Today we are on the cusp of change at my location. Tomorrow brings new opportunities and new leadership. I am looking forward to see how the unit will continue to grow and build upon the success of those before us.
The last year has been a year of successes under Brigadier General Wilson. He has established a community of trust and support across the wing. In fact, his leadership ability has taken a wing of diverse groups (bombers, heavies and tankers) to a new level of performance and cohesion. It is an amazing thing to see how these individual groups have combined to make this wing such a success.
Tomorrow, we continue the journey of building this place from an expeditionary to enduring base. What does this exactly mean? Well, it means moving the ball forward toward the end zone while still conducting operations across the spectrum of warfare.
I look forward the challenges we will encounter over the next 12 months. This is FUN and I am blessed to be a part of this unit!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
M1 - W2 - D3 (Day 10) -- A Chief among Chiefs
It is amazing how Chiefs make things happen in short order. I could be more proud of the Chiefs at this location in Southwest Asia. In fact, I stand in AWE of what they have accomplished and how they chose to recognize a GREAT leader.
Within only a few days, the Desert Chiefs Group (DCG) worked tirelessly to honor the Wing Commander as an Honorary CMSgt. Since the DCG had not done this before, we had a quick learning curve, but many of the Chiefs came to the rescue and put in extra hours and brain cells to make the night a success.
I remember when I was told I had been selected as a CMSgt. What a day of rejoicing that was!!! First off, while I wanted to be selected, the decision was out of my hands. Additionally, I believed I had done my best in everything I had done and if that wasn't good enough then I wasn't deserving of being selected as a top 1% of the Air Force Enlisted Corps.
Tonight was very similar for BG Wilson. He had no control over the process. A board (very similar to the promotion board) met to discuss his fate. Did he have the qualities, leadership and demeanor for what we expect in the CMSgt? The answer was a resounding and unequivocal YES!
While I have only been BOG (boots on ground) for 10 days, I can tell you one thing...the leader has made this dynamic wing operate smoothly. The people, the mission and the leadership are all in unison and working to the same cause. Brig Gen Wilson, you will be missed!
Go read the Blog from the BOSS regarding his Promotion at 379AEW Blog.
Within only a few days, the Desert Chiefs Group (DCG) worked tirelessly to honor the Wing Commander as an Honorary CMSgt. Since the DCG had not done this before, we had a quick learning curve, but many of the Chiefs came to the rescue and put in extra hours and brain cells to make the night a success.
I remember when I was told I had been selected as a CMSgt. What a day of rejoicing that was!!! First off, while I wanted to be selected, the decision was out of my hands. Additionally, I believed I had done my best in everything I had done and if that wasn't good enough then I wasn't deserving of being selected as a top 1% of the Air Force Enlisted Corps.
While I have only been BOG (boots on ground) for 10 days, I can tell you one thing...the leader has made this dynamic wing operate smoothly. The people, the mission and the leadership are all in unison and working to the same cause. Brig Gen Wilson, you will be missed!
Go read the Blog from the BOSS regarding his Promotion at 379AEW Blog.
Monday, June 28, 2010
M1 - W2 - D2 -- New
Another day of experiencing NEW things!
Tonight we had a new guest at the "undisclosed location in Southwest Asia". While I waited to for that arrival, I drove around the talk with someone I haven't met yet.
Those POL guys are something special.They pass more gas during a six month tour than most bases pass all year long. Two of those young Airmen asked me if I wanted to "top off" the tanks of a KC-135. Was that really a question they needed to ask? Of course I said YES, with a big smile on my face. I added the final 1500 gallons to a jet that was planned to depart in about an hour and would be support other missions around the AOR. Maybe if I plan my cards right, those POL guys will let me pump 1 million gallons over the year? Well, maybe not!
As for NEW, the NEW GUY is here! First time to meet the guy who hired me. Funny to meet someone I will spend the next year with. I kind of felt like that mail order bride who met her new husband. It was a little uneasy, but the NEW boss made me feel part of the team immediately. I am in GREAT company here with this team. A new boss, new group leadership and me...all here for a year to continue this great mission.
