Vernacular - Learning the Language

ver•nac•u•lar

Pronunciation: \ ver-nak-yuh-ler, vuh-nak-\
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin vernācul ( us ) household, domestic, native
Date: 1623
1. the native speech or language of a place.
2. the language or vocabulary peculiar to a class or profession.
3. the plain variety of language in everyday use by ordinary people.

When Jacob first said he had to go to MEPS, I wasn’t the only one who was confused. My housemate, a former marine, did not know what it stood for. Of course, in my odd brain, one of the things that came to mind was Beaker, the Muppet character who only says “meeps” (MEPS is pronounced with a short vowel /e/).

Military Entrance Processing Station – MEPS – is a nondescript building not far from the Portland Airport. No matter what branch of the military you are joining you process through this facility. Entrance tests, medical exams, orientations, all take place here. All recruits also sign their contacts and swear in at MEPS. So I am learning the language.

Jacob was one of seven Air Force recruits to leave on Tuesday. The day was stereotypical in many ways (hurry up and wait). Family needed to arrive before 8:00 a.m. to witness the swearing in ceremony. I of course was there just after 7. It gave me the opportunity to meet the other Air Force recruits since the swearing in didn’t happen until 10:30 a.m.

The teacher in me kicked in as well. One recruit was having a very difficult time remembering the Air Force Core Values. In that moment I said “ISE” (pronounced “ice’). He smiled and said I think that I can remember.

Integrity First
Service Before Self
Excellence in All We Do

There is a lot more for me to learn. I have time, however – six years to learn Air Force speak. Today I am very thankful for my first phone call from Jacob. He sounded great – describing “zero” week, knowing that the next weeks will be harder. No care packages allowed, but letters are welcome. I finally have something to do – and I can stop carrying my phone into the bathroom with me.

What Worked for Me Today
Having the phone at my side!

Minutia
Watch Beaker sing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAtBki0PsC0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpcUxwpOQ_A
He’s actually using words in the one below – a Cold Play song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Phyg_uIPQII&feature=related

Ululate - Letting Go

ul•u•late

Pronunciation: \ UHL-uh-layt\
Function: verb
Etymology: from Latin ululāre to howl, from ulula screech owl]
Date: 1623
1. to howl or wail, as with grief

Yesterday my son raised his right hand, took an oath and gave himself to the United States Government. I am not sure that he is the one who should have been asked. Perhaps, just perhaps, if we asked the mothers and sisters and girlfriends in the room, perhaps the answer would be different.
It is difficult for me to have Jacob gone on many levels.

Politically I have been opposed to registration for the draft since I was in college. I have developed the belief that either we all serve, or no one serves – a model not too dissimilar to Israel. Unfortunately, that has not meant the lessoning of hostility or the need for the military, but it has leveled the playing field.

I am also jaded. I begrudgingly had to admit that at least the contract that Jacob signed was honest. In my words (not theirs) the contract read “We may hand you a gun and tell you to kill people.” These first two arguments are the same for any child looking at the military.

That is just it – child. Jacob is my son. I did not give him to the United States Government. They do not have my permission to take him. They did not ask me.

So I join a group of people – not just mothers – but fathers and brothers, sons and daughters as well, whose loved one can’t come when we need or want them. They can’t answer the phone. They aren’t home for birthdays and holidays, picnics or trips to the vet.

We are not there to hold them, feed them, laugh or cry with them. We cannot watch over them when they are sick or scared, bored or challenged.

We wait. We get up and make coffee. We go to work. We clean the house. We go on. But we go on with an empty place at the table and an ache in our hearts.

Yes, this is day one. And though there are hundreds more like it to come – this is the only day I have. So I pray for Jacob, giving him to G-d , and get on with my day.

What Worked for Me Today
Writing - Prayer - and a massage at 10:00 a.m.

Minutia
Main Web Page for Lackland AFB in Texas
http://www.lackland.af.mil/

Basic Training Website - I couldn't get past the first video.
http://www.basictraining.af.mil/