Author Topic: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!  (Read 183188 times)

greatsarcasmo

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1050 on: 06 May 2016, 15:41:03 »
I hope you feel that looking back you did a good job - it certainly sounds like it
This is a huge life-event for you so don't be surprised if the transition takes a while to fully settle


I was thinking of posting something myself - I'm now in NY for a holiday but within about 24 hours of arriving ended up needing an ER visit  :'(  fortunately nothing too serious but it's taken out a day or so out of our time here
Yikes? You and/or the wife ok?
Also how was it as a medical professional from another country.
Maker of big things.

DoctorMonkey

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1051 on: 06 May 2016, 15:54:00 »
Me - abdominal pain and vomiting. Being medical I was worried about something gallstone-related or pancreatitis but my blood work was reassuring ok and 4mg of IV morphine and some antiemetic later and I was ok. Final diagnosis was viral gastroenteritis.


The service and care was good, what I would expect or hope for anywhere and the staff were all friendly. I was treated at Mount Sinai Roosevelt and after treatment I felt well enough to walk the 10-14 blocks back to the hotel in the rain at 6am... I may have been a bit high!
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Charlie 6

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1052 on: 06 May 2016, 18:47:44 »
Dan, I hope you feel better. What brings you to the States?

DoctorMonkey

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1053 on: 06 May 2016, 18:51:52 »
Dan, I hope you feel better. What brings you to the States?


Mostly better but taking it easy


It is our 8th wedding anniversary and Rosie has never been to the US. We are here for a week so hopefully my illness won't affect things too much.
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Charlie 6

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1054 on: 06 May 2016, 19:07:44 »

Mostly better but taking it easy


It is our 8th wedding anniversary and Rosie has never been to the US. We are here for a week so hopefully my illness won't affect things too much.
Aside from resting up, where are you staying and what were you planning on you doing?

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1055 on: 06 May 2016, 19:15:01 »
We're at the Hilton Midtown on 6th Avenue and West 54th Street


Rosie has a lot of plans... My main goals are walking and exploring, The Met and Intrepid and enjoying spending time with Rosie
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The Mighty ACHOO

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1056 on: 06 May 2016, 21:22:20 »
Welcome tot he other side of the pond! Have fun! Hope you get better so that you can go exploring.
If you are waiting for me to go out of my mind you will have to wait. The exits are not clearly marked and the doors open the wrong way. Oh, and the doors are trapped!

Arkansas Warrior

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1057 on: 08 May 2016, 13:21:32 »
Gentlemen, indulge me if you will for few moments of your time.

So, I retired on Friday.  Not retired retired as in never working again but held my retirement ceremony from the Marine Corps.  The pomp and circumstance is done.  Pretty much a ‘the Marine Corps Hymn has been played for you; go get the final paperwork on your own time’ sort of thing.  I came home with less people attending than expected and very introspective on the whole matter.  By the by, there’s a shittiness to RSVP’ing ‘yes’ and not showing...keep that in mind in your social engagements.

Introspection follows along the lines of ‘did I achieve enough’ countered against some things the Retiring Officer related to the crowd.  He reached out to folks I’d served with or those that taught me in high school, all of whom couldn’t attend, for comments.  The crux of his statements were that I was the “smart guy”, the “intellectual”, and the one “that challenged our critical thoughts and made us think critically about them.”  Beyond generous about my contributions but frankly those are the kind of things people had said about me since I was a Captain.

I spoke about home.  I’m not sure you guys know this but I’m second generation Marine.  I’ve carried my Father’s sword for 21 years.  It’s been in active service for nearly 50 years (his first one was stolen in Naples in the ‘60s).  The building I retired in, Harry Lee Hall, is a mile from the house where my Mother passed away in when I was twelve.  I rode past the building on the way to elementary school, went to Boy Scouts nearby it, snuck my dog (against policy) in and out of it when we moved, my brother had his prom in the very same room of my ceremony, and my parents had their wedding reception upstairs from it.  Quantico, for lack of a better word, was my hometown and Harry Lee Hall is a good representation of it.

Afterward, I was struck by a theme I never knew existed.  A more junior officer told me that our interactions, particularly over me cracking open books to learn doctrine, had been a mentoring point of his for the last 15 years.  I thought he hated me but he took time out of his day to come thank me.  A peer told me the most career defining moment for him was realizing that he was wrong and I was right.  He, as a Marine Captain, turned to a Navy Captain and said simply, “Sir, I’ve led you astray.  Matt has it right.”  His lesson:  Courage Always.  Lastly, and this was the one that really got me (near to tears mind you) was what one of my former bosses told me after the ceremony.  He said simply that I shouldn’t forget my contribution to those I worked for:  they wouldn’t be in their position if I hadn’t helped them grow too.  Considering he fought his way through two accidents on I-95 that morning just make my remarks during the ceremony when he could have easily blown my retirement off entirely having his aide instead text me something had came up is telling.  But it was when he fiddled with collar, pulled his Major General insignia off his collar and handed them to me (with stern “don’t wear them”) that I nearly lost it.  I guess I took the kind words from my former battalion CO and also my former MEU CO, now a retired Lieutenant General, in the letters they wrote me too much at face value and failed to realize they aren’t just doing it for good form, they actually mean it.

