Disenrollment, and a nod to Jane Austen
17 APR 06
From: Assistant Supply Officer, MIDN 3/C Caldwell
To: Commanding Officer, University of Colorado NROTC
Via: Executive Officer, University of Colorado NROTC
Sophomore Class Advisor, University of Colorado NROTC
Subj: DISENROLLMENT
I wish to state my intent to disenroll from the Naval ROTC unit at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
My father's health has deteriorated beyond the scope of anything I could have predicted two years ago upon my acceptance of the NROTC 4-year scholarship. A disabled veteran with congestive heart failure and diabetes among other ailments, he has recently had one leg amputated, and plans are in place to operate on his remaining leg should his health permit it. (parts omitted)
In addition to these and other familial obligations, I have these past months felt myself increasingly burdened by a spiritual conviction to pursue work within a religious ministry. Having fully explored the alternatives available to me by the Navy within this venue, I remain convinced that my calling lies elsewhere.
The total dedication and concentration required by one in so critical a role as an Officer of the United States Navy would be, in this situation, beyond my grasp. These circumstances being what they are to my emotional state of well being, I believe that even if I were to continue with the Navy I would find myself driven to distraction and unable to satisfactorily perform the responsibilities demanded of a Naval Officer.
Allow me to assure you that this decision is not the product of one day's deliberation but of careful consideration over the course of several months. While my chosen path may perhaps be ill advisable from a financial aspect, my conviction to remain with my family during this time of hardship and to pursue a career within the ministry outweighs my desire for the security and professional pride that retaining a commission from the Navy would offer. Filial duty or spiritual burden alone would not be easily dismissed; together, they are a call I cannot ignore. If these motives which govern me appear to you insufficient, know that I have attempted and been unable to condemn them.
Very respectfully,
Deborah Caldwell
From: Assistant Supply Officer, MIDN 3/C Caldwell
To: Commanding Officer, University of Colorado NROTC
Via: Executive Officer, University of Colorado NROTC
Sophomore Class Advisor, University of Colorado NROTC
Subj: DISENROLLMENT
I wish to state my intent to disenroll from the Naval ROTC unit at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
My father's health has deteriorated beyond the scope of anything I could have predicted two years ago upon my acceptance of the NROTC 4-year scholarship. A disabled veteran with congestive heart failure and diabetes among other ailments, he has recently had one leg amputated, and plans are in place to operate on his remaining leg should his health permit it. (parts omitted)
In addition to these and other familial obligations, I have these past months felt myself increasingly burdened by a spiritual conviction to pursue work within a religious ministry. Having fully explored the alternatives available to me by the Navy within this venue, I remain convinced that my calling lies elsewhere.
The total dedication and concentration required by one in so critical a role as an Officer of the United States Navy would be, in this situation, beyond my grasp. These circumstances being what they are to my emotional state of well being, I believe that even if I were to continue with the Navy I would find myself driven to distraction and unable to satisfactorily perform the responsibilities demanded of a Naval Officer.
Allow me to assure you that this decision is not the product of one day's deliberation but of careful consideration over the course of several months. While my chosen path may perhaps be ill advisable from a financial aspect, my conviction to remain with my family during this time of hardship and to pursue a career within the ministry outweighs my desire for the security and professional pride that retaining a commission from the Navy would offer. Filial duty or spiritual burden alone would not be easily dismissed; together, they are a call I cannot ignore. If these motives which govern me appear to you insufficient, know that I have attempted and been unable to condemn them.
Very respectfully,
Deborah Caldwell
posted by Deborah at 9:28:00 PM
