I have had the privilege of contributing to my alumni magazine, Shipmate, for the past few years. My final column was published in March. It is a fairly short piece and I was not able to get into all of the details of my opinions on women’s policy in the Navy and my decision to resign my commission, but I think I mostly got my point across.
One major point that I did not explicitly state in the article is that my decision to get out and take care of Ruby full-time, while difficult, was made far easier by the fact that I had already completed my active duty service obligation. Graduating from the Naval Academy requires a minimum of five years on active duty. I actually sending up serving almost seven, including three years onboard a warship and a nine month deployment to Iraq. It was very important to me to complete my obligation, and I am glad that we had Ruby after my minimum sea duty was up, or I would have gone back out to sea.
Please let me know what you think. The decision to work or stay at home to raise kids is not an easy one, and I would love some other perspectives.
On a side note, this is officially my last day on active duty. I will always be proud to have served in the world’s finest Navy with amazing shipmates and friends.
Loudmouth Mommy 
I say good for you! There’s a certain stigma that many in the SWO community place on female SWOs who don’t follow the exact plan, and hopefully more women like you will speak out about it in such a way that people will listen. My reasons for getting out were far different, but had I been in your position, I can’t imagine not making the same decision you made.
Welcome to NoVa, and I can’t wait to see you!
Thanks Rebecca! I can’t wait to see you too. We are laying low right now, doing lots of east coast traveling and unpacking while Matty is on leave–we’ve barely been at the house yet. He will report May 11th and we’ll hopefully be settled by then. I really want to have a big party!
I totally agree with you. I was really happy we waited. I’m very proud of the time I served and having completed my obligated time made my decision much easier as well.
I know Joan, I am so glad that we didn’t have to think of leaving our little girls and that we can also both look back on our service with pride!
I think it was really well written Sarah! Giving up one love for another seems to be how life goes, I’m glad your precious Gem will have you around more! Love reading your updates and seeing pics of Ruby, she’s so adorable!!!