Happy 2005!
2004 has been quite a year as we reflect on all the changes and steps forward we have made as individuals and as a couple.
Since we arrived here in September of 2003, so much has happened . Jed has become instrumental in his Division
as Lead Petty Officer, has been awarded Honor Graduate status after completing the already difficult training to become a
U.S. Navy Diver, been appointed Lead Dive Petty Officer, named boat-wide PT coordinator, has lead the Bremerton Soccer
Team, engaged in many triathlons, and most impressively of all, has won the elusive honor of Sailor of the Year.
First he won the prestigious U.S.S. Bremerton Sailor of the Year Award, which named him #1 Senior Sailor on his
boat. Then he competed against all 7 boats in his Squadron and won, thereby being named Squadron Sailor of the Year.
These are all once in a lifetime achievements and each is an amazing honor.
On January 13th, Jed won Sailor of the Year for Navy Region Hawaii (out of over 2300 sailors!). The next round
of Boards is held in San Diego, where Jed will compete to be named Pacific Fleet Sailor of the Year! We will be in San
Diego from February 22-26. During this time, Jed will be observed daily and then have his interview on the 25th.
That evening there will be an awards ceremony. He will be competing against the Navy Region Sailor of the Year winners
from Washington, Guam and California. The winner (um, Jed?!) in San Diego advances to the final round which is
open to the Sailors of the Year who have gone through similar competitions within the surface ship, Navy Seals and
other Naval communities. We do not know where this will be yet, but we think probably Washington D.C.
We are counting our blessings and saying prayers that Jed goes the whole way. He truly deserves it! Thank
you to those of you who are saying prayers, lighting candles, and sending positive thoughts Jed's way. He can feel your
presence and appreciates your support!
As for me, after a brief stint in the Destination Management field, I changed gears careerwise. In addition
to teaching Online classes in Business and Anthropology through Ellis College of NYIT, I became a licensed Massage Therapist
and Bodyworker. My dreams are blossoming into reality and I am grateful for the opportunities that are unfolding for
the new year.....more to come on that front.....
To bring 2004 to a close, we celebrated Christmas in Albany, NY and then brought in the New Year with a few
close friends and family members, by celebrating our marriage in traditional style - church and all. It was truly a
wish come true for us and we thank everyone who helped to make it so special!
While 2004 has been grand, I am sure 2005 will not be outdone. Summer in Austria with family will be a blast,
and Jed will use the opportunity to test his mettle at the Ironman competition in Klagenfurt. Prayers are welcome!
As for what else the year has in store for us? Only time will tell.
In the meantime, many of you have already informed us that you are coming to visit - we embrace you with arms of Aloha.
To the rest of you, be in touch soon, before the guest room is booked up!
Much Love to you~
Rebecca & Jed