I stand in AWE!!! Lovin' It!
Tonight we had a new guest at the "undisclosed location in Southwest Asia". While I waited to for that arrival, I drove around the talk with someone I haven't met yet.
As for NEW, the NEW GUY is here! First time to meet the guy who hired me. Funny to meet someone I will spend the next year with. I kind of felt like that mail order bride who met her new husband. It was a little uneasy, but the NEW boss made me feel part of the team immediately. I am in GREAT company here with this team. A new boss, new group leadership and me...all here for a year to continue this great mission.
I stand in AWE!!! Lovin' It!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
M1 - W2 - D1 -- Fini
It is finished :( The boss has taken his last flight as the commander here.
As he rolled down the taxiway, the Airmen of the wing lined the way to his parking place. What a site to see...that pretty plane rolling by his Airmen.
But not all get to "stand around" and watch...there are so many great maintainers who work in some difficult conditions. No matter the heat, wind or other weather, these Airmen are keeping these old planes flying. It is no small feat, but you should have saw the Crew Chief when he saw his plane returning home after a successful mission. I would say he "screamed like a little girl" as the BOSS did a quick fly-by before landing. However, their job just begins when the plane gets parked.
Those Pilots do it right...when they tell each other good bye! What a way to tell someone you appreciate them by soaking them with a fire truck hose. ??? Seems like a weird tradition, but great to see.
The fini flight went all day long with the boss coming home (safely) and conducting a fly by in an aircraft that Mrs. Blue loves! Yes, the B-1 Bomber...
Here HE is....our BOSS -- Wingman, Leader, Warrior!
Those Pilots do it right...when they tell each other good bye! What a way to tell someone you appreciate them by soaking them with a fire truck hose. ??? Seems like a weird tradition, but great to see. The fini flight went all day long with the boss coming home (safely) and conducting a fly by in an aircraft that Mrs. Blue loves! Yes, the B-1 Bomber...
Here HE is....our BOSS -- Wingman, Leader, Warrior!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Month 1 - Week 1 - Day 7 -- Weekly wrapup
What a week. Can anyone slow this train down? I must say, it has been a whirlwind week for me and I think the pace will remain the same for the next year.
I have begun to think of this time in the AOR as a race of some sort. Kind of like a marathon or ultra marathon. However, like all of my marathon training, I'm not sure I have "trained" myself to ready for the long haul. When I have trained for a running race, I have continually worked at adding distance. But each time I raced, I found myself lacking in the distance at the end of the race. Somewhere around the 22 mile point, I seem to struggle to get to the finish line.
For the "race", I don't want to stumble...I want to "Finish Strong"! Therefore, I am choosing the Jeff Galloway method to this event with some walk breaks built in. Today was my first "walk break" and it was needed. I had run the last few miles at a break neck speed. In fact, I needed to take a break on Saturday, but didn't...shame on me :( However, after a walk day, I find myself renewed...ready for another week of challenges and opportunities to serve.
I have seen a LOT of the results of our global war on terrorism. In fact, too much already. Death is a part of this business and many of our people seem to forget that. Are we ready???? NO. but do we need to be ready for the Worst Case Scenarios???? YES. While I don't know what to do, say or pray, I find myself thinking long and hard about my family.
Mrs. Blue and lil' Blue...143 MiB
I have begun to think of this time in the AOR as a race of some sort. Kind of like a marathon or ultra marathon. However, like all of my marathon training, I'm not sure I have "trained" myself to ready for the long haul. When I have trained for a running race, I have continually worked at adding distance. But each time I raced, I found myself lacking in the distance at the end of the race. Somewhere around the 22 mile point, I seem to struggle to get to the finish line.
For the "race", I don't want to stumble...I want to "Finish Strong"! Therefore, I am choosing the Jeff Galloway method to this event with some walk breaks built in. Today was my first "walk break" and it was needed. I had run the last few miles at a break neck speed. In fact, I needed to take a break on Saturday, but didn't...shame on me :( However, after a walk day, I find myself renewed...ready for another week of challenges and opportunities to serve.
