Those of us who have served in the Armed Forces feel great pride in our duties to protect our great nation. It is an honor the 98% of the American public who have served or will never serve can't understand. I have had several special moments in my military career which has spanned over 42 years now.
Aside from my first enlistment at the AAFES Station in Boston, MA way back in August 1978, my four reenlistments, and then eventual retirement, two occasions old a special place in my heart. The pinning on of my son Richard "Bud" Johnsen when he graduated from Officer's Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia back in 2009 and most recently, having the honor to conduct the reenlist of one of my sailors, Electronic Technician Second Class (ET2) Jon Hill.
Over the last year, it has been a great pleasure to supervise this young man. He is smart, dedicated to the Navy, humble, and a fantastic guy. I was honored when he asked me if I would conduct the ceremony on a cold February morning in front of the flag poles at the entrance to our Housing and Dining Facility at Naval Support Facility Deveselu, Romania. Thank you ET2 for allowing me this prideful moment.
LT Aaron Mitchem witnessed the ceremony for us, he is an awesome leader and an incredible asset to our Security Forces team as our SECO (Security Officer).
It was great to accomplish the ceremony and yes, I was choked up when I gave a short speech to the small band of dedicated warriors who attended.
Not sure why the flag is at half-staff....😮
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