I was in college in AFROTC, I was all set to sign my committment papers when Jim said "Marry me!" I tore up my committment papers, dropped out of college and got married. So the military was always in my radar, I just gave it up to marry into the family. I'll never complain because I wouldn't have Colin and he is worth far more than any degree, career or retirement benefits... but oh brother, what a goof I was! LOL

Colin is back in Boston tonight after 50 days at sea... 231 Haitians repatriated to Haiti, a stop the DR, a couple of stops at GTMO in Cuba, a port call in Miami and at one point a steering casualty aboard the ship. Colin and the Steering Crew all received a letter of Commendation for thier actions in the casualty and the quick response. He is glad to be back in Boston and surprised his girl with flowers. So while the adventure out at sea is great, its great to be home, too!

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That is for sure! When Scotty was gone to Haiti, i never knew if I was going to get a phone call or not and I never really knew where he was. But when he got home and brought me a rock from his snorkling and scuba adventure and he got to drink in the only Irish pub in Communist territory he was excited. But now he is glad to go to A school and not have to go back for a while.

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Love hearing these adventurous stories ladies!! I'm so excited for my son- When he was little I would read OH THE PLACES YOU WILL GO by Dr. Suess and never in a million years did I think it would be like this. SO excited for him!

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Proud Mom of SR Mackey
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According to the apostle John, the more we understand the shoreless ocean of God's love, the less we'll fear the choppy waters of life, for "perfect love casts out fear" (1 John 4:18).

If your son wants to call me, I can tell him some of my "unpostable" sea stories.

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Proud Mom of SR Mackey
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According to the apostle John, the more we understand the shoreless ocean of God's love, the less we'll fear the choppy waters of life, for "perfect love casts out fear" (1 John 4:18).

I have to protect those involved!

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Hey interesting question- actually 2

1. Is there special pay when you are out at sea?

2. Is there a goal to achieve by being on a cutter for so long?

Thanks!

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Proud Mom of SR Mackey
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According to the apostle John, the more we understand the shoreless ocean of God's love, the less we'll fear the choppy waters of life, for "perfect love casts out fear" (1 John 4:18).

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Yep- That's super cool Macie- definitely an awesome goal there!

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Proud Mom of SR Mackey
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According to the apostle John, the more we understand the shoreless ocean of God's love, the less we'll fear the choppy waters of life, for "perfect love casts out fear" (1 John 4:18).

Colin has his one year sea service ribbon, that is a CG thing. He will get his swallow tat after the next patrol. There are a couple of guys on the ship with multiple swallow tats.

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I'd never heard of the symbolism behind swallow tattoos; that's really neat.

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Fiscal Year '11... here I come!

I hadn't, either, until my daughter told me about it and then I looked it up. I found this:

For more than a century the swallow has been a favorite tattoo motif for sailors. It's often a sign that land is near. During migrations that can be thousands of miles in distance, swallows are known to travel far out to sea, but would alight on boats when close to land - a welcome sign for the sailor hoping for landfall. It's a tradition for sailors -- after logging 5,000 miles at sea -- to sport the swallow (or depending upon your belief, the bluebird) tattoo. Two swallows proclaims 10,000 sea miles. And a swallow with a dagger through its heart is a memorial for a friend lost at sea.

I know my daughter has alot more than 5000 miles under her belt since she's been on one cutter or another since she enlisted back in 2006 but she didn't keep track so she's happy with just the one birdie. : )

Laurie

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Yes you get sea pay for being attached to a cutter. The amount depends on your pay grade, your amount of sea time, and what type of cutter you are assigned to.

The swallow tattoos also mean that you will always find your way home.

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Looks like im due for a swallow!

where is the award for throwing up XXX times at sea lol. Im well overdue for that one.

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Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. -John 15:13

Does anyone have apicture of these prized tatts?

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Proud Mom of SR Mackey
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According to the apostle John, the more we understand the shoreless ocean of God's love, the less we'll fear the choppy waters of life, for "perfect love casts out fear" (1 John 4:18).

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I haven't seen any guys ever rocking a sparrow or bird....

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Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. -John 15:13

Funny you mention that, my first tattoo was a compass rose (as it appears on a chart) on my calf. Means the same thing to me

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^{FUTURE COASTIE} _{COMING IN 2011}

Well come on Nick... you have to share! You can put it here or the live free & be inked thread... you know we all want to see! :)

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I don't want to see Nick's legs.

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Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please.

- Mark Twain

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Proud Mom of SR Mackey
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According to the apostle John, the more we understand the shoreless ocean of God's love, the less we'll fear the choppy waters of life, for "perfect love casts out fear" (1 John 4:18).

You never know... Nick might have some mighty fine legs... LOL

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I'll take his word for it.

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Hahaha you guys are too much, Its on my calf below my knee geeez.

Its nothing fancy, its really simple. Now my tuna tattoo, thats a way different story...

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^{FUTURE COASTIE} _{COMING IN 2011}

Oh I can see this conversation heading downhill... but I'll ask... where is the tuna?

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Ya had to ask didn't ya Macie!!

But I have to say- I"m VERY curious now Let us have it Capt. Nick!!

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Proud Mom of SR Mackey
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According to the apostle John, the more we understand the shoreless ocean of God's love, the less we'll fear the choppy waters of life, for "perfect love casts out fear" (1 John 4:18).

Hahaha I didnt mean it was in an inappropriate area. I meant it was more detailed and graphic than my compass rose.

But its on the top of my arm. Its only half done, another 5.5 hours of artwork and its complete. It will be done before I ship :)

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^{FUTURE COASTIE} _{COMING IN 2011}