I received a welcome email yesterday from a former coworker. We had both been associate analysts on the 1995 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission. Well, he came back for the 2005 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission staff and invited me to attend their farewell lunch today.
Free beer, food (including birthday cake for the Corps) and I enjoyed meeting my 2005 counterparts. In addition, I ran into another staffer from 1995 who chose to return to the 2005 staff. Apparently quite a few of the Class of 1995 came back for more punishment. I had considered it myself after leaving an employer of seven years, but chose a private sector job instead. The 1995 Commission gig was my first job after fulfilling my active duty obligation to Uncle Sam. I was free after six years of service to Country and Corps – well, not really, I still had an inactive reserve requirement hanging over my head – but close enough. For government work, that is. And it was. For that reason, and of course the people who made that job special, I tend to view that as one of the best experiences of my life.
Being in the midst of the new crew and a few old friends reminded me of where I’ve been and how far I’ve traveled since. Those were good times. And hard work. I don’t regret any of the late nights, the hectic schedule or the constant deadlines. It was worth it. We accomplished a necessary task (realignment and closures) and I gained skills and experiences that have served me personally and professionally ever since.
This was a good day. Life is good – and getting better.
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