Khaki Ball

Last night I attended the Khaki Ball in Joe's honor.

I understood this event to be a semi-formal night filled with dinner and dancing within the chief community. I had no idea how touched I would feel while I was there. And how sad that Joe was not able to have this experience.

This event is so much more then just a party. It is the night where newly pinned chiefs and their spouses are welcomed to the Chiefs mess. And boy was I welcomed. I was joined by 11 other wives from the USS Alexandria Goat Locker. Although sad that Joe couldn't be there, the ladies enjoyed making me feel special. We pointed out Joe's name in the program. They encouraged me to stand up when the new chiefs stood up. We took a group picture to send to the boat. We even got a compliment from the speaker of the evening on our support while our men are deployed. He explained how important it is for us to come to the Khaki ball to re-connect with the community and how glad he was that we were here in our husbands places to do so. He wished them well and sent his own "angels" to watch over them.

I was truly amazed at the "re-connected" I witnessed. Hand shakes, hugs and kisses were exchanged all night long. This was family. At points I felt like I was witnessing a big family reunion. And then I would remember that Joey and I are now part of this amazing group of people. Of History. Another family within our tight knit submarine family.

Does it get better then this?

So proud of my Chief. Can't wait to see him in Khaki.
Samantha