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Our Favorite Chuckle, and The Perfect Topic For Halloween...by Anne Elizabeth

When I first learned that this month’s CASA Blog theme is Things That Go Bump In The Night, I knew exactly what I wanted to write about: men and their camouflage applications.  Yes, that’s right – make-up!  For centuries, warriors (the Celts immediately spring to mind) have worn face coverings – masks and various feature-obliterating paints – over their visages to assist them in battle.  Oftentimes, using mud, clay, leaves, and a mixture of wines, dyes, and berries to aid their mission, they draw on their faces or don a covering before they set forth on their journey.

Now, several of us – Navy SEAL wives – love to tease our husbands about wearing makeup; yes, the gooey stuff that comes in a multitude of hues.  No matter whether it's mud browns or tans, leaf greens or flat black, this camo cover can be a major benefit for our men on their sensitive military Ops.  In my opinion, this is a helpful way for Navy SEAL men to keep things from going RAT-TAT-TAT or rather 'bump in the night.'


Many branches of our military, including our SEALs, wear no-glare camo cover to mask the color of their skin, to absorb light so it doesn’t bounce off their faces or unintentionally give away their position, and to help them hide in the shadows or darkness away from their enemies' sight. Among the types used are: black/olive drab jungle stick for night or with lightened hues for daytime such as light green/loam; green, grey, brown, and tan face paint for desert; brown/black crème in a tube for night; olive, black, grey, and brown for the woodlands are often in a compact. According to my husband, the sticks are easier to carry, because the tubes can leak, ooze, or create other problems.  The compacts carry a lot of color options, but they have a mirror and this can create a disadvantage if you need to reapply in a tricky place because a momentary flash can be created by any reflective surface if it picks up ambient light.  So, it is individual preference as to which type of camo to use.  Afterward, though, it washes off with soap and water or there is always the make-up/handy wipe.
 
Although it might be a favorite topic of laughter, I am grateful they use it.  This little trick hides their presence so they can do their jobs: slipping in efficiently and undetected, performing the necessary operation, and then getting out again safely, quietly, and effectively with none the wiser.  

The only individuals we want walking in the shadows is them – our military men – until their work is done...and then it is time for them to come home safely to our arms.  We love them, and this is one of our favorite ways to lighten the load and bring humor to their very dangerous lives.  What do you tease your loved ones about to make a hurdle or situation easier?  Does it take the scariness out of the night?

A Joyful, Safe, and Happy Halloween to all!  Hooyah & Hugs!

Comments

  1. What a wonderful post to remind us that sometimes, going bump in the night is serious business. If there were lady Seals (and I'm not convinced there aren't), then the colors would be Midnight Chocolate Delight, Spring Dew Foliage, and Mochiatta Caramel Indulgence. The military might develop a profitable sidelines in cosmetics... but Green/loam?

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  2. LOL Grace! Too funny.

    Anne Elizabeth what a great post. My family laughs and teases our way through life. We believe laughing is a whole lot more fun than crying so when given the choice, we laugh and and with each other. We have an awful lot to laugh at.

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  3. Glad the SEALS get a chuckle now and then to ease the tension. In my line of work (nursing), you gotta laugh or you'll go crazy. Laughter truly IS the best medicine!

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  4. Hi Grace, I love it! I would invest in a line of cosmetics for lady SEALs. For now, that's the wives...but I could see a camo cover kit just for women. We know how to get rid of shine...and hide the evidence of a marathon book event. :) Hugs!

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  5. That's great, Robin! Thanks for sharing the news about your family's penchant for laughter. My husband always tells me the faster I laugh at our mistakes, the easier it is to get over the hurdles. There's a lot to be said about the lighter side of life. Hooyah & hearty laughs! :)

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  6. Hooyah, Cheryl! We completely agree! Here's a shoutout of THANKS for all the good work you do. My mother was a nurse, and it is a wonderful calling along with your fabulous writing.

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  7. I would LOVE to have a Navy Seal come help me if I heard a bump in the night--with or without the warpaint.
    Amelia

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  8. Hooyah for SEAL makeup if it keeps them safe and us free! I think the folks that make it deserve some kind of wonderful recognition. But the picture that comes to my mind is you standing beside him at the mirror in the bathroom showing him how to apply it!

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  9. I tease mine about TV. He's always watching some show about auctions or antiques or whatever.

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  10. Thanks for the insight into SEAL cosmetics! Fighter pilots don't wear makeup, but mine teases everyone by saying he's afraid of flying, but it's no problem - he just keeps his eyes closed.

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  11. Amelia, they have my vote, too! Seeing a Navy SEAL step out of the shadows really makes the heart...pump. :)

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  12. Hi Carolyn, that's a super idea! Maybe we can discover who invented the stuff and plan something exciting. BTW, my husband has actually taught me a few things. How is that for embarrassing! :D Hugs!!!

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  13. Hi Shana, I wish we could watch the antique shows but they always seem to conflict with sports and the military channel. :) Oh well, during writing periods that works perfectly for me as I can get a ton of work done while he shouts at the TV. Have you ever discovered any treasures in your own home, because of the antique and auction shows?

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  14. Ha ha ha! Good one, Joanne! I'm still looking forward to the day our husbands can get together and chat. I call practically hear the "close calls" and other interesting stories about flying. Hugs!

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