Day 36 - 1st CC Call, old friends and new ones too

Today, we had our first Commander's Call for the Wing.  I wasn't sure what to expect or what the boss expected from me on this one, so I just put a few things together.  It was amazing to see how it all came together and everyone blended their idea/topics together...you would think we planned it.  

Then the day got interesting!!!!  We had a person passing through for various reasons he needed an escort back to the states.  So we selected the Wing Staff FSgt to make the trip...What was amazing about this was how people (Airmen) from around the wing came together late at night, after hours to hook us up with International Cell Phones.  I am amazed at how GREAT these people are.  One in particular is Robert Majewski who is the BlackBerry GURU.  I mean he does it ALLLLLLL for the communications squadron.  

I also ran into an old co-worker from Aviano.  This sharp young NCO was an asset in the SLAN shop back then and he's doing some great things here in the Network Control Center.  Again, I'm amazed at the fine young Airmen the Air Force has working in it.  They could make a lot more money if they left the Air Force, but they continue to serve and serve well!

Finally, I got a chance to THANK the boss for his leadership and tell him how much I appreciate his faithfulness.  I about let the cat out of the bag on why I was so glad to be in the AOR again (last experience was not that good).  Come to find out, his last trip was a little less than good too!  

I know today that:
- I am blessed beyond measure
- I am surrounded by some Really Smart People
- I love what I do in the Air Force
- I have friends I am making for LIFE!!!

What a world I live in...Thank goodness I have answered prayers!

Day 31 - A month of Sundays

I tell you the truth...

Today has been another awesome day in the life of the Man in Blue!  How wonderful it is to serve a country and the Airmen whom I serve alongside.  

Tonight, I had the opportunity to go over and see the B1B maintainers.  This was nice since I see these planes taking off daily to go and deliver Precision and Power in the Global War on Terror.

It's great getting to see and talk with the Airmen that make this mission a success.  In fact, I find many of these folks excited at what they do and proud to be part of this mission.  

The team here is about ready to redeploy home after six months on station and they deserve the rest.  These Super Maintainers were very successful in their ability to generate sorties is some difficult conditions (heat and blowing sand).  However, they make it look easy.  

The mission capability rates are at an all time high and since they are continually flying their birds it's even more amazing.  How do they do it????  Through a lot of dedication, drive and determination to meet the ATO requirements.

Thank goodness for Airmen like the ones we have here.  We could not execute the mission without them!!!!

Check out this video....http://www.facebook.com/pages/379th-Air-Expeditionary-Wing/123406348119?ref=ts#!/video/video.php?v=139339029415488

Day 26 - Wing Walker

This wing is BLESSED beyond measure!  No doubt about it, we have a great leader who LOVES the people, the mission and walks with the right faith.  

Tonight, we had a visitor to meet as they flew through our locale.  I went along with the boss for morale support and "in case" he needed someone to help him out.  After arriving on the flight line, we realized it was going to be close quarters parking the C-130.


Here comes the HELP....the boss asks me if I have ever walked a wing!  Of course, I say SURE...do it all the time (no, I told him...NEVER, but give me a quick lesson and I'm on it).  So he walks me out to the wingtip (on the ground) of a C-17 and says...don't let the parking plane come within 10 feet of this wing!  

No sweat!!! until the C-130 comes rolling around the corner towards me!!!!!   Watch out...we don't need a class A flight mishap.  Good thing the flight crew were paying attention (along with my fudging the distance to about 20 feet), they moved right on through and parked the plane.


I am now certified to be a Wing Walker...(on the flight line ground only).  Remember, please don't try these stunts at home...they are FUN!

Day 23 - Back from a little trip

Back from a little trip to one of our sites this morning.  Got to spend a little time seeing how people live in another location and realize it's VERY nice here in comparison to other locations...can you say very austere there!!!

However, the Airmen assigned working with the Navy and Army are making a go of it.  It was VERY steamy (humidity that did not stop all day...like 100%).  I was wringing wet all day long like I had the flood gates opening.  I felt like the Axe commercial

It was a great trip for a small team.  I even met up with an old friend Dave Spector from AMC.  I thought I was going to miss him since I was out of town, but we ended up at the same place...funny how things like that happen.

Back to the Airmen...it kind of reminded me of the 3rd Herd days...that kind of living in a deployed environment.  In fact, I met a few 5th Mob guys and a 3rd Herder...interesting life they STILL lead.

Let's just say, it's nice to be deployed, but many have it rougher than I do...no complaining here, only a realization...

Thanks to those who serve is difficult situation...my hat is off to you!

Day 21 – Dinner time!

Day 21 – Dinner time!

Dinner time is always interesting here! For some reason, I haven't been able to connect with a group of people to have dinner with on a regular basis. So I seem to be "alone" when I go to the chowhall (yes, I know that's not PC...but it will always be a chowhall to me and not a DFAC).

Well, back to dinner time...so every time I head to eat I realize after I walk in that I need to find a dinner partner or group. So I eagerly scan the room for some people to sit with. I think they are looking at me too, wondering if I am going to sit down with them. It's really funny when they begin to eat faster so I won't sit with them :) It's funny how people are, but I sure love them.

