Air Mobility RODEO 2009

I know I have been gone for awhile, and some may be worried... Okay maybe just Grandma, but let me tell you my friends, I have been to the place where dreams come true, where air forces are made or broken, and where the total force aspect of the U.S. Air Force is in full effect! I was at the RODEO competition at McChord Air Force Base, Wash. This week long competition showcases the best of the best from many air mobility wings all over the U.S. and abroad. It also welcomed seven teams from air forces around the world. This biannual event gives units a chance to showcase their heavies including KC-135, KC-10, C-17, C-5, C-130/C160 aircraft.

Now, some who have heard of the RODEO may say that it is an all out party, and that it is a waste of money BUT I disagree. This event is BIANNUAL and it is one of the only opportunities for air mobility Airmen to interact with other units and international teams outside of a contingency situation, meaning that they are not at war/getting shot at. And it is quite cheap. The Air Force is frugal these days.. (hello F-22!) The international teams learn how Americans do their job, and we can dually learn from their experiences and techniques. Also it gives American forces the chance to interact with their counterparts, and learn from their experiences. The Guard in Reserve are included in this, which gives it a total force spin, and reminds the active duty folks that the Guard and Reserve are a major asset to the mobility command. My unit actually won best KC-135 aircrew!

I did have a blast. Yes, I worked 12 to 14 hours a day, and yes I was exhausted, but I somehow traded sleep for a good time a couple nights that I was there, and it was great! I learned that the Germans call their aircraft "Else", and she is a C-160 or as they call her C-one-sexy. They were hilarious. The Belgians taught me that the way to a woman's heart is through Belgian cheese and chocolate, and the Koreans taught me that nothing cures a long day at work like a good dance party... and NEVER drink souchu... gross.

It was an time, and a great opportunity to make new relationships with people doing the same job we do all over the world...

And by the way Altus AFB, Calif. makes the best margaritas... ;)

Fallen but not Forgotten

Today Michael Jackson was put to rest, and it was indeed a sad day for many who idolized the pop icon. I can not say a bad thing about him. He was extremely talented, and although his later, more eclectic years caused a media sandstorm, he will be missed by all who loved his music.

What I do not agree with however, is how incredibly important and vital interests in the media have been put on the back burner because of his death. A serial killer on the loose, the economy in shambles STILL, a Soldier kidnapped by the Taliban and lets not forget the 30 members of our armed forces killed in Iraq and Afghanistan this month. It just goes to show the shallowness of America's value system. No disrespect to the Jackson family, but our country should be mourning those that gave their lives for our ideals, and not idolizing a fallen pop star. Thank you to these servicemembers for their service. Your selfless sacrifices will not be forgotten. God bless your families in their time of need.

Members of our U.S. Armed Forces died in Iraq this month:

Sergeant Justin J. Duffy
Specialist Christopher M. Kurth
Specialist Charles D. Parrish
Lance Corporal Robert D. Ulmer
Staff Sergeant Edmond L. Lo
Sergeant Joshua W. Soto
Captain Kafele H. Sims
Specialist Chancellor A. Keesling

And these members of our U.S. Armed Forces died in Afghanistan this month:

Sergeant Jones, Ricky D.
Specialist Munguia Rivas, Rodrigo A.
Command Master Chief Petty Officer Garber, Jeffrey J.
1st Sergeant Blair, John D.
Sergeant Smith, Paul G.
Staff Sergeant Melton, Joshua
Sergeant 1st Class Dupont, Kevin A.
Specialist O'Neill, Jonathan C.
Chief Warrant Officer Richardson Jr., Ricky L.
Specialist Silva, Eduardo S.
Lance Corporal Whittle, Joshua R.
Major Barnes, Rocco M.
Major Jenrette, Kevin M.
Staff Sergeant Beale, John C.
Specialist Jordan, Jeffrey W.
Specialist Griemel, Jarrett P.
Specialist Hernandez I, Roberto A.
Sergeant Obakrairur, Jasper K.
Staff Sergeant Hall, Jeffrey A.
Private 1st Class Ogden, Matthew D.
Private 1st Class Wilson, Matthew W.

