Memorial Day

This weekend has NOT been a good one in the against our enemy.  On Friday, we had 12 Fallen Warriors cross our ramp on their last trip home.  And this today, we had another 3 Fallen Warriors heading home.


This makes it a total of 319 Fallen Warriors who have crossed our ramp since July 2010.  That's almost one per day as we fight a determined enemy.  But we are MORE determined to finish this fight on our watch so that we do not pass this along to our kids.  I have been involved in this fight for 20 years when I first deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm in August 1990.  


To compare this death toll...look at the murder rate in New York City for 2009...it was 778 during that year alone.  Those were useless deaths...but those who have died in support of this war on terror are making the WORLD safe for all.  Terrorism is not just against America, but against the world.


I pray for these families who have lost a loved one serving our country over the past year.

Another Uneventful Iraq Trip

Today was once again a great day! Up early for a not so good event (Fallen Warrior with largest group yet -- 12), but then it was off to execute the war we are fighting.

We were flying a refueling mission and making a short stopover at our detachment. As always, flying with theBoss is fun to watch (you have to be there to understand). He's like a little kid flying his airplane...his happy spot! He did a great job of working with the same group of fighters all day long and giving them gas over Iraq!

The flight up was very beautiful...I don't remember taking this route the last time, but I did like the view from the Boomers spot. The water was very inviting...very turquoise with some island. I'm not sure if there any waves, but I would have liked to be a little lower to see. Even the trip inland was very beautiful with the river below.

Once on station flying around in circles (that makes me dizzy...LOL), we refueled some F-16s keeping our guys on the ground safe with some overhead air power. They even gave me a little air show as they went back to work.

After giving some fuel to the fight, we made a little divert to our detachment to see how it was going. All was well!!!!

However, we had to cut the visit very short since the weather prediction was for a dust storm to arrive within an hour of landing. So we made our way around and got back on the plane in quick order. Good thing since the dust storm was rolling in as we were taking off. I'm glad I didn't need that extra set of under clothes...since I like sleeping in my own bed.

However, flying to Iraq with a planned landing requires me to arm up. At least then I am reminded we still have a fight to fight.

Home now and glad to be here. Now it's time for bed after a full day of flying. Hopefully tomorrow is a relaxing pool side day...I need more time in the sun :)

Things I was reminded of today:
- Airmen are making it happen
- Flying with theBoss is FUN
- I know why I do this...my AF thing
- I miss MrsBlue and LilBlue (143)

Coolest Commander EVER

This is a picture of me and JH making coffee during a recent visit by CSM Grippe.  He came over to the JSTARS to visit a the son of an old friend.  

When he came in, we asked if he wanted any coffee and he said YES.  The coffee that was available was OLD...very OLD and burnt.  I tried to mix it with water, but that was a NoGo.  So JH required me to try and make a fresh pot.  It's been over 7 months since I had my last cup of joe...so I didn't know what I was doing.  So JH helped out!

We ARE having FUN!!!!

Leadership 101 - how to make coffee

 

"R COM"

Today was AMAZING!  Our brothers in arms at the "Guardians in the Sky" were very gracious and presented medals to several of the wing leaders.  I stand in AWE of these professionals and it has been great working with them over the last year.

I never expected anything like this...what an amazing surprise from our Army family!

What a SIGHT

Another successful launch for the 45th Space Wing.  I got to watch it from afar and it was beautiful!  The sky and launch were just perfect.  I can't believe I was part of that only a year ago.  It was awesome when I was there, but it is still just as awesome to watch (even if by TV/PC).

Here are some of the pictures from NASA-TV...

Chiefs Night Out

Great Saturday night downtown eating out and walking the Souqs with a group of Chiefs. The conversation and fellowship was great! I enjoy this group...they are some great professionals and fun to hang out with :D

Getting OLD

What was I thinking? I know, in my brain I'm still about 20 years old, but my body says I'm a lot older than that...a LOT older!
This weekend the Asia Pacific Association Airmen challenged the OLD Chiefs to a volleyball match. They are young and much more agile than some old Chiefs, but we were up for it! We had about 7 old guys who were going to play, but when game time came...only 3...that's right only 3 Chiefs showed. So we decided to "take them on" 3 Chiefs against their whole group!
Even though I thought this event would result in two quick games in favor of the young Airmen, I was pleasantly surprised to have the 3 Chiefs come out on top...in two consecutive games. But now I feel my age. I haven't used many of those muscles lately!
To follow that up, we had the EOD Fun Run in IBA at 0600 Saturday morning. Little did I realize that an extra 30-40 lbs would slow me down and make me hurt so much this morning! My shoulders, back and legs really hurt! (OUCH)
So, today I'll be a little more relaxed...resting at the pool! Maybe I will recover...soon :)

MyReverend

This has been a good week.  I got to see myReverend from Patrick AFB.  

Let me tell you this...this is a Chaplain who is cut from a different cloth.  In fact, he is deployed in Afghanistan and doing some GREAT things.  The word on the street is that he is involved.  Well, this does not surprise me.  ChaplainB...you ROCK!

myReverend

I love this GUY!  He's a great Chaplain, Friend, Runner and all around Airman!  If all of the Chaplains in the BigBlue were like this guy...we wouldn't be having the issues we do now. 

Interviews...

Interviewing for jobs is just NO Fun!  How do you 'sell' yourself?  I know that each person interviewed is more than qualified to do the job.  In fact, many may be even more qualified.  So, it really comes down to "connecting" with the boss.   


I can't change who I am.  So I just go into these events being ME!  Yeah, I know, maybe that's not the best plan of attack, but it's who I am.  If I have to be something or someone else, then why would they want me anyhow?  I have to be ME!!! with all of my PASSION and DRIVE. 

BTW:  It may not be fun, but it's interesting.  I am finding out what key AF leaders think about key AF issues.  It's like peeking into the future!  What an awesome view...our AF is headed for change!  I just hope I get to be part of it :)