This was sent to me a few years ago by my son, Dashiell, who now is stationed in San Diego.  He serves as an electrician on the Arleigh Burke class destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88.)  He is in for the long haul, now a Petty Officer 2^nd Class, working his way up, has his junior college degree, taking other classes, and to me has earned many certificates including second class diver, proficient with hand guns, heavy machine guns, boarding ships ( duty off South American coast), and continues his education.The TV News says he is part of the new Navy unit to be headed by a Marine General for the deployment of 40,000 US Marines in the Middle East.

He is a big Harley Davidson motorcycle fan. While he loves his large black

 Dodge truck, it is his “bike” he rode up to see me in Santa Clara, California,

and his sister Ashley, Lamoille, Nevada.

When he lived in Elko, Nevada, he had a toy poodle called “Weezer.”

He would put goggles on the dog, put him in a nap sack on the side

of his bike, and the dog would stick his face out into the wind.  Dash

says his dog would bark, go up to the bike, and tell him, he wanted

to go for a ride.

He said they went everywhere together.

When he joined the Navy, Weezer was given to his best friend.

It was like going off to college, as Dash continued his college

education, plus continues to improve his military skills and knowledge.

Whether the war in Iraq is a “strategic catastrophe” or not, our airmen, coast guard, marines, national guard, sailors , Seabees, serve to protect our country.  They don’t choose the wars, the locations, the causes whether good or bad, right or wrong, but serve to protect our peace.

 I know “Weezer” would go anywhere with my son, trusting him.

 I trust my son to protect our country wherever he is sent.

   Kit Menkin

 

    “ A boy can learn a lot from a dog: obedience, loyalty, and the

   importance of turning around three times before lying down."

                                                   - Robert Benchley

    * Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

    * Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face

         to be pure ecstasy.

    * When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

    * When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.

    * Let others know when they've invaded your territory.

    * Take naps and stretch before rising.

    * Run, romp and play daily.

    * Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.  Stop when you've had enough.

    * Be loyal.

    * Never pretend to be something you're not.

    * If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

    * When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by

       and nuzzle them gently.

    * Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

    * Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

    * On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

    * On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.

    * When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

    * No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt

       thing and pout ...run right back and make friends.

   * Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

http://www.navysite.de/dd/ddg88.htm

http://www.preble.navy.mil/default.htm

Sue and I were at the commissioning of the ship:

http://www.raytheon.com/businesses/rids/preble.html

Dash is in the photo:

  Welcome aboard USS PREBLE (DDG 88), the most technologically advanced warship to ever go to sea. Employing modern propulsion, sensors, passive defenses and a variety of weapons systems, USS PREBLE was designed to go fast and to put ordnance on target. She is being built to take the fight to the enemy. Even with her advanced capabilities, the single most important factor for USS PREBLE’s success in the future is you, the Sailor.

J. K. Jester

CMDCM(SW), U. S.  Navy

Command Master Chief

 

Your assignment to USS PREBLE has set you apart from other members of the Naval Service.  USS PREBLE is only assigned the best so you should be congratulated on your selection to serve on her!  Many years from now, you will look back on your time onboard and be justifiably proud.  USS PREBLE will be at the “Tip of the Spear” well into the 21^st century.  How she sails into the future depends on how we do our jobs.  I look forward to this challenge and look forward to working with you!  Welcome aboard!

  

Sincerely,

C. B. Graham

Lieutenant Commander, U. S. Navy

Executive Officer