I have seen a LOT of the results of our global war on terrorism. In fact, too much already. Death is a part of this business and many of our people seem to forget that. Are we ready???? NO. but do we need to be ready for the Worst Case Scenarios???? YES. While I don't know what to do, say or pray, I find myself thinking long and hard about my family.
Mrs. Blue and lil' Blue...143 MiB
Friday, June 25, 2010
Day 6 - A loooooong day (fallen warrior)
Sleep! Not sure how important this is, but as the week presses on, I think it is going to become a real need. I haven't gotten much yet, but it's been very fast paced. The worst part is I haven't gotten much exercise either :(
FoxSports Sky Box had it's GRAND OPENING this evening. Yes, we have a great little establishment that looks fabulous! I am continually amazed at the Airmen in this place. While FoxSports did a lot to provide supplies, the Airmen in the ECES provided the grunt labor to make this happen (and happen quickly). This is one World Class place to get your 3 drinks per day! However, I was unable to make the event since I was dealing with a very difficult situation.
For those who have not told your wife and kids you Love Them...do it NOW! Yes, you need to tell them because you never know what can happen. We had another fallen warrior today...yes, it's becoming a regular thing here. However, this one was different! This one pulled at my heart strings and made me wonder WHY? We received notice that we would have another fallen ceremony this morning but this one would have an escort...the spouse of the fallen warrior. Yes, both are active duty Army and he sustained injuries which cost him his life. While that does hit home, it was the other circumstances that really made me consider life. While trying to make the long trip back to Dover, the plane had 4, yes 4, different maintenance issues which took all day to fix. While I think I might have accepted the risk of flying safety a little more to make this trip, the command pilot chose not to. Here he had a spouse of a fallen soldier accompany him back to the states and urgency was not evident. I could only love on her alongside the Chaplain. We showed her, I hope, a glimmer of hope even though she was going through a lot. After spending the entire day -- talking, thinking, praying, hoping -- she left on an airplane which had 4 great Airmen working all day on to get it airborne.
Without the Airmen who spent their entire day working issues and having a real Caring Attitude, I'm not sure this trip would have continued so quickly. Now she is on her way back HOME to console her children and be consoled by her family...
So I say it again...if you haven't told your family you love them, do it NOW!
FoxSports Sky Box had it's GRAND OPENING this evening. Yes, we have a great little establishment that looks fabulous! I am continually amazed at the Airmen in this place. While FoxSports did a lot to provide supplies, the Airmen in the ECES provided the grunt labor to make this happen (and happen quickly). This is one World Class place to get your 3 drinks per day! However, I was unable to make the event since I was dealing with a very difficult situation.
For those who have not told your wife and kids you Love Them...do it NOW! Yes, you need to tell them because you never know what can happen. We had another fallen warrior today...yes, it's becoming a regular thing here. However, this one was different! This one pulled at my heart strings and made me wonder WHY? We received notice that we would have another fallen ceremony this morning but this one would have an escort...the spouse of the fallen warrior. Yes, both are active duty Army and he sustained injuries which cost him his life. While that does hit home, it was the other circumstances that really made me consider life. While trying to make the long trip back to Dover, the plane had 4, yes 4, different maintenance issues which took all day to fix. While I think I might have accepted the risk of flying safety a little more to make this trip, the command pilot chose not to. Here he had a spouse of a fallen soldier accompany him back to the states and urgency was not evident. I could only love on her alongside the Chaplain. We showed her, I hope, a glimmer of hope even though she was going through a lot. After spending the entire day -- talking, thinking, praying, hoping -- she left on an airplane which had 4 great Airmen working all day on to get it airborne.
Without the Airmen who spent their entire day working issues and having a real Caring Attitude, I'm not sure this trip would have continued so quickly. Now she is on her way back HOME to console her children and be consoled by her family...
