On this Christmas Morning...'

BBWSex4u: BBW Discussions: On this Christmas Morning...'

My last Christmas on active duty.

I walked into the Ready Room at 0755 and approached the Duty Officer’s desk. “’Morning Lieutenant, you’re relief is here.”

The bored officer sitting behind the desk looked up at me as a smile started across his face. “Right on time Gunny, and Merry Christmas, Marine Corps style, to ya!” We passed a few pleasantries and at precisely 0800 we stood and the responsibilities of Squadron Duty Officer was informally passed to me, just as my “A” Duty walked in.

I sat down behind the desk and grabbed the duty log and started writing:

25 December, 1988

0800 - I, Gunnery Sergeant John A. XXXXXX, have assumed the duties as Squadron Duty Officer for XXXXXX. I have read and understand all orders pertaining to this post.

I then called the Group Duty Officer and reported in. A boring 24 hours was about to begin.

My A duty was a Lance Corporal I had known for some time and trusted, so I knew I wasn’t just on baby sitting duty for someone’s problem child. I told him I was going to make the rounds and he came over and sat behind the desk.

Slowly I walked through the topside level of the Squadron’s space checking all doors and office’s. On all the secured areas there were initial sheets and I dutifully signed them all. Going down to the hanger deck I did the same then walked out to the flight line. The weather was clear and bright with a slight chill in the air. There lined up in front of me was the squadron’s aircraft, all in a neat precise row extending out from the hanger. I started out, checking the chocks and chains and canopy covers on each one as I went.

As I was about half way down the row, a loud clear voice rang out, “Halt! Who’s there?”

I turned slowly to see a very alert PFC in full war gear about 15 paces behind me aiming his M16 in my direction (but not exactly at me) . “XXXXXX Squadron Duty Officer, Gunnery Sergeant XXXXXX,” I called back to the one of three flight line guards confronting me. After consulting a list in his left hand he called back, “Advance and be recognized.”

As I approached him I looked to my left and spotted another one the flight line guards standing tight against another squadron’s aircraft with his M16 also pointed in my direction. As I got 6 paces from the guard (another Marine I had served with for awhile and knew well,) he said “Halt, you are recognized.” and snapped into “Present Arms.” I saluted him back and he responded with “PFC XXXXXX reporting Post Number Three all secure, Si…, er Gunny.” I approached him and did a quick inspection (The Marine Corps is nothing if not formal!) and told him to relax. I looked to my left and noted that the other guard had faded once again into the background of the orderly confusion that is any flight line.

After passing a few pleasantries I resumed my tour of the flight line as he resumed his. In all about 30 minutes had gone by when I returned to the Ready Room. Twenty three and half hours to go.

I won’t bore you with the details of what was a very boring 24 hours as I stood SDO on my last Christmas in the Marines. I’ll just get to the point. As you read this, all over the world there are Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen standing their posts and watches who would much rather be some place else on Christmas morning. But each one of them is a volunteer who has pledged to keep our great country safe and free. And they do it with professionalism and pride in their uniform. And the vast majority of them are bored out of their minds. So please take a moment on this very special day to give each of them a quick toast and a thought. It’s the least they ask for.

You may now return to you reguarily scheduled Christmas Day confusion, mayhem, and debauchery.

Thank you to all of our service men & women who are standing watch today around the world! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

God bless 'em all...

....and, Sirjohn, thank you for the reminder...

Sir John, I want to thank you for that. I say a prayer for all our men and women in uniform daily.

To the members of all our Services, Thank you so much for your sacrifices. And I hope all of you had a Blessed Christmas, and will have a wonderful, and safe New Year to come.