Tuesday, August 17, 2010

The Lone Star State

Howdy from the great big, hot state of Texas!!

It was so hard to leave my family on Sunday! I had to choke back the tears as I waved goodbye to Leisy, Zeb and Ike from the window of my airplane. I was in full uniform and I didn't want everyone to think I was leaving to Iraq for several months. I'll only be gone for 28 days! However, with only three behind me 28 seems like an awful long time.

I was so nervous about putting my uniform back on. What if I wasn't wearing it properly? What if I forget to salute someone? What if I get yelled at for not doing something properly??? But once several people in the airport thanked me for my service I remembered how much this uniform represents and how lucky I am to wear it. People stepped out of line to shake my hand, or to tell me good job, or just to tell me how beautiful my family is. Tonight after a busy day of running around trying to get proper computer access and security clearances for both hospitals, I stepped out of my car just as the National Anthem started. I stood at attention and saluted all alone in the parking lot. A sense of pride filled me, and I realized again what an honor it is to wear a uniform that represents the courage and bravery of so many Americans.

I'll be rotating in general peds and pediatric infectious disease while I'm down here. The San Antonio program is a combined Army/Air Force program. I will spend half of the time at Wilford Hall Medical Center and the other half at Brooke Army Medical Center. The docs I will be working with are all really cool. I met most of the pediatric team this morning at morning report. One of the infectious disease docs is Mormon! He seems really cool but will be leaving to Haiti next week so I won't get to work with him. (If I stay in the Air Force long enough I may be able to go on several mission trips like he has!!) I am anxious to actually get started now that I have been here doing nothing but busy work. I'll spend tomorrow morning in the NICU and the afternoon in the peds clinic.


WHMC (Left) BAMC (Right)

The heat is super intense. Everyday is over 100 degrees. I'm not sure if Leisy could live here during the summer. She may need to take extended vacations if I end up here!! Yikes!! San Antonio does seem really cool and has a lot of fun things to do for visitors! I'll go check out the sites this weekend. The Alamo, the famous river walk, Sea World maybe??? Anybody been to San Antonio and can suggest cool things to see?

2 comments:

  1. Kent - I'm so glad you got there safe and are going strong already! My heart goes out to you and Leisy .... what you guys are doing is not easy. I'm so proud of you.

    I loved that you saluted in a lone parking lot. That is awesome and brought tears to my eyes!

    Love you!

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  2. Wow Kent - Makes a mother very proud! Hope your time is very productive and goes by FAST.

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