Christian Living

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Let Us Celebrate!
© 2012

by

Stephen A. Peterson


Army Staff Sergeant Sally Amato was informed by the personnel section that she would be coming up on her fifteenth year of service. Her immediate reaction was little or no concern due to the large volume of work and deadlines she was expected to accomplish complete before or on time. Within sixty days, a Battalion level inspection team would be present to review and inspect all aspects of her Company to determine the combat readiness of the unit for immediate overseas deployment.

“Oh Sarge, you have to celebrate this milestone in your career, Specialist Tamara Freeman urged. “You’ve got to. You’re so close to your retirement date. You’ll have twenty years in just five more years. Think of that!! I learned that less than 10 percent of everyone that enter military service ever reach retirement. When you do, you’ll be able to do whatever else you want to do. Wish I was that close.”

Specialist Freeman’s words kept coming back to Sergeant Amato over the weeks before her anniversary date. However, she continued to feel reluctant about any events to celebrate her military career. With all of the work ahead of her, planning a celebration appeared like a great deal of work. Yet with the encouragement and help of her Company staff, Sergeant Freeman began planning a reception at the post NCO club. Invitations were sent to Company personnel and Battalion staff.

As the date approach, Sergeant Freeman became concerned about the possibility of having to cancel the event due to the deployment of the unit overseas, whether there would be enough food or if people would be present. However, when the day finally arrived, all of those in attendance reported having had a great time. The weather was pleasant, there was enough food, everyone enjoyed the variety of music played. The Company Commander stood up in front of all the guests to thank Staff Sergeant Amato for her service to the United States and dedication and commitment to the Army. He also thanked Staff Sergeant Amato for presenting the Company with an excellent career woman to the nation.

Looking back, Staff Sergeant Amato was thankful for Specialist Freeman’s advice to celebrate her military career in spite of the work, worries and effort required to celebrate her career. She came to recognize the importance of key moments in one’s life or career as a demonstration to all who work, maintain long and enduring marriages, or completed their formal educations. Do you have a marriage, long employment career, graduations or any other milestones approaching soon? Celebrate these events with family and friends. It is a great way to mark the event’s importance!! It is also an excellent way to publically thank God for the good things He has bestowed upon you (us)!

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