Day 104a - Being Fed by the Chaplain Assistants

Today I had lunch with the Chapel Assistants (CA). A group of people who are partners in ministry with the Chaplains. Most places you see the CAs doing paperwork or scheduling, but they have so much more to offer. If they are driven from their faith, they too have a ministry.
The fearless leader here is: Tippy....

She's been doing the CA gig for some time and will some day be a Chief...you can bet on it. She also stepped out and did a FUN job in USAFE some time back...she learned a lot from that experience for sure.

It was great to just sit around and talk with this group of people who are "reaching" people and being ready and available. We all need someone to talk to and these guys are here.

Day 104 - Those of Freedom Team

On Tuesday we had our Hail and Farewells again. How time is passing by so quickly and people continue to come and go!

However, this one was bitter sweet. One of the GREAT NCOs I have come to know and love will be leaving very soon. I remember one of my first nights here...I ran into her serving at the Fox Sports Bar Grand Opening...I was in PT gear and so was she. But I began "cleaning up" with the crew and once she found out who I was days later, I think it surprised her. However, our friendship has been very friendly and she doesn't let me get by for anything. It's great to NCOs like this around the base! She will be missed.


She has prepared the new team! At least I hope they're ready to Serve Us during our DV events. I love the Services people because they understand that service is important and take very good care of us.


Thanks EFSS Freedom Team!!!! You truly ROCK!

Day 103 - The AF got it RIGHT!

Yesterday was a GREAT Day for "The Judge". He found out he made Colonel!!!!! This is a Great Leader and Gentleman. In fact, I consider him a friend as well as a future surfing buddy. Yeah, I keep finding Surfer Dudes no matter where I go...



Well, the BOSS called in The Judge to let him know. He was humbled by the news and gracious about it all. What a real professional!!!!

I truly believe the AF gets it right sometimes and this is ONE of those times. I think this guy ROCKS as a leader and person.

Here's pictures of The Judge.

Day 101 - Class is in SESSION

the BOSS and ME :)

Yesterday was a fun afternoon.  With a new CLASS here, the Boss decided we needed school pictures.  So we all got together with our wonderful Public Affairs office to take some Class Photos...

You have to check these out!!!!

Look at those LEADERS!!!!

Take a knee, breath and look OUT (here we are)

These people are AMAZING to work with/for!  I can't believe I have the opportunity I have to see these leaders in action.  Each day they show me more about what they are made of...Solid Gold!  I tell everyone I meet that I am "blessed beyond measure".  If I was given the opportunity to pick a crew of people to work with, I'm not sure I could have even come close to having a team of professional like this.  I mean...these folks are REAL.  

Real people, Real good, Real leaders, Real funny and............Real Professionals

Day 98 - Eating OUT

Tonight, I got to go downtown and eat out at a local (Albandar) restaurant...I had some great choices...

To start off, can you say Fattoush (assorted green salad with toasted bread and home dressing) with flatbread and a glass (x2) of Mint Lemonade...yum yum. Then it was the main course of Bryani Tandoori Chicken (cubed chicken with tandoori flour, cooked in clay oven served with bryani rice) .

I was in heaven eating away from the DFAC...We also did a little shopping for an upcoming trip and made it a early evening downtown before heading back to base.

However, this is the 2nd time downtown in a week.

Vice

Exec

PA

Earlier we went to the Jasmine Thai Restaurant in the New Souq...Not bad but definitely as good as the Albandar.

Here's a few pictures of the Thai night with my Friends....

Day 93 - Running (away) as usual

It's a week after the downrange AF Marathon (1/2 marathon here) and I'm off running again.  Tonight a few of us decided to run 8 miles...guess I'm up for it.  

I have to get ready for my semi annual PT test.  Yes, a PT test in the AOR!!!  Success for sure.  Some would say we are crazy for running our PT tests in the AOR, but I don't agree.  In fact, it's great news to keep those FAT people from hanging out with a free EXEMPTION for a year.  Let's cut down on the eats and get more WORKOUTs...if we could just find time in our busy schedules.  


It has been very difficult to find time to workout, but that's just an excuse.  I could get up early in the morning (say O dark thirty or something like that).  But I like my pillow time :)

So I have been running sprints around the track.  Need to get my times down to a good speed...but it would be better if I could drop a few pounds again.  All I know is that my Boss wants to run the test in about 4 weeks...so the countdown timer has begun.

Day 89 - talking to the wifey

It's been good to talk with the significant other of late.  I tell you this, I like Skype.  Over the past few days, we have just "hung out together" and boy do I like that.  It kind of reminds me of being back at home with her and just hanging out at the house talking and listening.

Life is good when you get a chance to talk.  I'm looking forward to getting together during the mid tour to really get a chance to talk.

Missing my family is no fun...but seeing them regularly makes it a little bit easier to accept.

Day 79 - Good day for a long run

Time is quickly approaching for the upcoming downrange AF Marathon event.  Here we are conducting a 10K and half marathon distance race...  With only one week left before the event, I have not prepared for the Heat, Distance or other requirements.  With the long days and short nights, I have been remiss in "training" so what's a guy to do?

You know it, still run!  I went out for a long run tonight (which I needed for thinking time) and did 8 miles.  It was a slow 8 miles...really slow!  In fact, the speed would make you think I was walking.  At least I know I can run 8 miles, but the other 5.1 miles may be tough.  Good thing I brought some stuff to eat along the route and give me some go.

If all goes well, I'll finish in under 2 hours...but don't count on it.