A note from a Navy Mom about Someone Like Me -

Hi everyone! I received a wonderful note from a Navy Mom yesterday and was so moved by what she had to say that I wanted to pass it along. After getting her permission, I am honored to share it with you -

"...bare with me, I'm long-winded. ...but I'm a Navy Mom, Sr. Chief, you gotta give me this. ;)

My oldest is in the Navy, has been in Japan, the last two years, has almost sent me to a padded room over the course of the last few months with the earthquake, tsunami & nuclear disaster...anyhoo...he is on United States soil now. :D. He's been at a "school" for the past month. He finished on Friday, and his 30 day leave started at 1600.

Well, his brother/partner in crime/best friend told him we'd come pick him up, road trip style. Phoenix to San Diego and back all in one day. Ethan (Sailor's younger brother) and I left yesterday at about 10:30....he had queued up the Ipod, and we were well on our way to an epic roadtrip, filled with great music, Monsters, Sunflower Seeds and some good laughs......except that you joined us at about Hwy 85 & I-10. I was about half way through your book on my kindle, and well...I was getting antsy, I wanted to read some more. ....it was at about the part you were being assigned to Seal Team THREE. ...I read a quote and he was hooked....turned down the Ipod, and I said you want me to keep reading, he said, Sure Mom. :)....we finished your book yesterday, and it was one of the best road trips on record. ...between him and I. I don't have to tell you there are some tough topics at 60%+ in your book.

We got to San Diego and Tyler (my sailor) is so pumped to be on leave...and starts chatting, so how was the ride over...Ethan answered, it was great. Mom read me a book about a Sailor and she cried like 5 times, but it was a really good book. :)

So, I just wanted to let you know, you don't know it, but you traveled with a Navy Mom and her ASU kid to pick up their Sailor in San Diego yesterday, and it was a road trip that will forever be remembered....and the whole, "the Eagle has landed" line....well...I'm carrying on that tradition with my ASU kid with my sailor that has no idea...because as he was waiting outside the 32nd street gates...and we were trying to finangle our way around to pick him up...I said, just yell...."the EAGLE has LANDED...stay right there....we'll come to him and pick him up...he was carrying a seabag, a monster suitcase, a carry-on and a backpack...it was the least we could do. :D

Thank you for putting your story to paper. Your persistence is nothing short of awe-inspiring. And a huge thank you for your service to this great nation of ours, and to the finest Navy on the planet.

Godspeed, John Quinn, I hope only good things for you in the future and that book reaches the best seller list!
Take care. "

This is what it's all about my friends!

Go Navy!

John

www.johnwquinn.com