Day 197 - Krispy Kreme

The Rising 6 had a Fund Raiser today and I participated...it was buying doughnuts...glazed Krispy Kreme.  

Yes, I did buy 2 dozen...at first I thought I could eat them ALL!  However, I thought long and hard about this one after eating the first 6 in about 15 minutes.

What it looked like at received +0 minutes

What it looked like at received +15 minutes

So on my way home, I got generous and shared them with the COPS.  Yeah, I know...cops with doughnuts...isn't that funny.  But they happily accepted them. :)

Good thing I had these tonight...on New Year's Eve since I have a 5K tomorrow at 0600...this is what I call training!!!!

Day 194 - Saying Goodbye

Another day of interest as I said goodbye to some deployment friends.  It is bitter sweet that they are leaving.  Happy for them since they will be going home to loved ones, but sad for us who remain in place.

It also is a new beginning when we get to make new friends.  This will be fun, but after working alongside so many great people over the past six months, it's hard to start over.

However, I will make it :) 

After seeing off Katie and theChaplain, I followed the rest of the Chapel crew from the PAX Terminal...was a little surprised where the went, but it gave me a chuckle...

How many Chaplain Assistants does it take to wash a truck?

  

FOUR....FOUR.....FOUR....FOUR....FOUR....

That's a little overkill if you ask me????

Day 193 - First Dinner with Frank

Today was the day we had dinner with the Chaplain Schaick as we say goodbye to a great friend and a wonderful Chaplain.  He has been a blessing to the base and Airmen stationed here.  

It was my first dinner with an old friend, Frank.  He's the new Chaplain here...looking forward to what GOD is going to do here!

Day 191 - Day after Christmas

Working on Christmas makes one very tired.  It was a very LONG day yesterday, but well worth it!  

The day started off with a 10K Fun Run.  Now normally, I really like these races, but it was Christmas morning and I wasn't sure I wanted to get up to make the run.  However, after my alarm went off, I got up, got ready and headed to the starting line ONLY to be surprised that the gym staf hadn't done a time hack with and began the race about 5 minutes early.  As I ran up to the starting line, the race clock had "2:00 minutes" and counting.  In fact, most of the runners had already made the first turn on the course...I was well behind the "group" of runners.  Well, with no time to waist, I took off to play catchup with the racers.  

The only thing worse than having to play catchup to the runners was passing so many runners who disregard the need for safety and wear two earbuds.  I think I corrected about 100 people on the course...or at least it felt like 100 people.  

Even with a late start and having to correct so many people on the run, my time was not too bad.  I ran a 45:41...not too bad for an old man who doesn't really run the 10K distance very often (read this to mean ever)!  In fact, I've been swimming more of late and running is taking a back seat to training.  However, it hasn't impacted my run times.  I'm not sure if it's the swimming or lack of caffeine intake.  Oh well...something seems to be working to improve my run times.

Well, after the Fun Run, I met up with theBoss and we made a trip around the base to see our Airmen at work on Christmas.  The work never stops, even on Christmas as we execute this war.  If the enemy doesn't take a break, why should we?  No time off for those doing the work that needs to be done.  In fact, theDefenders gave us a carol or jingle as we came through the gate.  They even dressed up for the day...just to be in the Christmas spirit.

Then it was off to serve the Airmen at the DFac (Chowhall).  And surprise, they put me on the carving of the turkey.  Why would they do that????  I don't even like turkey.  Let me tell you this though, it was busy work for the 2 hours of serving turkey to the Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, civilians, contractors and TCNs eating.  I tried to "sell" the drum stick to many, but only a few took me up on the offer...it was a little large in size. :)
 
After lunch, I had Christmas dinner with my deployedDaughter (she's one of the Airmen who works in the PA shop and is about the age of 'lilBlue.  Since the PA staff had all redeployed home, she was all alone and I told her I would have dinner with her.  It was a nice dinner...and great conversation.  

After dinner, we headed to the Christmas Parade and then off to visit some more Airmen around the base.  We found the following Rock Snowman in front of the Civil Engineers...I guess this is one way to get into the spirit of the season.

I finally ended the day by going to the Christmas Day services at the Chapel.  It was a repeat from the Christmas Eve services...but worth going.    After that, I came back to the room to make telephone calls on Skype.  Called MrsBlue and the FamDamily.  I even tried to call 'lilBlue with no luck...she did post on FB for me to call back, but I didn't stay online after not getting an answer.  


