Happy 807 Day

Happy 807 Day to me! It was yesterday (the 16th of April), and I spent it paintballing numerous individuals in a sweet little woodsball course over in New Kent.

Now what's so special about 807 day or even the number 807 itself? Well gather around kiddies and allow me to tell you a story-

Once there was a young, strapping sailor who hated his job- absolutely despised it. Everyday he woke up with a feeling of muted horror, knowing that he would have to go to work onboard the ship. He couldn't quit! No, he was under contract, and 'quitting' would result in penal repercussions.

So everyday, unhappy and miserable he continued doing the same job over and over, until finally, his Chief (his boss) took him aside and asked him what exactly was the matter. The young strapping sailor told him how much he hated this place, and how much he hated being away from home, and watching his friends and family have real lives while he pushed 12 hour days on three section duty. How his kids were all but a memory because he was never home to see them any more.

The Chief, wily and cunning, decided to throw the sailor a bone. He said "If you can provide me a list of 1,000 different reasons why you should get out of the Navy I will let you go."

The young sailor, without any other options left to him, gladly agreed. Now, one thousand is a very large number. Almost overwhelming in its size. This sailor worked for over a year, writing and recording, keeping track of all the reasons he should be released from his job in the Navy, until finally, the day came when he presented the list to his chief. Overwhelmed by the size of his list the Chief refused to maintain his end of the bargain- It had been over a year already, wasn't there a statute of limitations?

The young sailor, un-daunted, went up to his Chief's boss, and all the way up his chain of command until finally the Captain of his vessel got word of it. Looking over the list and questioning the Chief about the validity of his claim, the Captain sided with the sailor, and the next day he was released from active duty with under a hardship discharge.

The Chief, thoroughly humiliated took that list home a few days later and read over it once again, fuming at what happened. When he read up to number 807 he almost choked on his drink. 807 wasn't a reason to leave the Navy at all!!

But, alas, it was too late, and the young sailor was already out, leaving his cruel boss with nothing but his dust as he drove off into the sunset.

What was number 807 on his list, you might ask? Well, if you know what FTN means, then you have your answer.

Thus, on board my vessel, we salute that clever sailor by celebrating our 807 day- Our eight hundred and seventh day left in the Navy. There is drinking, partying and good times to be had by all.

Ah, lucky number 807, yet another milestone under the feet of my Naval 'Career'.

~W