Happy anniversary to me, happy anniversary to me, happy anniversary, happy anniversary, happy anniversary to ME!
Yes, today is my anniversary for coming into the BIG BLUE! I find it hard to believe that 24 years ago I entered the USAF and was off to Lackland AFB. I think about going to the airport and heading to what would be a very interesting few weeks at BMT. Me and a few new friends would be going through this together.
I remember SSgt Valdez, my TI, and them taking all of my "goodies" when they looked through our bags. I also remember trying to get as far away from the TI by picking a bed way in the back of the barracks. It worked for a little while, but not for long.
Who would have imagined 24 years later that I would be embarking upon a NEW adventure, but this time half way around the world. It was days there at BMT that I have learned to adapt and adjust. Back then, it was it's just a 6 week game you have to endure. This adventure is a little longer and I keep saying to myself, it's only one year you have to endure...breaking it down into smaller chunks makes it even easier.
Just like back in BMT, the days go by so fast. I find it hard to believe that I'm at day 71! WOW, there are also weeks that go by so fast, I think who changed the calendar and made Saturdays back-to-back.
Well, life is good and I have been very blessed to serve for 24 years. Lord willing, I'll get 6 more before they push me out the door.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Day 70 - Friends
What a day of friends!
I was wonderfully surprised when I received an email from a close friend back at CCB. It made me smile ear to ear when I read that she was thinking about me!!!
I find it funny that the littlest of things can really turn the tide in ones life and attitude. Yes, the smallest of words or deeds can move mountains in a person's life. Most of the time, we don't realize how something like a Hello or Good job does to the hearts and minds of those who are on the receiving end.
So, take some time today to say a kind word to someone close. Take a few moments to let someone who made a difference in your life know. Pickup the phone and make a call to TELL someone how much they mean to you. It will make your day, weekend, week and year!
I was wonderfully surprised when I received an email from a close friend back at CCB. It made me smile ear to ear when I read that she was thinking about me!!!
I find it funny that the littlest of things can really turn the tide in ones life and attitude. Yes, the smallest of words or deeds can move mountains in a person's life. Most of the time, we don't realize how something like a Hello or Good job does to the hearts and minds of those who are on the receiving end.
So, take some time today to say a kind word to someone close. Take a few moments to let someone who made a difference in your life know. Pickup the phone and make a call to TELL someone how much they mean to you. It will make your day, weekend, week and year!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Day 59 - Bombs Away
I know the crew chiefs are always happy when their planes come back with an empty load. Yeah, not many crew chiefs would be happy to see something missing when a plane lands, but there are smiles everywhere when they are missing BOMBS.
I even signed the bombs with Mrs Blue and 'lil Blue to be dropped on some bad guys. How cool is that to give the Talian a message from my family.
All I have to say is...IYAAYAS!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Day 58 - Breaking Fast...
Well, the world around us is influencing our very actions when you have to adapt to the local ways. We are in the midst of Ramadan and this does impact how we work, live and EAT!!!
The last two nights I have been privileged to go to dinner for the breaking of the FAST. Last night it was really just a party to welcome back a individual who is returning to work after some surgery. However, tonight....we went to break the fast with some locals at their invitation. What an opportunity to sit in a big tent, drink a little chi tea and then eat Lamb and Camel with all of the fixin's...
It was a good experience, but the food is NOT my type. Lots of curry and spices that don't seem to go along with my stomach. However, it was fun and I decided to save room for the deserts...I know...I don't need them. But to survive you learn to select your food choices carefully. LOL
It was fun...good thing tomorrow I get to eat at the ChowHall....
YUM YUM
Things I know for sure...
- I LOVE Mrs. Blue's cooking
- I can eat anything, even though I choose not to
It was a good experience, but the food is NOT my type. Lots of curry and spices that don't seem to go along with my stomach. However, it was fun and I decided to save room for the deserts...I know...I don't need them. But to survive you learn to select your food choices carefully. LOL
It was fun...good thing tomorrow I get to eat at the ChowHall....
YUM YUM
Things I know for sure...
- I LOVE Mrs. Blue's cooking
- I can eat anything, even though I choose not to
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Day 57 - Red Cross Calling
Do you know what happens when you receive a call at 0100 from the Command Post and they tell you the Red Cross from Kuwait has asked to speak with you by name! You get really paranoid...
