I never considered myself an old-fashioned Navy wife, who showed up at command events with my signature chicken fricassee casserole, clutching my husband’s arm and my pearls. However, unlike many modern military spouses, I’ve never been one to express my political opinions publicly. I haven’t put a political candidate’s election sign in my yard or campaign bumper sticker on my car.
I don’t post, share or comment on political memes on social media. I’ve never attended a political rally or debate. And I haven’t yet contributed to any political campaigns.
One may assume that I’m a wishy-washy wimp who’s afraid to take a side, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. I have very strong political beliefs that I’ve been honing since I first voted in 1992. In the hotly-contested national election happening in a matter of days, I know exactly who I’m voting for, and why.
Don’t ask me, because I’ll never tell. Why? Not entirely sure, but I’d be lying if I said that being a Navy wife hasn’t affected my willingness to share my political preferences. Back in the days when I was still trying to figure out how much to tip the baggers at the commissary, my husband said, “Whoever wins the election will end up being my boss, so I keep my political opinions to myself.
” He didn’t cite DoD 1344.10 , a detailed directive prohibiting members of the U.S.
Armed Forces (including military retirees ) from participating in a long list of partisan political acti.