Once I have selected the "Stucky Group", I then grab a seat and just see how life is for them.

Over the past week, I have eaten with just about every of person we have on base. From POL to SFS to Austrilian to Army...that was my dinner mates tonight.

It's funny how things come up with just a little conversation. One of the first things I like to know is if everything is all right and if there is anything I can do. Tonight, the soldiers said they recognized me, but didn't know my name...I like it that way. It's even better when they don't know who I am at all.

During tonight's table talk I found out these guys were having some Comm problems. Imagine that...having Comm problems and talking to an old Comm guy! So, I'm going to look into seeing what can be done. No need in doing long term work arounds for things like this. Let's get it fixed or move on to something better.

I sure hope the Comm Sq can help these guys out. Right now, they have to make a daily 50 mile round trip to another location to take care of business.

There is nothing more rewarding than being able to HELP our Airmen, Soldier, Sailors, Guardians and Marines. Just linking the right people together...it's what I do!

Day 20 - New Guys Arriving

After a fallen warrior ceremony, a flight arrived of New Personnel.  Watching them get off the plane, they looked VERY tired.  So after shaking over 100 hands, I decided to help the young Airmen "throw bags" to unload the aircraft.

It was great talking with the new arrivals and seeing where they were from and what they do.  I ran into three very young Airmen from the 3rd Herd.  They were kind of funny and I wondered if that was me back in 1989 when I was on my first deployment?  I also met a few new Contracting types and some POL guys and gal.  

I sure hope I didn't scare the POL Airmen with the numbers I was throwing around about the amount of fuel we deliver/pump here.  However, a few of these POL Airmen were from Whiteman...that's Knob Noster Missouri, population 123 Salute.  lol

 

Day 19 - Gut Check

Today was a good gut check for me!  I had a good friend send me a little note and mentored me on being a good Chief.  It was well deserved and I appreciate his insight and thoughts.  Without people who are willing to hold you accountable, how do you get better?  I'm not sure, but I know I am 100% sure I don't have 100% of the answers.

What happened to old fashion mentorship...not the kind we do via electronic myEDP, but real, in your face, what are you thinking type of mentorship?  Really, is this a lost art or do people just don't care anymore.  

I am thankful for many people who have had words of...get your act together kind of statements.  Each time they were 100% on target.  Does that mean I don't know what I'm doing?  Well, yes...sometimes I am clueless.  However, it really means I'm still learning.

Learning...both on and off the job, in and out of the classroom.  I need good teachers who are willing to take a little of their time to make a difference in someone's life.  I have tried many times to be that teacher to the young Airmen I come across.  Am I successful???? I don't know but I keep trying to help them.  The true test of success will not be measured by me or anyone of my supervisors. It will be measured by the Airmen each and every day!!!

As my friend put it recently to me...this is not the Larry Malcom show...and he's right!  This has never been and never will be about me.  I do get to enjoy some great opportunities, but they are for learning how I can better take care of AIRMEN!  My only joy is from seeing Airmen succeed...

Day 18 - Getting it done

Today was a highlight to see our Ops Group Airmen getting it done!  Yes, they were taking the fight to the enemy by delivering gas to our Joint and Coalition partners.  When they deliver gas to the front lines, then the aircraft can stay overhead for longer periods.  That means...planes overheads ready to assist TICs (troops in contact).  


While we'll never hear about what actions the aircraft we refueled today did, you can rest assured the Airmen flying this sortie were making a difference.  

What professionals...they worked tirelessly for hours in the hot sun/plane before they taxied off for the mission.  Hot and sweaty for the next several hours...all to deliver the fuel on board. 


Did they complain...NO!  Did they wonder why...NO!  Did they understand the importance of their job...YES!  


From tip (pilot) to tail (boom operator) of this plane, they understand their mission...providing gas, when and where needed under all types of conditions.

I am proud to be serving with a team of Airmen who KNOW they matter....because they DO!

 

Day 17 - Readying for Flight

Sorry I didn't have a post yesterday.  It was a very LONG day with more Fallen Warriors and I just didn't feel up to posting by the time I got home.

However, today is another day!!!!  I found out late this evening that I am going for my first Flight tomorrow.  I can't wait and it will be fun for sure.  I will post more information about the events tomorrow when I return.



Hey, Space Guys...how come I never got a ride on a rocket?  lol

Day 15 - Cinderella

Today I feel a little like Cinderella since everyone went to the ball and I didn't get to attend.

The boss and vice attended an event at the Embassy tonight and I didn't get an invite:(. I thought it might be fun to go especially since it was a service dress event. I'm not sure but I may not have brought some clothing I need (like a suit???). I do have a sport coat, but there may be opportunities for more formal events.

I just hope I get to attend future events!!!!

If I'm Cinderella then who is the wicked step mother? It's not the boss....he's great!