Oh how I wish I was with the MrsBlue and 'lilBlue for the holdiays.  I sure do miss them!  


Now Christmas is over and we are headed to the New Year.  Let 2011 begin!

Day 189 - Christmas Eve

Just another day at the office, but instead of being just another Friday...it's Christmas Eve!!!!  

ECPTS in the festive garb

The day has been filled with many things and the evening began with the Wing Staff holiday party.  It was fun and I hope to get some of the JibJab videos...they were a HOOT!  Really funny for sure.

After the Christmas Party, we had to hustle over to the Memorial Plaza for the Candlelight Service.  What an event with the Archbishop in attendance.  Also, Christian events here is always interesting since they don't stop selling alcohol.  We have people smoking there hookah pipes and drinking beers while listening to God's Word!!!!   

Then to finish off the evening, I did the traditional Malcom Christmas Eve dinner...PIZZA!  And let me tell you, it was GOOD!!!

Day - St Barbara's Ceremony

Tonight was EXCITING!  


I along with several others were inducted into the Honorable Order of St. Barbara.

Honorable Order of Saint Barbara

---

The award authority for the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara is centralized to the Field Artillery commanders who are Lieutenant Colonel or above. Division artillery commanders, Field Artillery brigade commanders, Marine artillery regiment commanders or corps artillery commanders have approval authority. Such commanders may approve the award for those in or associated with their commands. When there is no such Field Artillery commander available, the Commanding General of the United States Army Field Artillery Center and Fort Sill is the approving authority for the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara. The Honorable Order of Saint Barbara recognizes those individuals who have demonstrated the highest standards of integrity and moral character; displayed an outstanding degree of professional competence; served the United States Army or Marine Corps Field Artillery with selfless­ness; and contributed to the promo­tion of the Field Artillery in ways that stand out in the eyes of the recipient's seniors, subordinates and peers, alike.

Me and MyCCM Markie

VillagePeople were there!!!

Me and MyBoss sporting our medallion

  

While I had to say goodbye to a great friend and even better leader, myCCM (Mark Villella) is boarding a plane and leaving us behind in the AOR.  He will be missed.  This is one CHIEF who took a chance on me and allowed me to serve in the AOR again.  Being in the war effort vs watching from afar...how blessed I am.  I never thought when I left Afghanistan in 2008 that I would have another chance to serve my country in a combat zone...However, Mark made it happen.  Just being asked to serve was a highlight...but getting to actually serve...NOTHING better.  While I do miss the family :( MrsBlue understands my need to serve (Airmen and the BigBlue).

Mark will be missed because of the friendship and fun we have had over the past 6 months.  Take care!!!!

Day 169a - Desert Chiefs Group

Tonight we had our monthly Desert Chiefs Group social and instead of swarma's we had PIZZA!  Very tasty I might add.  Vegatarian pizza is always good!  YUM YUM.


However, Trenda decided to have the Chiefs play Taboo...This was funny to watch!


Here are some pictures.

Day 169 - Back from Flying

Today was a GREAT day!  Another flying mission, this time with the Rivet Joint, RC-135.  While the flight was VERY LONG, it was great to see what these professional accomplish on the Global War on Terror and I got to see it up close and personal.  

The day started off when I normally try to get to bed and I just got home...after a full day of work yesterday and no sleep, it makes MrBlue a dull boy!  I'm plum tuckered out.  However, the Aircraft Commander was a great fellow and very helpful with information about what they do up in the air.

All I can say is: Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines are Great Professionals and Great Airmen!!!

  

Day 164 - Workout at the pool

After reading my new book "The Big Drop", I realized I need to get in shape for my upcoming midtour if I am really going to go surfing for 14 days straight.  I think i need to be able to stay underwater for about 2 minutes.  

So tonight I went for a swim and decided to start working on my ability to hold my breath.  At the start of the evening, I was barely able to make it half way down the pool underwater, but that soon changed with a little drowning.  I finally made 5 trips the length of the pool....while this is only about 30 seconds, it's a good start for day 1 of training.  Now I need to work on my pop ups...

Day 163 - Pool Time

The day was very nice here today and since it was my day off (kind of), I decided to head to the pool and get some sun.  Since I have been wearing ABUs during daylight hours for the past 5 months, I have lost some of my color.  And with plans to hit the beach for my midtour, I need to get some skin exposed to the sun!

