Run Run Run Runaway

Today started way to early.  We had the Stars and Stripes sponsor a 10K (that’s 6.2 miles for those non-runner types) which had a start time of 0500 (or 5 a.m. for those non-military types).  So I had it all planned out…get to sleep early and have a great night’s rest, wake up refreshed and then off to RUN!

This plan started out perfectly.  I hit the bed about 1030 which is quite early for me.  I didn’t fall asleep right away, but did sleep good…until 0330 when my body said “Time to get up!”  I was not ready for this internal alarm clock and really didn’t want to get up.  But I know myself and staying in bed only means I’m more tired…so I got up, took a shower (yeah that is kind of weird to take a shower before I get all sweaty and watch TV.  I know, I know, a guy my age running a 10K race should probably do some stretching or warm-ups, right?  Well you don’t know me very well do you…stretching only gets me HURT!  I usually pull something that should get pulled when I stretch.  I’m one of those runners who just puts on the shoes and starts running.  While it may not be fast, it’s still running (I think that’s what you could call it).

I then made my way over to the start and talked with a few of the other runners.  We had a good contingent of CMSgts out there running…good leadership!  That’s me over on the right side a few rows back.  I’m not sure what I’m doing, but I’m sure it’s something like playing with my iTouch.  I’m probably also thinking “what am I doing out here with all of these young people running a 10K?  I’m going to get hurt and I better take it slow…real slow.”

However, the race finally started and here we go…the rabbits were of quick and I was quickly losing ground.  I can’t go that fast unless I’m in a car. 

After the first lap, I was looking pretty tired and we had three more to go.  What was I thinking to run this fast (I mean fast for me not fast for others).

The morning was beautiful to start…just look at this sunrise.

Each lap I tried to get the spectators involved by having them do “the WAVE”.

Lap #2 - still looking good

Lap #3 - not looking so good

After finishing my 4 laps, I joined the boss on one more lap for him to finish.  It was GREAT running with my Wingman.

It was a good run with a 45:28 10K which equates to a 7:19 per mile pace.  Maybe I’m old and my running doesn’t look pretty, but I still got leg!

Visitors

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We had some visitors from USAFE stop by to see their Airmen deployed in the AOR.  As they discussed with the Airmen during dinner last night, Airmen are amazing!   

But the one thing that had me captured was the story Gen Welsh told about a soldier with many tatoos hurt in the hospital and couldn't see with a nurse that took care of him!  It was inspiring!!!  

Gen Welsh is a gentleman, leader and AIRMAN!  It's great to see leaders like this!

Surgery

Let me tell you this -- I was not cut out to work in the medical career field. What a job!!!!

Yesterday, I received the "opportunity" to watch a oral surgery and root canal. What a sight. I thought this as going to be fun, but...

Yes, you guessed it, I "almost fainted" during the surgery. At first, I was doing okay...but as the Dr began to cut more and I saw more blood, I found myself getting light headed and really warm all over. In fact, I was sweating profusely. I realized that if I continued to be a MachoMan and stand there then I was going to be eating tiles. So I asked if I could take a seat. Once seated, I quickly regained my composure and watched a little more.

The Dr said it was because I hadn't eaten lunch...that was nice of him. But it was not that! Usually, the sight of blood doesn't impact me that way...oh well. I guess I chose wisely in career fields -- Technology.

After watching this, I know I don't want to have a root canal...ouch that looks painful.

MiB

Easter

Today may be Easter but like many years ago, it's not a HAPPY day!  What I mean is...death still is apart of Easter and this Easter is no different.  In fact, we had SIX Fallen Warriors come across the ramp today.  

To tell the truth, I was a little disappointed that I couldn't do my Normal Sunday (off day) activities today because of the Fallen Warrior Ceremony.  It was just jerking me around since the arrival and departure had been switching times.  Yeah, I know...how shallow is that!

But as I was talking with MrsBlue about it, she put it into perspective for me...which she has the canning ability to do>  She reminded me that there are families who are having an even worse day (in fact six familes who have an Easter they will remember for a lifetime).  So I feel very ashamed of my thoughts.  But more importantly, I feel ashamed that the constant death I see has lost some impact.  I have become hardened over the past few years of being in the AOR and seeing these hero's and Fallen Warriors pass right in front of me.  When will it end?  I know our efforts are just and for the greater good, but it's at a high price...life!

Then today as we were conducting the Fallen Warriror ceremony, I got to see it face-to-face how this war is affecting others.  I met a solider who was escorting his friend (one of the Fallen Warriors) back home.  One last trip for this Hero!  The escort was very respectful of his friend and very protective.  In fact, he was injured (hurt his knee) and was still escorting through the pain (knee and heart).

As we prepared the flag draped remains for flight, this young SSG soldier was adding various items to the top of his friend.  It included a coin, a patch and a personal flag.  All had special meaning to this soldier.


