Promotions in the past have been primarily about having a few more dollar to live on but this time I think it means a lot more to all of us. Robert has worked extremely hard here and has done a lot of ground breaking work in the newly organized Africa Command. In addition to his regular duties as a Seabee Planning Officer he has created and written a lot of the new polices for how the US Military will interact with the different African Nations. One of his colleges recently commented that 10 years from now half of Africa will be stamped "made in China" and the other half will be stamped "made by Rob Wadsworth". He has done some great things and though we miss him when he is away (and when he is home working 18 hours day) we are really proud of what his is doing.
One of the things I remember about the ceremony (as side from just being really happy for Robert) is a comment the Captain who promoted him made. He said, that Robert was not being promoted as a reward for outstanding work but because he was someone the Navy felt they could trust with bigger and better things. I have a feeling that means he will not be traveling any less or working shorter hours in the future but that is okay- he is doing an important work and he is doing it well. We are happy to support him and we are grateful to be apart of the good he is doing even if it is only in a small way.
Anyway, here are a few pictures from the Ceremony- enjoy!
Waiting for Dad.
Taking the Oath
We're Up in Front
(Aren't the boys being good!?)
Promotion Kiss
Robert's Speach
When No One is Looking
(Lest you think the boys were good the WHOLE time!)
Bonnie | August 6, 2009 at 1:49 PM
This is excellent, Laura. We are so proud of Robert and all of you for the contributions you make everywhere you go. This is just outstanding. Give him a big hug from us, OK? And keep one for yourself and the boys too!
LOVE, MOM AND DAD
Bonnie | August 6, 2009 at 1:51 PM
I know what you mean about no comments and wondering about the blogroll. Sometimes it just doesn't work on a certain post. The one you do tomorrow should show us...if it's not there we'll look at a few possibilities.
RaYnA | August 6, 2009 at 4:15 PM
Congrats!
Anonymous | August 7, 2009 at 2:52 PM
Congrats to Robert and to you for supporting him through all those long hours! I see your boys standing tall and being so good for the ceremony. However, I think Spencer still has a mischievous grin on his face in one of the pictures! LOL!
mandy* | August 7, 2009 at 3:34 PM
Congratulations, Robert!!!!
Jen Stewart | August 9, 2009 at 4:02 PM
YAy!!! congrats!