Day 15 - Running at Breakneck Speed

Today is the 4th of July!!!!  YAHOOOOOOOOO...So I decided to start the day off right with a little 5K!  Temperature was fantastic, cool for here, and a nice morning to run.  Even though I have some pain in my foot (heel is killing me), I thought "What's 3.1 miles running on my toes?"  Well, after not running for some time, I would say TOUGH!  Because of the pain, I didn't run a fast race...21:24.

However, the run was good and the Boss showed up too.  It's nice to have a boss who likes what you like and is engaging with the people.  No pomp and circumstances here...just normal good ol' boys enjoying what we do...serving our country and Airmen!

However, the day ended on a sad note...two Fallen Warriors came through.  The price of freedom is as high today as it was when we fought for our independence some 200+ years ago.  

 

Day 14 - Dinner with the SELs

After a long day of meetings upon meetings upon meetings, I finally made it out of the office to dinner with my fellow SELs (CMSgts, SGMs, MCPOs).  We had food from down town (swarma is what they called them).  They were very tasty and I enjoyed the company.  

I guess I'm the guy they get to pick on!  Maybe because I'm new or because of the Wing.  Either way, they are a great bunch of guys and gals!  I really appreciate them and how close they are.  When you have leadership hanging out together, it sure makes life a lot better.  

Today was also a good look into the Bosses vector for the next year.  Did I mention I really like this leadership team?  The CC and CV are GREAT people and have a vision to take us a long way this year.  I'm blessed to be along for the ride...

For those that like history, you should look up the Wing.  We have a very rich history of war fighting.  In fact, the current CV is the grandson of the pilot of the Enola Gay.  Yes, you hear me correctly...THE pilot of the Enola Gay from WWII.  His grandfather, Paul Tibbets, was the pilot who dropped Little Boy on Hiroshima.   


BTW:  we are making history ourselves each and every day!!!!  What a great mission, place and PEOPLE!

Day 13 -- And the heat is ON!

HEAT has new meaning now that I have been here for about two weeks.  Yes, I can officially say, "this is the hottest place I have ever been!"  
With a prediction in the 110 degree Fahrenheit every day with turns to 120 on other days, I can say it is officially summer in the Southwest Asia.  However, they keep telling me that HOT is still a few weeks away...just wait for July and August when all of the locals leave the country.  Hey, can I take a trip out of here in August too?  

But.............it's a dry heat for now!  The wind will soon enough change directions and come from the coast which will change the humidity level to about 90 every day.  With the heat and then add humidity, I'm not sure I am ready for that.

Tonight on the way home, I had to take a picture of the time/temp in the car.  Yes, what you see here is the night time temperature...So, at 2130 it's a cool 99 degrees!   Can you imagine what the daytime heat is?  Much HOTTER!











Richard, I'll take less heat for 100!  


What amazes me each and every day is our Airmen.  Yes, these young guys (and old ones too) who work tirelessly on the flightline, at the gates and just about everywhere around the base.  They have a smile on their face as the sun fries their skin!  What amazing people we have who VOLUNTEER to serve our country.  Can you imagine asking a snot nose kid back in America to do something like this?  To get off the couch and quit playing PSP to stand out in the hot, baking sun for 6-12 hours per day for 6 straight months?  What do you think the answer would be?  I'm sure it would be something like "Are you kidding me?" or  "Are you CRAZY?"  


And my answer would probably be YES!  But these Airmen do it without complaint, grip or concern.  They are smiling and having the time of their life.  I only wish the world could see these great American's who do it all and are HAPPY about being here. 


I think serving a cause much bigger than themselves leaves one with a sense of pride and satisfaction for a job well done.  What can I say but,  THANK YOU Airmen!   You are truly professionals in every sense of the word.

M1 - W2 - D4 (Day 12) -- Mentorship

Today I had the opportunity to go an visit with our Rising 6 group.  This is a dedicated group of Airmen and NCOs, who want to better the organization and environment we live in.  In fact, they are driven by "making things better".  Today, they recognized a leader who has been a mentor to them.  Their selection process is for one of the members to nominate a SNCO who has demonstrated the true meaning of mentorship.  The executive council then selects the best individual and they present that SNCO with a certificate.  


Here, the President of the Rising 6, TSgt Haygood, and myself are recognizing MSgt Sander for being one of those SNCOs who give a little more in develping our Airmen. 


It's kind of funny how things work out.  I find myself spending LOADS of time with two groups of people...not on purpose but somehow when I go somewhere these are the people I meet.  I find myself gravitating to Cops and Comm!  I'm not sure, but maybe I have a radar that drives me in their direction OR they just seem to be the ones who have the most need!!!!  


Any who, it is fund and I've almost made it two weeks.  Tomorrow is another day of In Processing.  Yes, I too have to get myself in processed into the unit/base so that I know and understand the specific requirements of the base and area.  It's about 3 hours of Right Start briefings then I have a little break before taking another class to get me ready to "fly" with some of the crews.  I am SOOOOO looking forward to this opportunity...flying with the Airmen who are executing the mission in the skies above the bad guys.  Hopefully, in a week or so, I'll get my first flight aboard some aircraft which operates from this location.  What mission should be my FIRST?