 hours, I will swear in again at MEPS and officially become a recruit for the United States Navy.
I will miss my family, friends, and home — but I am ready to move on, challenge myself, and serve my country’s Navy.
I am 36 years old. I have overcome many things already, and I know I have the strength inside me to overcome even more.
This path is my choice. No one made it for me. And I will continue to choose strength each time I am challenged by my RDCs at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes.
Every challenge they place in front of me will make me a stronger man and prepare me to be a capable sailor. I will bring a mindset of stoicism, fearlessness, strength, grace, and determination with me to bootcamp. There is no need to fear what lies ahead. All I need is my mind and the Lord Jesus Christ by my side — and I will overcome every obstacle set before me.
When I get on the plane to Chicago, I will leave behind my fears, family, and friends. When I return to visit after training, my family and friends will still be here — but my fears will be gone, withered and left behind forever.
No longer will I fear for my future. No longer will I question whether I’m doing all I can to improve my life and my family’s life. The fear of “Can I do this?” will be replaced by the proof that I have.
I will also leave behind my current living situation. No more sharing space with nine aquariums in my father’s back room — the room I once lived in as a boy. No more living among the fish breeding tanks that stole my freedom and privacy. No more staying in a city that has lost its heart — a place that has become expensive, crowded, and unrecognizable.
I leave these things behind for good.
When I step off the bus at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, my life as a sailor begins.
I will embrace being pushed to my limits. I will embrace the discipline of doing what I’m told, and doing it well. I will rely on Jesus Christ, my division, and my own steady breathing to get me through the hardest moments. I will remember that I am only as strong as the weakest member of my team — and I will help lift them up.
I will embrace becoming a leader. I will embrace the Sailor’s Creed. I will embrace becoming the man who rises to every challenge and refuses to give up.
I embrace my new life as a United States Navy Sailor — ready to serve my God and my country with strength, honor, and pride.