Going Away for a Few Days...

I got word this morning that someone who used to work for me died last week. We were both civilian employees of the DoD and he was on my team. In our roles, we would ocassionally head "outside the wire" ... into the field for various ops ("missions"). On one such trip, spring 2024, things went less than ideal and I literally owe him my life. I left that role back at the beginning of this year and he left shortly after me.

He went on to a new role that would have him operating outside the wire more often. He was a sheepdog's sheepdog. If you ever found yourself in a pile of shit, this is the man you would pray was there with you. Anyway, his number came up last week and his body arrived home on Saturday, his soul having already moved on.

I'm spending time today polishing leather and brass. I have not had an ocassion to put on my dress whites since 2023, but I will put them on this week for him. He was army when he was active and I was navy; and we teased each other constantly over that. But our paths crossed when we both were seeking a way to make the world a better place.

Anyway, despite the eleven hour drive, I have decided to drive rather than fly. I could fly, but I think I need the time that the drive will afford me. I leave early tomorrow morning and will drive back either Friday or Saturday. I'll have you guys with me and will check in from time to time but likely less than usual; and if my mood is off you will know why.

While I'm gone, please be kind to one another. Seek understanding over victory.