Was at the pool for about 2 hours...very nice and relaxing.  However, all I need to do now is practice my jump ups and some swimming.

Day 160 - Thanksgiving Day

Today is a day to be THANKFUL!  Yes, it's a thankful day.   


The day started off with breakfast with the Secretary of the Air Force Donley and the Chief Master of the Air Force Roy.  We met with a few Airmen and then sent them on their way to visit others around the AOR.  Lunch and Dinner with other Airmen around the Theater...what a way to spend your holiday...leadership from the front.


After the breakfast, I thought this was going to be a slow day, but that was not the case.  It was work as normal with many of the same meetings.  However, we added a lunch with the Local Air Force leadership having Thanksgiving dinner with the wing leadership.  It was fun and I think they enjoyed being a part of our holiday.


Finally, I just arrived home from the DFAC and serving our Airmen Thanksgiving Dinner.  As usual, I had a LOT of fun "goofing off".  We even had a good time rassing the local chaplain who was serving on the other line.  We were constantly busy serving while his line was pretty empty.  I guess they like my was of carving the Roast Beef.  Did I mention, I don't know how to carve beef?  It was falling off the bone and they were some LARGE bones.

Vince and Dan serving up some vittles

Roast Beef -- it's what's for dinner

The Fixin's

Our HELP

Cuttin' me some Roast Beef

Chaplain Davidson...other serving line

Fake WINE

Day 155 - gone fishing

Well, I can this is a first (for me).  Going fishing in the Arabia Gulf!  Not what I expected and I guess I would think they had some simple gear (like a fish finder), but no such luck.  

We spent about 1 1/2 hours driving out to "the Spot" only to have to move 2 more times.  We finally caught a few (at least some of those on board did).  

The Boat!!!  not much to look at  =)

Boarding the boat and thinking....what have I gotten myself into?

Our Fishing Guide...he's from Nepal

I hope you noticed that I'm wearing the same shirt as the Tour Guide...yes, I know, I was just trying to fit in :)

The Guide giving some fishing lessons to the Vice...all smiles

My idea of a good fishing trip....reading a book about SURFING

Okay...so I did pickup the fishing rod, but no luck catching anything :(

The Group of Fishermen...

The complete group

Day 153 - Heaven

Today I was in HEAVEN!!! I received a Care Package from mySurfingBuddy.  In it was LOADS of surfing material.  In fact, more reading material than I can read in a night...good more reading tomorrow.  He also included a few nice to have things -- like Hot Tamales (it ate them immediately...all of them) =)


It's so nice to be loved from afar...but when they send me items like this...I'm in HEAVEN.


BTW:  I also got a DaKine Diego's T-Shirt...I'll have to take a picture of me in that.


What a GREAT Friend and Family we know back at our last base.  I sure do miss the weekly get togethers :(  Best part of these friends is that we had not "fronts"  They are the most REAL people I know and I LOVE them...

Thanks so much Lee and Dorthea!!!  You all ROCK!

Traveling

Made a little trip to Bahrain today to visit one of our detachments.  Nice visit...boy does it make me appreciate where I am!  Conditions at this location have a long way to go to be NICE!

Some of my traveling partners -- TheChaplain and TheExec

Then we went to NSA Bahrain and made a trip to the Food Court and NEX.  We all decided to ave Taco Bell since we don't have this at our location (yet...it's coming soon).  

A Chinaman in Bahrain eating Mexican...can you believe this!

 

Day 152 - Revival

Last night was FANTASTIC :)  I can't believe how great a night it was.  


First off, the AFCENT Chaplains were having a conference and they asked me to speak.  Yeah, I know...me speaking!  However, I was truly blessed by the opportunity to talk about the Maintenance of the Human Weapon System.  I guess it was well received, but again...it blessed me more than them!  


The group was a great group and I even took a few pictures of them before I spoke.  Great People...Great CHAPLAINS!!!!

 

Then the night was capped off with a concert by Casting Crowns!  Yeah, a real live Contemporary Christian rock band.  It was AWESOME!!!!  The memorial plaza was FULL with people flowing out of the area and seating was amazing.  As the group sang, people sang along.  It was an Old Time Tent Revival in the AOR!  I continue to be amazed at what GOD does and how he does it!

Casting Crowns singing on stage!!!!  Great Concert

It was great seeing so many from the Chapel attending.  I even think the BOSS liked it.

Here's the view when I was sitting down.   So it was Standing Most of the Night!