Day 124 - Candy Anyone?

Today we (the wing) had the opportunity to host a true American hero...Colonel Gail Halvorsen.  He was here on a trip from USAFE and came downrange to see our operation.  At 90 years young, this American really set the stage by talking about the Air Force Core Values -- Integrity, Excellence and Service.


We had lunch and heard some of the stories about what he had done during World War II.  How the people of Berlin, especially the childern, were so grateful for the candy he dropped from the sky.


One of the key points I remember is that he did not ask for permission to start this operation.  In fact, he knew this could get him a court martial if they ever found out.  Well they did!  But the big guy at the time, said what does it hurt...let him do it.

As leaders in today's Air Force, I find many who are paralyzed but fear of getting a court martial for their actions.  Instead of decisive leaders, we have "risk mitigators".  In fact, most aren't willing to accept risk because it is too costly to their careers.


Well....leaders, take the challenge and be willing to accept risk.  You will never have the 100% solution.  In fact, if you have 100% of the information to make a decision, then you are wave behind the power curve of leadership...I would call you a follower.  


Remember...Microsoft made Billions (yes that's with a B) from the 80% solution...can't we do MORE with LESS by making decisions NOW!


Here's some pictures of lunch with the Airmen and the Candy Bomber.

Day 114 - A Day of Looking for Surf

a little surf

Well it may not be big, but there is a little something coming on shore.  While it may not be able to ride, I think with the right winds, we could get something to ride.

Here are the TWO greatest people for going along for my adventure of looking for surf.  

CD...getting her feet wet

TJ before he got his feet wet

CD and TJ...thanks for letting me go search for water...

Here they are "cleaning up" by washing the sand off their feet

I also found a few seashells (or should I say Gulf Shells)?  They look really WHITE.  

gulf shells

Another shell

I also found myself "falling" into the water as I tried to wade out into the water.  As usual, I was carrying my camera and almost put it under the water.  CD and TJ laughed at me while I was sinking and trying to keep the camera above the water line...I managed but little help from those on the shore!!!

I just needed a closer look at the size of the wind swell.  Would it be enough is what I was thinking until the sand starting pulling me down...I thought I was going to sink.  Then I fell into the water and got a little wet.  It's a good thing I decided to take off my pants before wading in (no not nude or naked, I was thinking before I went to town that I need to wear my boardshorts for LUCK).  

Here's a few more pictures of us on the beach!!!!!!!!!
 

Surf

Could this be a crab hole....HLM watch out!!!

Getting proof I was there

TJ cleaning up

Getting rid of the sand b4 going into the ICON

What was I thinking coming to town with these TWO???

Day 113 - Chapel BBQ

Tonight, the Chapel put together a little BBQ...not bad food for sure!

Cooking it up for the group

Looking good...

We also sat around and talked...fun just getting away (sort of) from the daily grind.

Day 108 - Seeing old friends and making new ones

Today was a GREAT day!  I got to meet up with one of my old cadets from the Zoo!  He was flying through on a leg of his mission...  I wish we had a little more time to talk, but he was carrying flying the HR of one of our fallen heros in the war!  

Here we are MajZ and me on the ramp of his C17

This guy was one of those I thought would go FAR in the AF!  And he has proven me correct...he is a two below and just got back from being an Olmsted scholar in Israel where he took his family for a year long adventure.  He, his wife and 3 kids made the best of it and did a little traveling!  What a way for the AF to take care of our Airmen...send them off for opportunities like this around the world.


After this, I went over to the Battle of Britain ceremony which included a parade, ceremony, C-130 flyby, food and games.  It was great to see this event on the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and for the UK to have some fun!  Look at what they fed us...fish and chips!!!!

Fish and Chips the UK way!!!! Yummy