A happy ending

Last week we were dealing with our own mini crisis-my daughters engagement ring was taken from her visiting officers quarters where she is in training. She felt secure there and had a hard lesson in reality just as others have had in summer training and even on the Yard. After reporting it and visiting pawn shops around the base she became resigned to her loss-until it magically reappeared today. It is a happy ending that I wish could be multiplied for many others. The lesson learned-vigilance and using precautions-will stand her in good stead in the future no matter where she is.

I think we all have a certain sense of security when it comes to being on a domestic military base-at least we did until the events at FT Hood unfolded. I am sure many of you have had a hard time getting your minds around those events. What most of you don't know is one of our own USNA moms worked right down the hall from the alleged assailant. I was worried sick. I finally did hear from her a few days ago-and all is well although she is running ragged taking care of her patients. It is funny where the USNA connections lead. But more importantly what seemed like a big loss became a drop in the bucket compared to so much more. The true diamonds are the men and women who paid the ultimate price.