I only pray that I don't lose sight of what's important again.  Forgive me for my faults and hardened heart.  We are blessed as a nation this Easter for we have WARRIORS who are giving their ALL!

Patriots ALL

Look at these cool looking Patriots... No I don't mean the background, but
the PEOPLE silly :)

This is the Front Office (CC, CV, CCC and Execs). It has been a great team
to work with and such FUN! Each day we all keep smiling at the events and
the interesting topics we deal with. Sometimes I wonder how we get it all
accomplished?

It has been great spending the past few months (about 10 of them) with this
group. While I am looking forward to heading home, I will miss these Airmen
- Patriots All

MiB

35 10

3510...what does this mean to you?


I know if I ask MrsBlue, she would say AFR 35-10 is the uniform regulation and she would correct!  It was drilled into her mind when she was a young AF spouse and she never forgot it. 


But 3510 has another meaning today.  It is the number of days we have been in this fight since '9-11'.   Yes that means we have been over here fighting the bad guys for 84240 hours, 5054400 minutes or 303264000 seconds...  Thanks a LONG time!


However, we will be at this for another 3510 days if needed until we finish this up!


Remember:
- make the days count, don't count the days
- every Airman matters
- transparency is important in leadership

Best Boss Ever

I recently had a little trip which I have mentioned in an earlier blog
(Iraq). During the trip we had the chance to see around the base (not much
there) and see some of the Iraqi Air Force planes destroyed during the
Desert Storm.

It was amazing to see MIG Fighters sitting out in the middle of the desert
because the Iraqi Air Force had decided they would be safer there than in
the bunkers. However, they never got the chance to use these planes because
of the US Air Force Air Superiority.

Behind theBoss and MiB is some of those planes.

It was great to spend some time with theBoss in Iraq. Matter of fact, it's
ALWAYS nice to spend some time with theBoss. I respect this LEADER dearly
and have come to love him as a real friend. I am truly blessed to have been
able to work with him the past 10 months.

Things I deal with

You won’t believe the things I deal with in this job.  You would think I am dealing with life and death situations since I am in the AOR.  In fact, being from this undisclosed location in Southwest Asia has me doing all kinds of things, but I never figured it would be dealing with Gatorade in the DFACs!

 

Well, I have had some time and dealing with getting Gatorade in the DFACs and NO we won’t be getting it any time soon.  The real question is why do we need it?  But really, is this what I’m here for?

 

Thoughts for the day

-          Do I have nothing better to do than think about Gatorade?

-          With WIFI that SCREAMs with speed, can’t they be happy?

-          What’s wrong with the old standby…H2O?

~400

What does the number 400 mean to you?  Does it have any meaning at all or is it just a number.  Well 400 has NEW meaning to me and theBoss.  

Approximately 400...yes, you heard that right!  Approximately 400 Fallen Warriors have crossed the ramp here at our undisclosed location in Southwest Asia since our arrival last summer.  With 10 months down and the Spring fighting beginning to heat up, this number will surely increase over the next 2 months.  Not what I want to see or hear about, but if it's 400 for US, what is the number for the Taliban and Al Qaeda?  Substantially MORE!


Just yesterday, we had the anniversary of the OKC bombing.  What a tragedy that was.  When people talk about "where were you when..." I remember this day very well.  I was TDY (yes away from home again) in our national's capital -- Washington DC working for the FAA.  However, I couldn't think of anything more important than getting in touch with MrsBlue because she worked downtown when this event happened.  I worried so much she was either down in the area or passing by that I wanted to make sure she was all right.  After a few hours of trying to reach her, I finally did...she was okay (PTL).


Now we are taking the business of warfare to the bad guys.  We are taking to their homes vs having it brought to us.  With over 3500 days since "9-11", we are continuing our resolve to help out the people of this world make it a better place.


Today I took some pictures of "presents" we deliver to our Taliban friends...Hope you enjoy them...each and every one!


From Southwest Asia with LOVE
MiB

Setting Records

Record temp set yesterday....I'm "Chilled"

We actually set a new record yesterday for the lowest high temp on record
(15 Apr), the old record was 88F. We actually tied the monthly record
lowest high temp (3 Apr 09) - 70F.

That's what I'm talking about...setting records and keeping cool. From last
year's HOT temps and setting records back then at 122F, I wasn't looking
forward to the HOT temps again. However, we have had a reprieve and it's
been unseasonably cool of late. We've even had some thunderstorms and lots
of cool looking lightning the last week.

Let's hope the cool weather lasts, but they say next week it's going to get
to 100F. HOT weather is coming and when it arrives, it's not going away.

Medical Challenges

Who would have thunk!!!!!  that getting ready to PCS to Alaska would be filled with so many challenges.  It is amazing the hoops we are having to jump through just to get our family medical clearances.


The fact that MrsBlue and LilBlue are not around our last location has complicated the clearance paperwork a little.  In fact, the POC at our previous base has a lot to learn about customer service.


