Day 140 - Great Week with Old Friends

I'm just finishing up a GREAT week with some GREAT friends.  

It all started off with my MENTOR, FRIEND and Wonderful Air Force Officer (TheColonel).  She was transitioning back to the world after a long and interesting year in the IZ.  In fact, I would say she has done just about everything a CommO can do...joint, tactical, fixed and now nation building!  What a way to finish off her career with working Country Level IT projects and infrastructure.  She is one amazing lady.  

TheColonel

even though she was here for a few day, I only got this ONE picture of her on the night she arrived.  It was a treat to see her and talk "shop" like we always do when we get together.  I only wish she was going to continue her service.  However, it's time!  She has paid her dues with MANY TDYs over the years and spending the last 3 years geographically separated from her hubby (Bob).  It's time to head back to the Springs and enjoy family time!  Good decision for her and the family, but the AF is losing a fine leader!  She had the leadership down back when she was a young CGO!  In fact, that's when we first met...and she has been "taking care of this Airman" ever since.  

All I can say is THANK YOU for everything you have done for the Air Force.  Thank you for all you have sacrificed.  Thank YOU for taking care of this Airman...you made a difference in my life!

Also, with the new month comes new promotions.  This one was very special since myBuddyBill finally pinned on those much deserved CMSGT stripes.  The best part for me was that he allowed me to Pin Him!  What a thrill for ME!!!! and a privilege.

Col Derry and MyBuddyBill

    

The promotees...2x CMSgt and 1x MSgt

MyBuddyBill always with a smile :)

Finally, the week ended with the monthly Promotion and Recognition ceremony.  WOW do these young Airmen make things happen.  We had several receive the new Hall of Fame award.  But the best part is hanging out with the Man (AFCENT Command Chief).  He's a great guy and I'll miss him when he leaves...He's really be great to hang out with and enjoy some time with since being here.  

Trying to be like MARK

The best thing about TheMan is that he's FUN to goof off with....

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

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....