For those of you who read my blog entry last Thursday, here’s an update on my missing military ID card:
- Checked at the Air Force Academy Fitness Center front desk three times to see if any good-natured Samaritan, or kind and benevolent Colorado Springs resident, might have turned it in. No such good fortune. And no fortune cookie either.
- The last time I checked at the Fitness Center front desk, a helpful young woman called the Security Forces desk to inquire whether anyone in a particularly good mood had turned in a Firtko, and they said, “No card with that name here.”
- Each time I walked from my car, to the locker room, from the locker room, to my car, I checked the ground, the grass, the parking lot. Nothing with my face on it.
- So, I officially no longer exist. I even got searched! Well, not me personally, but my car – a red 2007 Honda CR-V … oh, right, you don’t care about that.
- When I had to enter Fort Carson the first time without my precious Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege card, the security dude who checked my adorable (NOT!) driver’s license was quite kind. You’d think I’d know these things … I had entered the lane where you go if you’re not official (even though the red, 2007 Honda CR-V has stickers, which makes it official) … have you ever had a car that was more official than you? Okay, sorry, digressing again.
- So, back on point – I didn’t think I would be considered official because I didn’t have that priceless piece of laminated information extended from my sweet little paw. However, the kind security gentleman said to me, “You can go in the regular lane because your car has stickers. You don’t need to show your registration and insurance to get on post. Just show your driver’s license.” Duh. Yes, I felt like a dip wad. But, it just goes to show you that I RARELY lose anything, especially my entire LIFE all at one time. This was a newbie experience.
- Even though I felt like a dip wad, I was totally relieved that I still counted. Or, at least my vehicle counted. I don’t count for much until I get new plastic.
- Well, guess what! Just yesterday my U.S. Army – HOOHAH! – husband accompanied me to the DEERS office to get an identity replacement. Yeah, I know. Apparently Uncle Sam doesn’t acknowledge my existence unless I have a soldier with the same last name, wearing ACUs, standing right beside me, declaring that I do, in fact, exist and that we are married, and that I have a right to reclaim my lost identity. The only problem is that the DEERS office was closed from 11 a.m. until closing for an “organizational day.” You know what that really means, right? A bold-faced boondoggle!
- So, here I am, on the ninth day without my personhood on a page and I’m trusting God. I trust Him to protect my identity; I’m grateful that He is in control of everything and has allowed this little challenge for a reason, although I might not ever know that reason; I’m glad that replacing a military ID card isn’t a big deal … unless the DEERS office is closed!!! Deep breath … I won’t lose my peace J; and, this is just another awesome reminder of my human imperfection and total dependence upon the One True God and Creator of the Universe.
- Finally, no matter what happens in my life and yours, “From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised” (Psalm 113:3).
