Wrapping up the Marathon

The Army sent me to Naval Postgraduate School in January, 2006. I kept the family back in Olympia, Washington in order to help my sister overcome the harsh aftermath of our father's suicide back in Jamestown, Ohio--the third death in our immediate family and the second by suicide.

This is perhaps the best assignment in the Army--earning a Master's Degree on the Army's dime in Monterey, California. Those 18 months were very rewarding personally and professionally. I earned a Master of Science in Low Intensity Conflict while playing acoustic music downtown, sharpening my chess game at the NPS Chess Club (thanks Professor Arquilla!) and my public speaking skills with the NPS Toastmasters Club (Thanks Carl and Arnie!).

That 18 month "geographical bachelor" stint was followed by a two-year assignment with the 2nd Infantry Division in Uijeongbu, South Korea. Again, with the family remaining home to look after my sister. Another professionally rewarding assignment with the US Army in a great organization. Time to return to Olympia, Washington to resume duties with the Army's I Corps at Fort Lewis. Finally, I can come home from work and sleep in my own bed!