Well, that's what happened last night and let me tell you, it put a BIG scare in me. All I could think was...what has happened? Did something happen to Mrs. Blue or 'lil Blue? Has my Grandmother passed away? Did something else happen that I don't know anything about?
Yes, my mind was racing and thinking about how much I love my Wife and Daughter! Prayer quickly entered the room and I hoped nothing was wrong.
Once the phone rang again, I received a message that was about the father-in-law of one of our Airmen who had passed away. While I was relieved, I knew someone else would not be!
So we have an Airmen headed home to be with his family during this time. While this was expected (dying of cancer), it was not expected to be so soon!
Lord willing, ALL will remain well while I'm away!
Well, that's what happened last night and let me tell you, it put a BIG scare in me. All I could think was...what has happened? Did something happen to Mrs. Blue or 'lil Blue? Has my Grandmother passed away? Did something else happen that I don't know anything about?
Yes, my mind was racing and thinking about how much I love my Wife and Daughter! Prayer quickly entered the room and I hoped nothing was wrong.
Once the phone rang again, I received a message that was about the father-in-law of one of our Airmen who had passed away. While I was relieved, I knew someone else would not be!
So we have an Airmen headed home to be with his family during this time. While this was expected (dying of cancer), it was not expected to be so soon!
Lord willing, ALL will remain well while I'm away!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Day 54 - Visiting the Comm
Did another day visiting some of the units. This time I went to the Comm Sq...yeah my old stomping grounds. Here is a picture of the KOM group...I got them to give the Hang Loose sign.
It's nice to go around and see people making the mission happen. What a good day!!!!
It's nice to go around and see people making the mission happen. What a good day!!!!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Day 53 - Another Thursday
Can you believe another Thursday is almost gone? It feels like I just posted on this thing last night...what is happening to my weeks. The weeks feel like days...and are moving at a fast clip.
I find it hard to believe what you see around here. Another day of working hard, going to meetings and answering some of the craziest of questions. Don't they realize that we are in a combat zone... I guess not!
Yesterday ended on a high note. I received a call from "The Colonel" after she had been trying to reach me all day. When she calls and can't get in touch with me, she must think I'm dodging her calls. However, I'm doing exactly what she would want me to be doing...seeing Airmen! So when I finally was in the office and answered the phone, The Colonel had to pick herself up off the floor from surprise. Then the fun began :) We got to talk for over an hour and she keeps me ROTF the whole time. In between the laughter and great conversation, The Colonel throws in a little mentoring...just what the Dr ordered.
I never realized it, but people are put in our lives to make a real difference. Each time I talk with The Colonel, I know she will have some words of wisdom for me. It never fails...she addresses the issues straight on and tells it like it is...she hasn't changed in over 16 years...has it been that long.
Thursday's Thoughts
- Wish someone had Skype access so that I could see them
- The Cup of Joe program is COOLIO...love my quad frape
- Got my Initial Feedback...going well
- Talking with "The Colonel" raises my spirits
I find it hard to believe what you see around here. Another day of working hard, going to meetings and answering some of the craziest of questions. Don't they realize that we are in a combat zone... I guess not!
Yesterday ended on a high note. I received a call from "The Colonel" after she had been trying to reach me all day. When she calls and can't get in touch with me, she must think I'm dodging her calls. However, I'm doing exactly what she would want me to be doing...seeing Airmen! So when I finally was in the office and answered the phone, The Colonel had to pick herself up off the floor from surprise. Then the fun began :) We got to talk for over an hour and she keeps me ROTF the whole time. In between the laughter and great conversation, The Colonel throws in a little mentoring...just what the Dr ordered.
I never realized it, but people are put in our lives to make a real difference. Each time I talk with The Colonel, I know she will have some words of wisdom for me. It never fails...she addresses the issues straight on and tells it like it is...she hasn't changed in over 16 years...has it been that long.
Thursday's Thoughts
- Wish someone had Skype access so that I could see them
- The Cup of Joe program is COOLIO...love my quad frape
- Got my Initial Feedback...going well
- Talking with "The Colonel" raises my spirits
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Day 46 - Thursday's Thoughts
How life goes full circle and sometimes we don't want to be going in the direction. Is a 360 or 180 good for a direction change?
