From Miami to St Louis

 

We have arrived in America's Heartland! East St Louis, Illinois...or better yet, Scott AFB home of TRANSCOM.

We had our briefings at SOUTHCOM today and quickly departed on our charter flight (via AirTrans) to Scott AFB. Tonight we will have a little BBQ Social and then maybe, just maybe, I'll get some work done!
Time is now running short on our trip around the COCOMs...we didn't get to hit them all, but the ones we did were very enlightening. It was nice to get an better understanding of some of the mission sets...would have been really nice to go to Europe or PACOM...but you know...the budget cuts.
Tomorrow we have more discussions and briefings on TRANSCOM...the command that move people and stuff (military equipment) around the world...whenever and wherever needed.
Then it's off to OFFUTT where I'll get to see LilBlue. I'm so excited to see her! It's only been a few weeks since she was in LA for the holidays, but I miss her being around! LilBlue needs to spend MORE time with her parents...hopefully, the social tomorrow night will be quick so that I can escape a little early. More time with LilBlue.
Looking forward to tomorrow, but really looking forward to getting home to MrsBlue....I miss her!

Digs in Miami

You can't make this stuff up!!! Last night's accommodations left a LOT to be desired and then you get this spacious plush HUGE bungalow tonight. I think I'm going to like Miami!!!! Too bad we're only here for the night and a few hours tomorrow.

We are headed down to Bay Side tonight for dinner on our own. So it's take a short break right now and then off to catch the bus...hopefully tonight will be an early night to get some sleep. If not, I'll catch some ZZZZ's on the plane ride to Scott AFB tomorrow afternoon.
Livin' the dream...what a great opportunity to be on this trip :)

Key West

 

Headed back to the US from GITMO and landed in Key West. Oh, how I love being in Florida. Who wouldn't love Palm Trees and 80 degree weather in January!!!
While I didn't get any surf in, I did enjoy the warm ocean breeze.

After getting to the hotel around 1900, some of the Fellows decided to go for a 5 mile run out to the dive school. It was a dark run along the road and I thought the road would end on the way out. As usual with Type A personalities, we had those (including me) who had to run at the front of the pack. But as usual, you quickly realize there is always someone fast (and slower) than you! On the first mile back (if the road painting was right) we ran a 6:20 mile pace. Way too fast for this old guy!!!! Especially when you have been eating way too much. Also, I'm feeling it a little this morning with the lower legs hurting (shin splints seem to be starting...wrong shoes I guess).

The route was nice and I had the chance to see FamCamp...it was "packed" with RVs. I think this could be one of those destinations we find the AdventureAfterBlue coming to!

Then we all decided to head down to the famous Duval Street. We weren't sure what would be happening on a Sunday evening. The place was hopping and lots of people roaming around. While we did drop by "Sloppy Joes" bar, we picked a nice little pizza joint to eat and people watch. So you know...that's always fun people watching especially when they have been drinking.

Finally, it's up this morning after another short night. We are off to see JIATF (Joint InterAgency Task Force South. Looking forward to another day of briefs and learning about being JOINT! Then it's off to Miami this evening!!! May have to have a fru fru drink there!

Mahalo AF...lovin' this trip!!!

Gitmo

WOWZA...
Today was a great day for the Keystone Fellows. It was up early to load the bus at 0445 to drive over the Langley for our charter flight to Gitmo, CUBA!!! Yeah, we were headed to Gitmo to see detainee ops, up front and personal.
After the three hour flight we arrived to a little warm 80+ degree heat at Gitmo. Then it was a little ferry ride over to the main part of the base and some intro briefs. Good overview of the ops from the Admiral...
However, the highlight was visiting the courthouse and Area V and VI to see how we handle the detainees. Note: it's detainees and not prisoners...for a $37M facility, not too bad!
In fact, very NICE!!! We had a tour of two of the facilities and got to see how great our Guards (Army and Navy) were taking care of this important mission. You can rest assured that our Armed Forces are doing it RIGHT! No matter what you hear in the news, I have seen it first hand (or eyeball) and we are taking good care of the detainees.
Now we are back in flight headed to Key West Florida. I hope to see some waves, but who knows! If I could find a surfboard, I think I'd give some night surfing a try. We'll see, but I'm not holding my breath. A few of the Fellows want to go for a run when we get to the hotel...good thing cause I need it!!! Been eating Way Too Much!

The Wheels on the Bus...

So we finished up today with our time DC at the Pentagon. In fact, the SEAC was with us all day long.
But now we are headed to Suffolk VA for the JOM (Joint Operation Module) training. It's a few days of JTF training which should be fun with some scenario based groups.

These photos are of some of the Joint SELs as we stop at Golden Corral for dinner. It wasn't too bad and hit the spot. Best part of the trip from DC to VA was the nap I got! I didn't get much sleep last night because I've been "thinking" about some "things". Hopefully, tonight I'll make up for the lack of sleep last night.

Ribs and Spar

It's not pretty but it's slowly coming together. As MrsBlue says it's kind of like putting together a model airplane. However, I am having some fun doing this. Only thing is...I need better tools to do this RIGHT, but this is test run #1!