Suitable for Yokosuka

In case you can't read the doctor scratch above, it says "suitable for overseas transfer to Yokosuka." Yay! Wow was it a nerve wrecking experience. The doctor basically reviewed all my medical records with a fine tooth comb, asking me questions about old problems and medicines I was taking. While it dosen't sound intimidating, let me just say...it was...the doctor didn't exam me, she just examined what was in my records, making stops at all the other doctors' notes and asking questions I had already answered at my doctor's office when I had originally gone in to be seen. After every answer I gave, my mind raced, "Did I say something wrong? What if this is the thing that will disqualify me?" I have a pretty clean medical record, no real problems, but still....whew....

So, does this mean I am now cleared to accompany John to Yokosuka? No. It just means I passed the medical porition. I won't really know until we hear back from the Admirial's Office if I'm an a-okay for launch.

Additionally, as part of my rediness, I had to complete a "threat awareness" course offered by the military for family members going overseas. This course attempts to combine all overseas duties into one lump training. So I learned all about ducking gernades, driving with your windows up in the hot desert sun, and how I might be suprised to know that the US is not all loved around the world. The course also sparked my memory of the 1995 cynide and sarin chemical attacks on the Tokyo subway. I had forgotten all about that. Thanks, Awarness Training, for putting that back in my mind. Thanks.

However, when they got to the history portion about past attacks, I had to challenge some of their conclusions. Was the Ft. Hood shooter really a US threat? I don't think so. He was a crazy person who didn't like his job, didn't like his life, and had a crazed religious agaenda. He just snapped. Was he a threat to those around him? Yes absolutely. But a threat to the governement? Well....I guess I could debate that all day...since you know, my major is in political science.

All discourse aside, I passed the course with flying colors and here's a picture of me the proud graduate with the certificate. Yay me!