So I say it again...if you haven't told your family you love them, do it NOW!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Day FIVE - Did someone order some SAND because I have plenty!
Let me tell you something about sand...it looks a lot like blowing snow when you have 35kt winds and lots of sand. Today was very interesting...some would say the blowing and was a nice treat in comparison to the HEAT.
As I went out of my dorms this morning, this is what I saw...limited visibility and lots of SAND which was NOT on the ground. Funny thing about this sand, it doesn't just sit around and do nothing. No it has a way of wanting to be part of your day...like a little kid who says "come play with me". Well, I'm not sure I want to play today. However, I didn't get a vote.
(yeah I know, the picture is not that good and it's pointing more at the rock front yard i have...so sue me since the sand was in my eyes, face, hair, just about all over me)
Let me see, sand in every place imaginable or sweating from every pore of your body??? Hmmmmm, let me see all wet or all sand blasted, is that really a choice. Richard, can I have somewhere in between please?
As I went out of my dorms this morning, this is what I saw...limited visibility and lots of SAND which was NOT on the ground. Funny thing about this sand, it doesn't just sit around and do nothing. No it has a way of wanting to be part of your day...like a little kid who says "come play with me". Well, I'm not sure I want to play today. However, I didn't get a vote.
Let me see, sand in every place imaginable or sweating from every pore of your body??? Hmmmmm, let me see all wet or all sand blasted, is that really a choice. Richard, can I have somewhere in between please?
(Just look at this blow snow...reminds me of South Dakota winters)
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Day 4 -
Day 4 and 4 Fallen Warriors
Sunset Vigil
The news is spread far and wide
Another comrade has sadly died
A sunset vigil upon the sand
As a soldier leaves this foreign land
We stand alone, and yet as one
In the fading light of a setting sun
We've all gathered to say goodbye
To our fallen comrade who's set to fly
The eulogy's read about their life
Sometimes with words from pals or wife
We all know when the CO's done
What kind of soldier they'd become
The padre then calls us all to pray
The bugler has Last Post to play
The cannon roars and belches flame
We will recall, with pride, their name
A minute's silence stood in place
As tears roll down the hardest face
Deafening silence fills the air
With each of us in personal prayer
Reveille sounds and the parade is done
The hero remembered, forgotten by none
They leave to start the journey back
In a coffin draped in the Union Jack
Sunset Vigil
The news is spread far and wide
Another comrade has sadly died
A sunset vigil upon the sand
As a soldier leaves this foreign land
We stand alone, and yet as one
In the fading light of a setting sun
We've all gathered to say goodbye
To our fallen comrade who's set to fly
The eulogy's read about their life
Sometimes with words from pals or wife
We all know when the CO's done
What kind of soldier they'd become
The padre then calls us all to pray
The bugler has Last Post to play
The cannon roars and belches flame
We will recall, with pride, their name
A minute's silence stood in place
As tears roll down the hardest face
Deafening silence fills the air
With each of us in personal prayer
Reveille sounds and the parade is done
The hero remembered, forgotten by none
They leave to start the journey back
In a coffin draped in the Union Jack
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Day 3 - Fallen Warriors
Day 3 has been...interesting. The day was planned out when we got the call about a Fallen Warrior ceremony. Because I have been through this SO many times before, this brought back memories of the 170+ Fallen Comrade ceremonies at Bagram. I sure wasn't expecting to have to deal with this so soon in my tour!
Today was "busy" with respect to this...we received 10 fallen warriors for transport back to the states.
Do you ever wonder about the families and how something like this impacts so many lives? If not, take a moment to think about the young Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Guardians along with our Coalition Partners who have lost warriors in battle during this conflict. The numbers are astounding --
As of 22 June 2010L
OIF - 4,411
OEF - 1,114
Things I realized today --
- We have people who have given their ALL for this country
- A flag draped casket has real meaning in ways I can't explain
- Families are IMPORTANT!
Today was "busy" with respect to this...we received 10 fallen warriors for transport back to the states.
