ARLINGTON, Va., June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Segue Technologies, as a subcontractor to Stanley Associates, has been awarded a contract to support the Marine Corps Total Force Retention System (TFRS). Segue will provide Lotus Notes/Domino system development, maintenance, and integration to this effort, as part of an overall technical services support package.
TFRS is a multi-database, web-enabled, Lotus Domino application. This collection of Lotus Notes databases integrates workflow and personnel information in support of the Marine Corps retention process, for both active duty and reserve forces. The scope of this contract covers maintenance and support of the current Lotus Domino system as well as future migration to a .NET solution on an Oracle database platform.
Certainly, I could comment on the Marines using Lotus Notes/Domino or migrating an application to .NET and Oracle, but what this article did was to remind me something that I posted on Twitter.
On May 18, my oldest son enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. This decision came after two college road trips, visiting several colleges twice, and spending an overnight at another. He was accepted at four colleges (Muskingum College, Ohio Northern Univeristy, Otterbein College, Miami University), but decided that he needed to serve his country more than he needed to attend college.
He leaves on December 7 for boot camp, which lasts 13 weeks. Then, ten days of leave. Following that, he will report to Rifle School, as he is going to be in the infantry. His ultimate goal is to be accepted into Scout Sniper School.
To think that there are individuals that feel an overwhelming desire to serve their country, voluntarily, and that my wife and I are parents of one of those people, amazes me. The other thing that has surprised me is the reaction that he gets when he tells coworkers, friends, and neighbors of his plans after high school. It's almost like instant respect. And to a person, they all say "Thank You." It's the same reaction I received when I tweeted this news and it almost makes me cry (thank you, everyone, for your kind words). Finally, he will be giving the United States four years of his life. When asked by a friend what he will do after the four years, he replied "Reenlist." It sppears, at this point, that he will be making a career of the Marine Corps and will be appearing in TFRS.
So, Zachary, forgive me if I hug you more, tell you that I love you more, and want to do more things with you before you leave. Your Mom and I are very proud of you.
Comment posted by Denny Russell06/03/2009 03:31:13 PM
Homepage: http://www.sherpasoftware.com/blogs/SherpaBlog.nsf/
Your last paragraph got to me. You should be proud!! As the Dad of a 6 year old who already notices the commercials during the Hockey games, I wonder if one day I'll be facing the same situation.
Thanks Zachary, your work is greatly appreciated. May GOD bless you and your family everyday.
Comment posted by Chris Blatnick06/03/2009 04:55:50 PM
Homepage: http://interfacematters.com
It's hard not to get choked up when reading stuff like this. I for one am extremely grateful for Zachary and the choice he is making for our country. You should definitely be a proud parent!
Thanks, Zach...Semper Fi!
Comment posted by Vitor Pereira06/03/2009 06:34:17 PM
Homepage: http://www.vitor-pereira.com
You and your wife have done a great job raising your son, congrats! You should be proud indeed.
Go Zach!
Comment posted by Joseph Hoetzl06/03/2009 07:11:56 PM
Homepage: http://www.josephhoetzl.com
Me, you wouldn't know me if I was standing next to you - but, as a recent father, I can only hope that I do a good enough job raising my little girl (still counting in months - 14) as you apparently have done with your son. Thanks for raising someone who lets me live in a country where I can type whatever I like here and anywhere else.
Thanks to Zachary and his parents!
Comment posted by Devin Olson06/03/2009 09:19:33 PM
Homepage: http://www.devinolson.net
Hey there Gregg. Been there, done that. You have every right to be proud of your son. To enlist in the Marine Corps is to accept a heavy mantle of responsibility. He is your boy, but the decision he has made is that of a man. Hug him as much as you want.
Semper Fidelis,
-Devin.
Comment posted by Phil Randolph06/04/2009 10:17:00 AM
Homepage: http://philrandolph.com
Wow, I really have to give Zachary credit for his huge decision to serve this county. Major Kudos to you and your family Zachary!
Thanks for posting this Gregg!
Comment posted by Gregg Eldred06/04/2009 02:21:32 PM
Homepage: http://www.ns-tech.com/blog/geldred.nsf
Thank you all for your kind words.
I can't think of any specific parenting that we did that would cause him to enlist. I think that there are people, that for some reason, feel that "Freedom is not free" and need to serve. And it isn't something that you really think about until your son or daughter tells you that they have decided to enlist in the military. Shock is replaced by awe and pride.
I didn't feel anything when he graduated from high school, but I know that I will have very strong feelings when he graduates boot camp. And during all of his subsequent Marine Corps graduations.
While he doesn't leave for months, he isn't simply sitting around waiting. He is running and lifting. He will, I think, be very well prepared for what awaits.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. They mean a lot to Zachary, my wife, and I.
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