UPDATE: Never underestimate the power of the CO's secretary!

So, a brief update to the retirement ceremony issues. As of about noon on Friday, we still had not heard anything from anyone regarding the finalized time for the ceremony. Nor were emails or phone calls being returned. Plus, with it being a holiday weekend, we were running out of time. So, realizing the Phil tends to live by the law of inertia, and knowing that we had guests depending on us being able to give an accurate time...I called the CO's secretary (Phil gave me the phone number).

When I finally was able to reach her, I explained about the guests and needing to be able to pin down a time. The very nice lady exclaimed, "Well, they never told me that there were things scheduled! Let me talk to the command and I'll call you back." I explained that even later in the afternoon was preferable to 8 in the morning, and she said she would she what she could do.

I got a call about 45 minutes later (talk about pins and needles!) from her to let me know that the time was now set at 11:30, and then we shared a lovely laugh over the fact that dealing with men has its downsides, and that's why said men are unaware that women REALLY rule the world :) Did I mention how nice she was?

So, while I don't generally get involved in Phil's work stuff (not my place), I have been assured by many that these in these circumstances, it was absolutely appropriate. And as someone noted, what are they going to do - fire him?

Anyway, while I'm still aggravated that the whole situation even ever happened (someone was obviously not doing their job correctly, to have scheduled back-to-back retirements, and of course Phil would be the one getting the short end of the stick in that situation), at least it was able to be resolved.

Oh, and to answer a frequent question - no, we still have not heard anything about a starting date for him yet. The gal he has been talking to was out of the office, so hopefully he'll hear something Tuesday. We'll let you all know as soon as we know anything!

So, on that note - enjoy the holiday weekend, please say a sincere and fervent thank you to any veterans you may know or meet, and keep those service members still overseas (and their families) in your thoughts and prayers.