Do you ever wonder about the families and how something like this impacts so many lives? If not, take a moment to think about the young Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Guardians along with our Coalition Partners who have lost warriors in battle during this conflict. The numbers are astounding --
As of 22 June 2010L
OIF - 4,411
OEF - 1,114
Things I realized today --
- We have people who have given their ALL for this country
- A flag draped casket has real meaning in ways I can't explain
- Families are IMPORTANT!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Day TWO - Medic, Medic, Medic
| Hey, can someone call a MEDIC??? No really, I don't need a medic, but I spent the afternoon hanging out with several of them (the entire group). Today, after less than 48 hours with Boots on Ground (BOG as the term is so richly termed), I found myself being "immersed" in what the Medical Group is doing for people throughout the AOR. Yes, you heard that correctly...throughout the AOR! This is one great group of people and I think I met just about everyone of their Es. They were prepared to tell me how they contribute, but one thing I noticed from each of them was that they CARE about people. After going over, I had a chance to sit down with the boss and talk my visit. He mentioned that during the last year, the medical group continually received the highest praise for "helping people out". No matter if it was a two star general calling in the afternoon or a "one striper" not feeling well at 0330, they were the people who "took care of business". Wouldn't it be nice if every organization we visited had this same concept of service? What if... - Burger King really meant "have it your way" - the IG really meant "we're here to help you" - Toyota really meant "the best build cars in the world" To top this off, I finished Day TWO with some great Defenders. Yes, you heard that...DEFENDERS! In fact, a few of them gave me one of the best compliments I have received in some time. Can you believe that they said "I looked like a SFS"! WOW...I wasn't sure if that was a compliment or they were pulling my leg? Either way, I liked being considered "one of them" ;) Today I learned... - we have great Airmen - we have a great mission - we have people who really do CARE Lovin' it! |
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Day ONE - seeing the daylight
Day ONE - all Secure!
I have made the necessary trips around the base to see things and begin the in processing. Sorry to those folks who had to come in on their minimum battle rhythm day, but it was greatly appreciated to get me up to speed quickly since I only have a few days to get up to speed.
However, today's events have been fun and exciting. While the day started off slow, it soon heated up (both in temperature and things to do, even on a Sunday). While I didn't get to church today, I did see where the Chapel is and plan to stop by. However, I was blessed with a little Mongolian BBQ at lunch. While this is no Khan's in Bellevue, Nebraska, it was good for ChowHall food. Can you say "Enjoyyyyyed it"
After lunch we did a little more driving around the base to see the facilities and location of units...this place is spread out! BUT...I do have a Ford Escape to drive around and it has A/C. I guess I need to send a Thank You to whoever invented that little device...it is invaluable here.
I finished the day off with recognizing the Airmen who helped renovate the Fox Sport Sky Box. What a great new place for people to "hang out" during their off time. On the way home...I also did a walk by the SFS gate to say hello. It surprised my young defenders, but was a good little talk.
I have made the necessary trips around the base to see things and begin the in processing. Sorry to those folks who had to come in on their minimum battle rhythm day, but it was greatly appreciated to get me up to speed quickly since I only have a few days to get up to speed.
However, today's events have been fun and exciting. While the day started off slow, it soon heated up (both in temperature and things to do, even on a Sunday). While I didn't get to church today, I did see where the Chapel is and plan to stop by. However, I was blessed with a little Mongolian BBQ at lunch. While this is no Khan's in Bellevue, Nebraska, it was good for ChowHall food. Can you say "Enjoyyyyyed it"
After lunch we did a little more driving around the base to see the facilities and location of units...this place is spread out! BUT...I do have a Ford Escape to drive around and it has A/C. I guess I need to send a Thank You to whoever invented that little device...it is invaluable here.
I finished the day off with recognizing the Airmen who helped renovate the Fox Sport Sky Box. What a great new place for people to "hang out" during their off time. On the way home...I also did a walk by the SFS gate to say hello. It surprised my young defenders, but was a good little talk.
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