So, after several glasses of wine over the week, and a couple of scotch, I guess I ought to recognize that yes, I made a difference.  Now I need to get off my ass to fulfill my second life goal, raise a family.  See if your two boys can fulfill more lines of Kipling’s ‘IF’ than you could.  Be the best of men to my wife.

Anyway, those are my thoughts after 21 years of service.  Outside of my wife, you are the folks with whom I share this stuff.  Thanks for reading.

Semper Fidelis, Matt
Congratulations and well done sir.  I hope the job hunt's going well.  What field are you looking at?
Sunrise is Coming.

All Hail First Prince Melissa Davion, the Patron Saint of the Regimental Combat Team, who cowed Dainmar Liao, created the Model Army, and rescued Robinson!  May her light ever guide the sons of the Suns, May our daughters ever endeavour to emulate her!

Charlie 6

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1058 on: 08 May 2016, 17:22:34 »
Congratulations and well done sir.  I hope the job hunt's going well.  What field are you looking at?
Welp, I either go with Subject Matter Expert/Analyst OR Program Management.  I doubt Business Development is in my future at least within the National Defense Industry.  I applied for one job already and been told "let's talk more" by another company, both local and related to the Naval Services.  I also have another offerish-like thing available but I don't have a lot of faith in it.  Particularly since it involves exotic travel.  I'm done with that.

The Mighty ACHOO

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1059 on: 08 May 2016, 20:55:47 »
Good luck with the job hunt.  O0
If you are waiting for me to go out of my mind you will have to wait. The exits are not clearly marked and the doors open the wrong way. Oh, and the doors are trapped!

Arkansas Warrior

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1060 on: 09 June 2016, 20:53:40 »
Got an interview next week at my high school alma mater.  Prayers would be appreciated.
Sunrise is Coming.

All Hail First Prince Melissa Davion, the Patron Saint of the Regimental Combat Team, who cowed Dainmar Liao, created the Model Army, and rescued Robinson!  May her light ever guide the sons of the Suns, May our daughters ever endeavour to emulate her!

Acolyte

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1061 on: 09 June 2016, 23:15:59 »
You've got my best wishes!

   - Shane
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It is by caffeine alone that I set my mind in motion.

DoctorMonkey

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1062 on: 10 June 2016, 00:52:16 »
Best wishes from me


I am in pretty flat out denial about a work review next week at the moment - a boot up the bum would be appreciated!
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The Mighty ACHOO

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1063 on: 10 June 2016, 23:19:27 »
Would some long range sniper fire help? I am too old to do much butt kicking anymore.
If you are waiting for me to go out of my mind you will have to wait. The exits are not clearly marked and the doors open the wrong way. Oh, and the doors are trapped!

DoctorMonkey

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1064 on: 11 June 2016, 12:24:52 »
Would some long range sniper fire help? I am too old to do much butt kicking anymore.


That would be good, or Charlie 6 can give me a whole battalion fire mission - I can live with some excessive collateral damage
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Weirdo

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1065 on: 11 June 2016, 15:40:02 »
I can live with some excessive collateral damage

You...you grok me, y'know?
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Charlie 6

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1066 on: 11 June 2016, 18:33:29 »
Got an interview next week at my high school alma mater.  Prayers would be appreciated.
Good luck with the interview!

The Mighty ACHOO

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1067 on: 11 June 2016, 22:30:36 »
Break somebody else's leg! (Breaking your own cramps your style and makes the commute a real pain.)
If you are waiting for me to go out of my mind you will have to wait. The exits are not clearly marked and the doors open the wrong way. Oh, and the doors are trapped!

Arkansas Warrior

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1068 on: 14 June 2016, 19:18:10 »

That would be good, or Charlie 6 can give me a whole battalion fire mission - I can live with some excessive collateral damage
I don't know, being retired now he probably doesn't have access to that much firepower anymore.  If he does I'm very, very worried.
Sunrise is Coming.

All Hail First Prince Melissa Davion, the Patron Saint of the Regimental Combat Team, who cowed Dainmar Liao, created the Model Army, and rescued Robinson!  May her light ever guide the sons of the Suns, May our daughters ever endeavour to emulate her!

Charlie 6

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1069 on: 14 June 2016, 19:34:35 »
I don't know, being retired now he probably doesn't have access to that much firepower anymore.  If he does I'm very, very worried.
Does it make you feel any better that I've been offered a job as a Fires Analyst?  When is your interview?

Dan, I hope your work review went well.

DoctorMonkey

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1070 on: 15 June 2016, 13:25:01 »
Does it make you feel any better that I've been offered a job as a Fires Analyst?  When is your interview?


Battle damage analysis?
Up 100, left 50 and fire for effect?
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Charlie 6

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1071 on: 16 June 2016, 07:33:25 »

Battle damage analysis?
Up 100, left 50 and fire for effect?
I'll be a contractor working in support of the Science and Technology Division at the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory.  No concrete idea as to what I'll be doing or even really for whom.  I think it will be more along the lines of setting up projects for future experiments but I really don't know.

