Graduation Day

After five long weeks, my graduation day has arrived. Thanks all for your prayers.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Posted via email from chaplainwoodard's posterous

Read more...

End of ODS

We are in the midst of our last day of ODS. This prospective is ready to be graduated & settled in South Carolina. We have our gradation reception tonight, graduation tomorrow at 0900, and then in the evening, I fly out for Columbia. Thanks all for your prayers. Part one almost done, ready to start part two and then on to Yuma and part three.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Posted via email from chaplainwoodard's posterous

Read more...

Heritage Run & Drill

Image by Tolka Rover via Flickr

Great last formation run this morning. We called it the Heritage Run and we ran to a pier where two aircraft carriers are docked. We then stepped out individually and shared our knowledge of the Forestall & Saratoga.
Later this morning we did drill practice getting ready for graduation. All the while our chief petty officers barked at us - a sure sign that we are doing OK and almost ready for graduation on Friday, 9/18.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Posted via email from chaplainwoodard's posterous

Read more...

Newport, RI Cliff Walk - Atlantic Ocean

Just finished Newport Cliff Walk. Now waiting in line to have lunch at Fl0's Crab Shack in Middleport (update: well worth the wait for fried clam strips!).

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Posted via email from chaplainwoodard's posterous

Read more...

Navy Whites - Getting Ready for a Night Out in Newport, RI

Finally in whites!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Posted via email from chaplainwoodard's posterous

Read more...

How Did I Get Here?

Just finished an early duty and am now sitting enjoying a quiet cup of coffee. I am contemplating how I arrived at this place in my life where I stepped back on to active duty nearly 20 years after leaving the Marine Corps. God moves in mysterious ways. Each morning when I wake up at 3:45, I remind myself that I am here in Newport, RI for the sake of the call to serve the fine men & women who have answered the call to serve their country.
Thanks for all of your continuing prayers during this time of separation from my family.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Posted via email from chaplainwoodard's posterous

Read more...

Liberty

Just granted liberty. As the class leader (and a chaplain), I hope everyone returns and that no one screws up.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Posted via email from chaplainwoodard's posterous

Read more...