THURS2JUN16-The Daily Poop - More time, Less Tension

Generally I'm running around in circles by this time of year.

But I'm less antsy about the reunion this year. It took me a while to figure out why: things are different this year because, well, things are different this year.

Shipmate Frank's story-telling skills
followed him when he left the Navy.

Yes, I've got lots to do before the reunion, but I have more time to do it because I'm not working anymore.Last fall I finished up my days as a librarian. I miss a few things, particularly the kids, but I enjoy have more time. This year, as the reunion approaches, I'm wrapping up things at home, but not trying do wrap up things in the library at the same time.

And because Kansas City is an easy day's drive from western Illinois, I'm not flying to the reunion this year. I have little enthusiasm for flight; too many C-130s, I guess. So, I'm looking forward to just hopping in the car with my wife and---

Oh, yes--wife. Jo is coming for the first time since 2010. This is a self-protective act on her part; generally, when she picks me up at the airport after a reunion, I start talking about the reunion and don't stop until approximately Labor Day. Jo figures it'll be painful to suffer through the thing firsthand.

WED1JUN16 - The Daily Poop - Your Complimentary First Issue

Fourteen days and a wake-up!

We're short. Two weeks from today, the magic will begin as the 2016 reunion of the Navy Musicians Association gets underway in Kansas City. Today begins the annual two-week run of The Daily Poop, the unofficial chronicle of news, scuttlebutt and preparations.

The reunion officially begins on Wed., June 15, but I'll get to Kansas City a few days early. More members will show up each day and this will be particularly interesting this year, as we're expecting new faces at this first Midwestern reunion.

The unofficial fun generally starts the night before the reunion; if we have enough members in attendance, we meet in the lounge on Tuesday night for a pre-reunion jam session.

And on that Tuesday (or maybe even the day before), we'll wrap up this year's series of Daily Poops and switch over to the also-traditional reunion LiveBlog.

But that's later and this is now. Now is the time to make preparations for getting underway. So, get your mornings off to a good start with The Daily Poop. Heh, heh.

A Warning to Alumni of Show Band West

Fellow alumni of U.S. Navy Show Band West:

Every year, more and more guys who played in that East Coast show band infiltrate the NMA reunion. Their mission is insidious: they're trying to convince the world that their Show Band was the Show Band.

This flimsy assertion is primarily based on their occasional pleasure cruises to various, sunny South American resort areas. We who have endured the rigors of three-week tours through California's hazardous wine country know the real meaning of sacrifice and service. We know which Show Band was the Show Band.

Help stamp out this East Coast Show Band heresy. Come to the 2016 reunion of the Navy Musicians Association and set the record straight.

Navy Musicians Association 2016 Reunion

Kansas City, MO

June 15-19, 2016

Reunion information here.

Shipmate Frank's Goin' to Kansas City.

Navy Musicians Association 2016 Reunion 

June 15-19 Kansas City, MO 

Get more information.

A Seasonal Message from Shipmate Frank

It's time for all who have served in the Armed Forces to remember the Reason for the Season...

CNO's 2015 Navy Birthday Message

Whom is the Navy Birthday intended to honor?

We have Navy Day later in October, as well as Navy Weeks, Fleet Weeks. They're fun, informative and patriotic, for sure, but those are public relations events.

So, then, is today's Navy Birthday a private party for those on active duty? I took off my uniform long ago. I'm not even retired. Do I get to celebrate?

I find my answer in the CNO's 2015 Navy Birthday Message to the Fleet. ADM J.M. Richardson says, in part:  

... our ships, submarines and aircraft form the muscle and bones of the Navy, but the heart and soul of our Navy is you, our people.

Who is this "you"? Who are "our people"?

I find the answer in the admiral's conclusion:

To all our Sailors, Navy civilians, proud families and Veterans around the globe, Happy Birthday and thank you for your service.

The Navy Birthday is for all of us. It's for all who serve, for those who have served and for those who have supported us. It's for all of us.

Happy Birthday to us!