DoctorMonkey

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1072 on: 16 June 2016, 17:05:36 »
I'll be a contractor working in support of the Science and Technology Division at the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory.  No concrete idea as to what I'll be doing or even really for whom.  I think it will be more along the lines of setting up projects for future experiments but I really don't know.


That sounds good and as though it may well be a good transition role to further outside the USMC if you want it to be
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Arkansas Warrior

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1073 on: 23 June 2016, 21:43:16 »
Does it make you feel any better that I've been offered a job as a Fires Analyst?  When is your interview?

Dan, I hope your work review went well.
Last Wednesday.  Since I haven't heard back, I'm guessing it didn't so well.   Hardly shocking, several of the questions caught me pretty off guard and left me going "Umm, well, uh...let me think about that.  [pause]  Ok, here we go...[answer]"
Sunrise is Coming.

All Hail First Prince Melissa Davion, the Patron Saint of the Regimental Combat Team, who cowed Dainmar Liao, created the Model Army, and rescued Robinson!  May her light ever guide the sons of the Suns, May our daughters ever endeavour to emulate her!

Charlie 6

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1074 on: 24 June 2016, 07:57:55 »
Last Wednesday.  Since I haven't heard back, I'm guessing it didn't so well.   Hardly shocking, several of the questions caught me pretty off guard and left me going "Umm, well, uh...let me think about that.  [pause]  Ok, here we go...[answer]"
Or they could be interviewing a bunch of candidates which takes time.  Give it until Monday and call them back to inquire about the status.  If you don't mind me asking, what resources and networks are you leaning on in your job hunt?

Arkansas Warrior

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1075 on: 25 June 2016, 00:36:12 »
Eh, mostly applying for government jobs through the state's job site.  Sometimes I'll hear about something through a friend or a networking page my alma mater maintains for alumni.  I won't say it isn't a little haphazard though.  I did get a call today setting up an interview for another job next week though.  We'll see how that goes.
Sunrise is Coming.

All Hail First Prince Melissa Davion, the Patron Saint of the Regimental Combat Team, who cowed Dainmar Liao, created the Model Army, and rescued Robinson!  May her light ever guide the sons of the Suns, May our daughters ever endeavour to emulate her!

Charlie 6

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1076 on: 25 June 2016, 12:35:32 »
Eh, mostly applying for government jobs through the state's job site.  Sometimes I'll hear about something through a friend or a networking page my alma mater maintains for alumni.  I won't say it isn't a little haphazard though.  I did get a call today setting up an interview for another job next week though.  We'll see how that goes.
Well, that's good news.  Keep pressing.  If you feel like your interview skills need some work then call a local college to see if they know about business interview courses.  Also, reach out to employers you are interested in, but don't have availability, and ask to do an informational interview.  It lets you practice your skills while learning about the company.  Also, HR folks talk to HR folks so a good showing on your part might result in referral.  Good luck.

Charlie 6

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1077 on: 29 June 2016, 14:15:24 »
Apropos of nothing, due to two misspellings in one post up North I have a strong urge to name a Battlemech "Mario Malitia".  My only issue is which 'Mech to paint.

In other news my wife is resigning from her position today; fortunately she starting next week at what hope to be a better opportunity.  I suspect her immediate supervisor will figure out some way to keep her there until past 4pm because that's the type of person her boss is.

Also, I just went back to page one of this read and a) realized it started over two and half years ago and b) how many former posters have not been on the forums in a while.  Bummer.  Hope everyone present or otherwise occupied is doing well.

S/F

Matt

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1078 on: 29 June 2016, 14:23:20 »
I do love silly names that come from misreading something, mispronouncing it or misspelling it - I was recently talking to friends about UPSI (pronounced oopsie) which stands for Unprotected Sexual Intercourse... which is normally an oopsie moment


Good luck to your wife in her new job, is it in the same field of business? (I seem to remember it's property related, maybe what we call an estate agent in the uk?)


Several now-irregular posters on here are still well and active on Facebook - come and join Matt, the sky won't fall on you...
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Charlie 6

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1079 on: 29 June 2016, 14:29:47 »
I do love silly names that come from misreading something, mispronouncing it or misspelling it - I was recently talking to friends about UPSI (pronounced oopsie) which stands for Unprotected Sexual Intercourse... which is normally an oopsie moment


Good luck to your wife in her new job, is it in the same field of business? (I seem to remember it's property related, maybe what we call an estate agent in the uk?)


Several now-irregular posters on here are still well and active on Facebook - come and join Matt, the sky won't fall on you...
I have been feeling the pull to face the 'Book, Dan.  Whereas I could previously lurk on some merchant sites I get periodically blocked by silliness of a "YOU MUST LOGIN OR REGISTER NOW!!!!" half obscured screen.  Maybe this week, I'll set up an account..

The wife does event planning.  After she put in her resignation a number of folks have commented on her skill set (Master of Arts in Business Leadership) being underutilized.  The next job offers her better opportunities and hopefully won't put her in a position of burning bridges with vendors the way her soon-to-be former boss does.

How'd the review go?