Today is one of the proudest days of my life. During the Chief initiation process I was asked why I think Ashlea will make a great Chief. Superlatives fail me, so I will tell you a short story that sums it up quite nicely. Six and a half years ago, HM3 Churchill met a fellow sailor aboard the USS Nimitz. This sailor was going nowhere fast. He was floating aimlessly through his time in the Navy and basically just collecting a paycheck. This is the kind of sailor that would drive me nuts if I met him today. Shortly after meeting HM3 Churchill this sailors father died unexpectedly. His father was one of his closest friends and this was a pivotal moment in this mans life. Its not overstating the situation to say that his life could have spiraled out of control and gone in a very different direction. HM3 Churchill mentored this man. She motivated him, pushed him, challenged him and made him a better person. She also loved him, married him and gave him two amazing children. She is the single biggest reason I am the man I am today. Im far from perfect but I cant imagine where Id be today without her. After only 9 short years, there is already an entire fleet of sailors that are better today because of her. You ask me if I think shell be a great Chief, I tell you they shes always been a great Chief. Today is just the day that the rank finally catches up with her. To quote a great friend, I love it when the Navy gets it right. The Navy definitely got this one right. Congratulations, sweetheart! We are so damn proud of you.
Posted on: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 00:48:16 +0000
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