On June 27th of this year, I was able to witness my daughter’s advancement from Seaman Recruit to Seaman Apprentice. It was also the day that I noticed a big change in her demeanor. She was confident and dignified. There was an unyielding gleam of pride in her eyes, as she and two of her shipmates lead the company as they marched around the parade field. It brought tears of joy to both of our respective eyes, as we spotted one another that morning. She had feared, it seems, that she would have no one to embrace after such a grand accomplishment. And that is why we want to thank, from the bottom of our hearts, the Mom In Need Fund. Because without them, we would not have been able to realize such a sublime and marvelous moment.