Retirement

Retirement.

The one word I thought I'd never say. Well, at least not for a long time. Next spring, I will finally pull chocks (that's a nautical term) and depart the United States Navy.

Laton, me and Keith (circa 1985)

After nearly 36 years, it's time. I joined the summer of my junior-senior year when my parents were on vacation. I was a sneaky one back then. Laton was in college, Keith would soon start and I didn't want my parents to be burdened with my college expenses so I joined.

Dad had to the sign the papers and mom didn't speak with me for nearly a month. She's over it now...

Dad in his dress uniform

Uncle Hoyt's Cracker Jacks

My family has always been supportive of me and my Navy career...Uncle Jim, Uncle Bill and others have always told me they were proud of me and frequently asked what I'd be doing next and where will I'd be going. I am  proud of my family for serving: Uncle Hoyt Jr (Navy), Uncle Glenn (Army-National Guard), Uncle Bill Curry (Marines), Uncle Bill Blakley (Navy), Uncle Jim (Marines) and my Dad (Army). I still have my Uncle Hoyt's Cracker Jack blues from his days in the Navy hanging in the closet. I think my grandparents (Hoyt and Ruby - Dad's folks) were supportive and proud...she would always tell me to come back home anytime I needed some home-cooking (she was a fantastic cook)! She even gave me a $2 bill so I’d never be poor.

Barracks photo

I felt that serving was something more than myself. I just wanted to serve the Nation and this was the way I wanted to do that..."travel the world" my recruiter said...I saw San Diego...for four years.

My HMC rating badge..1994

Making Hospital Corpsman Chief (HMC) in 1994 was a huge milestone. Being called Chief was one of the highlights of my career. I wore those anchors proudly and really enjoyed being a part of the Goat Locker.

Valley of the Temples, Agrigento, Sicily

I didn't travel the world until I came back on active duty in 1999...but first, a nice little tour at the Pentagon. Three years there and many miles of walking around the five-sided puzzle palace, I was off to Sicily for the next tour.

Kids on the ceramic steps of Caltagirone, Sicily

Ah, bella Sicilia...one of my favorite places. The only thing I didn't like about Sicily was the coffee. Sad isn't it since now I have major coffee issues. The expressos I shared with LtCol Antonio Gibilisco were over quick chats where he would drink his cup in one or two sips. I would put at least three packets of sugar in mine! He accepted me with open arms and a kiss on each cheek and we never parted ways without saying "ciao."

Japan, Omaha, Seattle, Norfolk, Pearl Harbor and finally Millington. Traveling the world means exactly that. I have never done two tours back to back in one location. I never felt it was fair of me to ask...I joined to serve. I have never been selfish in asking for orders...I joined to serve. I know many officers who expect the Navy to cater to their demands and give them exactly what they want...for their spouse's career, their daughter's ballet, kids in high school, etc. I've just never asked. I guess it's simply a matter of respect and common decency to never ask...you join, you go do, for the mere purpose of putting the Navy first.

I have put the Navy first for most of my life...now it's my turn to support my wife, my kids and the rest of the Curry clan when they need me. I've wiped too many tears from my kid's eyes every time we have moved...now, I can go with them and help them when they need me. Both will be in college after I retire next spring so I will have that luxury to be there and available.

I met Marti later in life...at a time in my life when I was struggling on who I was and what I needed to be doing. Deep down I feel I have know her for many years. I consider her my best friend, my valued partner, my mentor, my PAO, my advocate and more. I'm just proud that she saw past my faults, past my baggage, past my fears and chose to love me...and only me. She loves me unconditionally and a man would never ask for more.

I guess you just have to make the decision that it's time...time to leave the very institution you took an oath of service...an oath of sacrifice...an oath to defend against all enemies, foreign and domestic...a commitment not only from me but my family...one can never forget the many sacrifices a family makes when serving in the military. Making new friends every two to three years, moving schools, moving households and more...they sacrifice. You can't tell me they don't.

I have no regrets about my decision but I am ready to move on. I am ready for a new chapter in my life...to be a caring and loving husband, father, son, uncle, brother and friend.

HM2 Curry, 1988, San Diego, with hair

I've had so many titles during my career but those don't define me. HM3, doc, Chief, ensign, PAO, commander, knucklehead, 'hey-you' and more...those are just names. They have been a part of me for so many years but still those titles haven't defined me nor will they define the man I want to be.

CDR Curry, 2015, US Pacific Fleet Boathouse photo

Right now, I am looking forward to having the title of hubby and daddio...I'm ready to just do that for a long time.

Some folks have asked me what I'll be doing next...

Well, I just don't know...but I'll have plenty of time to write some more blogs and drink coffee.

Retirement living is where the fun will be...with family.

Bring it on!