However, then comes along a Stellar NCO at Offutt AFB who saves the day for LilBlue and creates the yellow brick road to success on her medical clearance.  Every day I'm amazed at the NCOs who are so friendly and willing to go the extra mile in helping out.  This NCO was sooooo good, she was willing to do anything to help take care of the paperwork.  I think if MrsBlue had asked her to drive the paperwork across town, she would have done it.


Offutt...there is a special place in my heart for the kind of people who work there.  Ever since we left, I am reminded of the people who go above and beyond.


I only hope MrsBlue gets here medical clearance paperwork done soon so that I can get some orders.


Things to remember:
- NCOsRULE
- Offutt has some professionals
- Working paperwork at 8K miles is HARDer than F2F (face-2-face) because they can blow you off...

Changes...roll with it

Who knows when I'll be home, but what's another few days when you been gone a year?

Well, my replacement has been announced!!!  However, it will be a quick turn for him to make it here and for his boss to hire a new guy so quickly.  It would also be nice to be around for the Boss' Change of Command.  However, I need to see if it's at all possible to make this happen.

Right now, I sit here watching the LongBoardHouse Board Room Cam.  It's funny seeing people shopping for surfboards and other stuff.  I can't believe I used to be in there ALL the time.  In fact, I spent many a weekend just "looking around" for my next board.  However, I never found the right one for the price I wanted to pay which has kept my quiver empty.  Maybe someday I'll have a respectable quiver to go to for any occasion.  Check it out yourself at: LongBoardHouseCam


  

Another Cadet

Tonight during a somber time on the airfield for another (about # 400 since I arrived) Fall Warrior ceremony, I ran into another USAFA cadet.  What a small world.  He is doing great things as an ART working the C17 missions from Dover.  I wish the reunion could have been on better circumstances, but glad to see a familiar face once again.  He graduate in 1996 and I gave him his first salute...so now some 15 years later I got to give him another one! 


Things that come to mind (at 0300)
- It a small world with an AF like ours (global reach)
- Remember, you will cross paths with people you work with now...how will they remember you?
- Remain humble...you don't control your circumstances


MiB

Flying over Iraq

The last two days were great. Up early Sunday and flying again. The plan was for us (me and the Boss) to visit one of our detachments in Iraq. It was our first visit to this location. 

Bunkers bombed during the 1st Gulf War

So we took off early for a normal refueling mission and then they dropped us off for the night. We were fortunate to refuel a few Vipers (F-16s). What a sight to see them up close and personal to the refueler and getting a little gas. They were loaded, but seemed to be doing the same as us...flying around Iraqi airspace with little action.

Beautiful...refuel to protect the guys on the ground

Waiting for his buddy to gas and go back to work

However, this trip had me thinking. You might ask about what...,Iraq is NOT a safe place. There are still some small arms fire and indirect fires taking place. Not that I don't feel safe, but I was required to get my side arm (M9) and bring my IBE. What does that say?

So as I was flying, I got to thinking about MrsBlue and LilBlue! Is this all worth it? I LOVE what I do, but I sure have missed a lot of my family time over the years. I have been blessed to have a wonderful family and they seem to have adjusted to it al, but... I MISS THEM! Boy, I hope it is a peaceful night.

Something that ran through my brain last night as I was getting ready was...have I told them how much they mean to me? Do they know how much I love them? Do they realize I love BigBlue, but I love THEM more!!! 

So as I sit here flying over the skies of Iraq, I am a little "touched" and want to say it loud....

MrsBlue and LilBlue...I LOVE YOU! And thank you for loving me back. I could never repay you for the times we have spent apart and I will hope to make it up to you in the future. 

Now that I'm safe and sound back at my "undisclosed location'" I'm going to call MrsBlue and LilBlue to let them know just how much they mean to me!

143
MiB
(AKA to LiLBlue -- dad)

69

WoooooHooooo....I'm in the sixties!!!!

Today, I hit another milestone and only have 69 days remaining. While I am NOT counting down, I AM making evey day count. With only 69 days remaining, how do I get it all accomplished before I pull chocks? I'm not sure, but I will be working fevorishly to try :)

What is weighing on my mind most heavily is that I haven't been picked up for another CCM gig. What's up with that? I think I still have a lot to offer as a CCM, but no takers. We'll see as things count down

However, not all is lost. I have a placeholder assignment in the frosty North. If not picked up, we'll be off to Elmendorf AFB Alaska! Brrrrrrr. But we are looking forward to the job. It'll be back as a Comm Chief...fun dealing with IT!

While I'm riding high on the future and my last few weeks here, sadness is creeping in. Tonight, myFriend, probably best friend here, is heading on his R&R and will be gone for 15+ days. It will be boring without him around. But I know he needs the rest!!! He has been working too hard and needs some down time. He is heading to Europe to relax and I'm sure have a few brewski's. It's good to know he willl be enjoying life, but I will be missing the discussions we will not get to have.

Therefore, I hope you enjoy Europe.