Vr...

Women Airforce Service Pilots to receive congressional medals

In September 2007, I was a young AF Lt at the 121st ARW in Columbus, and my unit hosted an airshow called the "Gathering of Mustangs and Legends". This airshow had over 100 P-51 Mustang aircraft along with many veterans of World War II. These legends included a number of Tuskegee Airmen as well as flying aces and WASP pilots. WASP pilots were the Women Airforce Service Pilots, and they were a brave set of women who risked their lives in World War II to support the fighting force, but are seldom recognized for their service. These women were the heart beat of the war effort bringing aircraft, supplies and more to the men fighting the opposition overseas. The WASP force was over 1,000 strong, and was developed in 1943 by record setting pilot Jacqueline Cochran. Although these women tirelessly fought for their country, they were never recognized as full fledged service members and veterans. The whole time they were shuttling aircraft to the front lines, they were still considered civilians, and 38 of these women that were killed in action were never given military honors or even flags at their burials.

Now, President Obama has signed a bill giving all 300 of the surviving WASPs and the families of the departed the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest awards given to civilians. This bill quickly passed through Congress in only three months, giving long overdue recognition to these WWII pilots.

At that airshow in Columbus, I met one of the most interesting women I have have ever had the opportunity to meet. Her name is Betty Blake, and she was a WASP during WWII. Betty began her flying career at the age of 14 in Hawaii, and experienced Pearl Harbor first hand. She flew over 36 different types of aircraft from the factory in Long Beach, CA to Newark, NJ three times a week. Her effort greatly impacted the availability of war fighting aircraft to the men flying them overseas. While she was in Columbus for the airshow, she spoke to everyone about her experiences, and even posed for pictures with fans. When some girls in my office and I asked for pictures, she was ecstatic. How great to get my pictures taken with real Air Force girls, she said. Betty we were the ones who had the privilege!

Here is a picture of WASP Betty Blake with Tuskegee Airman Roscoe Brown, who met while touring the F-22 aircraft at the airshow.

"You don't need legislation to prove something...you can be whatever you set your heart and head to be, and don't let anybody tell you can't be, because 1078 women pilots did it in World War II."
WASP Annelle Henderson Bulechek 44-W-2

Thank you veterans for your service to our country, and thank you to all those who will serve. Freedom is not free, and that is something I know I will not soon forget...

Transformers: Robots in Disguise

I am not a SciFi buff. I am not an 8 year old boy. I am not a badass. BUT I do love me some Transformers. I finally saw the much hyped summer movie last night, and I have to say, it was pretty good. Was I entertained? Yes. Did I laugh? Yes. Did the movie have kick ass graphics and a lot of scenes with sweet military aircraft/vehicles...hell yes. However, there were a few slight things that really bugged me about this movie.

Josh Duhamel, you are so hot, but I was distracted in your scenes. Why was your uniform all jacked up? Army personnel DO NOT roll their sleeves...EVER. LEave that for the other services. Sorry. They also do not wear British flags in place of American flags when they work for...America.

Tyrese. O my sweet, sweet Tyrese. Why are you a 35 year old AF Chief? Yes, maybe you are a badass, but it is just highly unlikely for an E-9 to be 35 years old. Although to your credit I guess it is possible. I guess you must have changed places with the 50 year old Army Capt I also saw in the movie...

My roommate commented that the film should have been shorter, but she is the ULTIMATE Debbie Downer movie critic (Sorry Lizbeth!). I thought the length was okay. I really enjoyed how all of the "good guy" Autobots were Chevrolet/GMC vehicles... My dad would have loved that. Who knew Autobots were American made? Did I also mention how awesome all of the military scenes were in it? Yes, that was probably the best part of all...