I am a member of the 786 Club. The goal of this club is to create a lifetime alliance between citizens and the crew of SSN 786 USS ILLINOIS, a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine. The submarine went on deployment earlier this year.
The 786 Club provided funds for a social event to help celebrate Mother’s Day for the wives who are taking care of the “home front” while their husbands are deployed. We also funded a family outing now that the COVID restrictions have been relaxed and the crew’s families can once again socialize together.
We also offered our support when a family emergency arose.
A daughter of one of the crew became ill and was taken to the hospital. The doctors deemed that the illness was a critical issue and that the father of the patient should come home. This is not an easy task, but the US Navy recognizes the importance of family needs.
First, the submarine must leave the area it is stationed at and proceed to an area of the ocean where it is safe to surface. Then the crew member has to be transferred, usually by helicopter, from the boat to land. The Red Cross can assist in making arrangements for the final leg of the journey, the flight home.
We were relieved to hear that the 12-year-old is doing much better. Considering all the things that would have to be done to return the dad to the submarine, he will remain with his family.
There is a silver lining to this story. The family was expecting another child and the baby was going to be born while daddy was away. Now he will be there to witness the birth and not have to wait months before he can hold this newest addition to their family.
If you are ever feeling like a black cloud is hanging over you, I hope you quickly find a silver lining to help you get to sunnier days.
