“Looking Ahead to Better Days”
MAJ Dave Falvey , MAARNG G-5 Plans Officer & AFCC member
I remember a few months back when I first learned of the mysterious illness in China that caused people to collapse in the streets and inundated hospitals. It was unsettling, especially given the initial counterproductive response from the Chinese government. But we’ve been through this before, with SARS, MERS, H1N1, and though there might be some extra precautions or inconveniences we might need to deal with, life for us would go on. I continued preparations for the 2020 South Boston St. Patrick’s Day / Evacuation Day Parade, signed up for the NGB’s Strategic Planning & Execution Course, and booked a trip to Key West with my wife and some friends. Now, a few months later, due to COVID-19, none of things will have happened.
The level of disruption due to COVID-19 is unimaginable. Each one of us undoubtedly has a story as to plans, both personal and professional, that went up in smoke as a result of the social distancing mandate in order prevent further spread of the virus, let alone the day-to-day routines we have that are now prohibited, such as holding a staff meeting in the office, relying upon daycare or schools for our children, and going out to eat at our favorite restaurant. These disruptions are for good reason, however, in order to prevent our health care system from becoming overwhelmed from the likelihood of a mass casualty situation for a sustained period of time. Being married to a nurse at a major hospital who now has COVID-19 patients on her floor, I’m particularly anxious as to what the days ahead bring. But for many of us, all we can do now is wait, and spend a considerable amount of time at home, until this runs its course and we can get back to normal.
One of the challenges we face from COVID-19 is planning for the future, which military leaders like us tend to excel at. As leaders, we shape our environment, but right now, COVID-19 is making that nearly impossible. How could we be sure if that training exercise scheduled for May will still be occurring and whether additional time spent planning for it will be wasted? How can one plan a summer vacation when it’s not clear whether there will still be travel restrictions in place? These and other questions have no easy answer.
What I’ve focused on the last few weeks, beyond somehow trying to balance working from home and raising my toddler who would otherwise be at daycare, is to accomplish that which I can control. I no longer have a commute to deal with, nor social engagements to occupy my time. My wife and I finally took the time to rearrange our closets to maximize space (living in the city, we don’t have much of it), while getting rid of things we don’t need. We were amazed at the amount of space we created. I’ve answered e-mails that have lingered in my inbox for ages and accomplished a range of other tasks, both personally and professionally, that for one reason or another, I hadn’t gotten around to. I’ve also looked towards the future by accomplishing tasks and planning for challenges that will eventually come my way. This time can be used wisely, to really get on top of things, versus binge-watching TV or following social media for the latest reaction to the COVID-19 situation, which might just add to our anxiety.
We will get through this, and with a renewed appreciation for freedoms we previously took for granted, as well as an appreciation for those whose professions are integral to getting us through this, whether medical professionals, supermarket and pharmacy workers, and those who work to sanitize spaces we frequent, not to mention first responders and our military who have been called to action to respond to COVID-19. The 211th Military Police Battalion has been activated and is serving a crucial role in this public health crisis by assisting local law enforcement, with MPs having conducted joint patrols with the Lawrence Police Department to spread public health flyers throughout the city.
My thoughts are with all of my fellow First Corps members, and that you and your loved ones remain healthy and happy through this challenging time, and you are somehow able to find a silver lining in all of this. It is occasions like our First Corps gatherings that I miss the most during these days of social distancing; coming together to support a cause bigger than ourselves with people we care about. I don’t know when exactly it will be that we can continue carrying on like before, but I do know it will be a sweet day we won’t soon forget. Be well and I hope to see you all soon.