Farewell, Navy

Friday was one of Jocelyn's last official days in the Navy, so I wanted to take this opportunity to thank her for serving our country. Her colleagues and co-workers hosted a farewell lunch at a local restaurant, where she was presented with a wooden oar. 

Earlier in the day at Reveille, she received an award from the command to commemorate her achievements over the last three years. Fortunately, her mother was able to able to be present and even had the privilege of getting her daughter's last Navy eye exam! 

As her award reads: 

 

Lieutenant Herman facilitated the in processing of 20,000 Marine recruits and ensured deployment readiness for 3,000 active duty Marines. Averaging 2,800 Patient encounters and 4,700 RVU's per year, she earned $900,000 prospective payment system dollars for the Naval Hospital. In addition, her scheduling improvements at the Marine Corps Air Station Optometry Clinic reduced patient waiting times by 75 percent and no-show rates by 50 percent. Lieutenant Herman's initiative and dedication reflected credit upon herself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

 

Well, I'm not sure what some of those numbers mean but it definitely sounds impressive! What I most admire was her ability to always put the patient first, despite so many other distractions and pressure from her superiors to play politics. Jocelyn will be the first to tell you that she was not in the 'real Navy', but she still made a sacrifice to serve and even volunteered for overseas service. On top of this she was the FRG leader for my company, a demanding and often thankless position, and was forced to cope with my absence in maintaining the household. Jocelyn somehow managed to fulfill all three responsibilities with diligence and grace, in a way that magnified God's faithfulness. So, this was a sad day for her in a way, leaving the familiar behind and starting a new stage in our lives, but I am thankful for the sacrifice Jocelyn is making for the sake of our family.