After many years of distinguished service in the US military, today Vince received a well deserved promotion to Major. Apparently this makes him a 'field officer' which means he gets to stay behind at HQ and give orders rather than having to go into battle himself. A nice perk.
We made the trip down to Monterey with Silvi, Ignacio, and ever-growing Ignacito, and onto the military base where Vince and Christine are learning Russian in anticipation of becoming diplomats in Moscow (or Azerbaijan, or Kyrgyzstan). You thought the Cold War had been rough this far?
The ceremony was actually very touching, with a senior officer saying lots of nice things about Vince while a crowd of military and civilian guests cheered him on. Vince got a certificate (in a frame!) and new things to wear on his shoulders. Who says the British are the only ones who do pomp and ceremony? After that the real celebration began at The Crown and Anchor pub. Major Vincent J. Mucker - I suppose I have to give you more respect now.
Every trip has to start with a decent brunch.
And photos with the baby.
Hannah tries on a Major's hat for size.
Things get started on the base with a reading of the orders that promote Vince. Everyone stands to attention - very proper.
Vince's real senior officer gets to apply the new rank.
Attendance award.
The navy congratulates the army. A first?
The forces need more officers like Silvi.
I try to strike an appropriately epic pose. "You look like a customs officer," Ignacio remarked.
"We all know who's really in charge," says Claire with a wink.
Military family.
So guys, about this war in Afghanistan...
Spot the American citizen.
Which one has the greatest potential for destruction?
Me, Claire, and a properly dressed soldier.
As you would expect, there are some traditions involved in such a day as this. Here is Vince having to race Jack to the bottom of a pint of beer to retrieve his Major's badge. There's also something involving everyone punching the new officer, but apparently that's frowned upon these days. Pity.