I find myself going through some times like before...and asking myself, "is this where I want to be?" However, I know that I need to move out and make it better.
As I walked around today, I found myself meeting with a friend a little longer than planned. However, I needed it and loved just talking over lunch at the ChowHall (DFAC). I'm not sure anything was really said that would change the world, but it did my heart good to have a friend here. KP is a real friend whom I trust with my thoughts... While I'm not normally a trusting guy, I find myself in these later years being open to expressing more.
Is that me becoming a softee or what...I'm not sure! However, I find it harder to hold back my emotions! Is this weakness or maturity? Some people just bring out the "human side" of me...therefore I struggle with who I am (tough solider boy or softee airman lover)!!!!
Thursday Thoughts:
- I miss Mrs. Blue (immensely)
- I have a BOSS who I would die for (yeah he's that good)
- I'm blessed to be serving here (what a mission)
- I know I wear my heart on my sleeve (is that good?)
I find myself going through some times like before...and asking myself, "is this where I want to be?" However, I know that I need to move out and make it better.
As I walked around today, I found myself meeting with a friend a little longer than planned. However, I needed it and loved just talking over lunch at the ChowHall (DFAC). I'm not sure anything was really said that would change the world, but it did my heart good to have a friend here. KP is a real friend whom I trust with my thoughts... While I'm not normally a trusting guy, I find myself in these later years being open to expressing more.
Is that me becoming a softee or what...I'm not sure! However, I find it harder to hold back my emotions! Is this weakness or maturity? Some people just bring out the "human side" of me...therefore I struggle with who I am (tough solider boy or softee airman lover)!!!!
Thursday Thoughts:
- I miss Mrs. Blue (immensely)
- I have a BOSS who I would die for (yeah he's that good)
- I'm blessed to be serving here (what a mission)
- I know I wear my heart on my sleeve (is that good?)
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Day 44 - Traveling
Today was interesting to say the least. We made the trek over to the Kingdom for a little "sight seeing"! As normal, we got an eye full, but came away as always more armed with information on how to make them more successful.
The day started a little earlier than normal with a show time of 0515 at the terminal. With only a short flight to the Kingdom, we arrived in time for breakfast and some quick chatting about events. The day then moved on to the normal "briefings", but we soon moved off to Other Events seeing some of the other workers around the base. Finally, I got about an hour to talk with the SNCOs.
While I wasn't sure about what to say, they soon came out of their shells (surprise) and gave me an earful of information about difficult situations. While I know some of them have valid concerns, I tried to steer it back to what a SNCO can do to make the situation better and how to offer the proverbial Olive Branch...while it fell on some deaf ears, some of the heard the message. We can't always control the situation, but we can control ourselves. Additionally, success is not measured in Touchdowns, but in movement of the ball toward the End Zone. As long as we are making progress, success is achieved.
I also had to remind them that this part of the world thinks in Centuries while we think in years...different vantage point for sure.
Things I learned:
- SNCOs sometimes complain too much
- Turkish food isn't too bad...especially in a clay pot
- Johnny Rockets makes a mean Chocolate Shake
- Co-workers are FUN to travel with!
The day started a little earlier than normal with a show time of 0515 at the terminal. With only a short flight to the Kingdom, we arrived in time for breakfast and some quick chatting about events. The day then moved on to the normal "briefings", but we soon moved off to Other Events seeing some of the other workers around the base. Finally, I got about an hour to talk with the SNCOs.
While I wasn't sure about what to say, they soon came out of their shells (surprise) and gave me an earful of information about difficult situations. While I know some of them have valid concerns, I tried to steer it back to what a SNCO can do to make the situation better and how to offer the proverbial Olive Branch...while it fell on some deaf ears, some of the heard the message. We can't always control the situation, but we can control ourselves. Additionally, success is not measured in Touchdowns, but in movement of the ball toward the End Zone. As long as we are making progress, success is achieved.
I also had to remind them that this part of the world thinks in Centuries while we think in years...different vantage point for sure.
Things I learned:
- SNCOs sometimes complain too much
- Turkish food isn't too bad...especially in a clay pot
- Johnny Rockets makes a mean Chocolate Shake
- Co-workers are FUN to travel with!
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