After I graduated from the US Naval Academy, I returned to San Diego for my first assignment. I was stationed in Coronado, CA for the Surface Warfare Officer, Basic school. Once a month, we would get an LES (Leave and Earning Statement). Ok, everyone else would get a statement. Each month I would get none. Each month I was told, "Don't worry. They will catch up with you."
After 7 months of waiting, I was getting ready to transfer and I asked the personnelmen (PN) to call the office where the LES's orginated. The conversation went like this:
PN: "Yes, I am calling for Ensign Schiffman. He has not received an LES in 7 months."
The person on the other side of the phone asked for my social security number.
PN: "We are in Coronado, CA"
PN: "Yes, he is right here with me."
PN: "No, we are in California."
PN: "Ma'am, he is right here in front of me AND we are in California AND NO, he hasn't received any LES's. I'll put him on the phone."
I wasn't sure what I would be able to add to the conversation the PN hasn't already done.
Me: "Hello, this is Ensign Schiffman."
Lady: "Where are you located?"
Me: "Coronado, California"
Lady: "And you haven't been getting your LES's, because they are being sent to you."
Me: "Where are they being sent?"
Lady: "Well, this is unusual? Where did you get your commission?"
Me: "Naval Academy. Why?"
Lady: "Your record says you were commissioned from no where."
Me: "Ok, are you able to fix it?"
Lady: "Done. Ok, and you are stationed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida."
Me: "I assure you, I am stationed in Calfornia."
Lady: "No, you are stationed in Florida."
Ok, this wasn't going to work. Another line of reason was necessary.
Me: "Ok. Can you see where I get my checks every two weeks?"
Lady: "Yes. You pick them up in Coronado, Calfornia."
Ok. We are getting somewhere.
Me: "So, does it make sense that every two weeks, I leave Florida and fly to California to get my check and return. OR perhaps, the record is wrong and I am really stationed in California."
Lady: "Maybe. Haha! Ok, I'll fix it. DONE"
Whew! I thought it was going to be a fight. SO, from that auspicious beginning, my career was launched.
