PCS to LinkedInUSAF

Get to Work! It's Valour-IT US Air Force Team!!!

2006-10-31T08:59:00.000-08:00

I've joined the fight to get our injured soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines voice activated/controlled laptops! This is a GREAT project lead by the awesome folks over at Soldiers' Angels. You just can't go wrong helping us all make the lives of those who have fought to protect us and have paid the ultimate price - for us.

Please, if you have a moment, just click on the link to donate, just to the right near the top of my sidebar. This is a great inter-branch rivalry and we in the US Air Force team are trying to maintain control of the air!

So, donate, and give us the fuel to keep the US Air Force Team flying high!

Please Support Soldier's Angels and Soldier Ride

2006-07-12T00:40:00.000-07:00

Soldiers' Angels supports Soldier Ride and lends it's support in the way of volunteers and money.

(PRWEB) July 7, 2006 -- Wounded servicemen and women cycling across the United States From Montauk, New York to San Diego, California to spread their inspirational message of courage and hope. The brave men and women participating in this event are cycling in support of their injured comrades recovering in military hospitals across the country. All of the participants are provided the adaptive equipment they need to cycle though missing one or more limbs.

Soldier Ride is a non-profit organization that raises awareness and funds for our injured soldiers returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan. This organization is 100% non political. It's not about the war it's about the soldiers. Soldier Ride organizes cross country and local bicycle trips used as rehab opportunities for soldiers recovering from major injuries and also to raise awareness.

Funds raised go out to such organizations as the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) and Disabled Sports USA (www.dsusa.org) You can learn more about us at www.soldierride.org or please feel free to contact Nick Kraus at 516 994 5907.

Soldier Ride began in East Hampton , NY as an effort to raise money and consciousness for soldiers who were severely wounded overseas. Last year Chris Carney a local bartender embarked on his second cross-country Soldier Ride, cycling from Los Angeles to Montauk, New York. Soldiers from the current conflict and veterans, both disabled and not, rode with Carney on Soldier Ride. Over the last two years Soldier Ride helped raise millions of dollars for the WWP. These funds are being used to:

Purchase thousands of comfort backpacks for wounded soldiers on their return (including guidebooks on discharge from service and entitlement benefits). These packs include such basic comfort items as phone cards, Fresh clothing, Portable CD players and small items that make a big impact for a returning injured soldier.
Hire full-time benefits counselors at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Brooke Army Medical to distribute comfort backpacks to amputees.
Conduct adaptive sporting events and clinics to build self-esteem and independence for those who suffered catastrophic injuries, for example the Breckenridge Colorado Ski Spectacular and our recent Florida bicycle program.
Develop peer-mentoring programs where rehabbed soldiers can lend support to their newly injured comrades. Organize Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symposia to help the estimated one in six soldiers who suffer from this disorder. Transport soldiers and their families between home and hospital, as well as purchase a van to transport soldiers to functions in the Washington D.C. area.

Soldier Ride has received extensive media coverage in The New York Times, New York Post, The New York Daily News, The Cleveland Plain Dealer and Newsday. The project has also appeared on NBC's Today in New York, The O'Reilly Factor, Fox News Radio's Tony Snow Show, HBO's Inside the NFL and CNN's Larry King Live.

Several notable people have helped with Soldier Ride fundraising efforts, including Jimmy Buffett, Jon Bon Jovi, Pat Lofaintane, Gary Sinise, Alec Baldwin, Tony Snow, Harris Yulin, Stephen Lang, Bill O'Reilly, Congressman Tim Bishop, Senator Bob Kerrey, and many more.

www.soldiersangels.org

Soldiers' Angels will be hosting the closing ceremonies and beach party for the riders at Semper Fi Park in San Clemente on July 29, 2006 at 3 pm. Adam's Attic, The Bader Band, and Jillian Russell will be performing at the beach party. Mayor Wayne Eggleston and the community are excited and happy to help Soldiers' Angels honor these riders. Please join us in welcoming the riders by lining the streets and showing your support as they ride into San Clemente.

Soldiers' Angels is an all volunteer, 501 (c) (3) non-profit based in Pasadena, Ca. Donations to help offset the costs of the closing ceremonies can be sent to:

Soldiers' Angels
150 North Loop 1604 West, Suite 108-493
San Antonio, TX 78248
Attn: Soldier Ride

Please make checks and money orders out to Soldiers' Angels. You can also donate on-line or adopt a soldier at www.soldiersangels.org. Include what your donation is for in the comments section.

21-Day Salute to Honor America!

2006-06-22T21:22:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release
6/21/06

Contact:
Sara Horn, Publisher
AGreaterFreedom.com
sara@agreaterfreedom.com

AGreaterFreedom.com Announces 21-Day Salute to Honor America

AGreaterFreedom.com subscribers and readers are invited to participate in our first 21-Day Salute to Honor America!

In 1975, Congress declared that the period between June 14 (Flag Day) and July 4 (Independence Day) would be recognized as Honor America Days, a time for Americans to publicly celebrate America and the great ideals our country stands for.

We want to do our part in honoring America by inviting you to tell us, in 350 words or less, who you think is a Great American – someone you know who is going beyond the norm to make a difference in the life of their country and their fellow Americans.

Email us your letters between June 14 and July 4 to be included in the contest. We’ll choose the three best letters out of the ones we receive to receive a special gift, courtesy of AGreaterFreedom.com

Send your letters to info@agreaterfreedom.com today!

We Can’t Forget New Subscribers!

Sign up for our free monthly newsletter and we’ll enter your name into a drawing each week to receive a special gift. It’s our way of thanking you for showing your support of AGreaterFreedom.com by becoming a subscriber.

AGreaterFreedom.com
Where Faith and Service Come Together

The mission of AGreaterFreedom.com is to equip, inform and encourage members of the military and their families through the use of news, feature stories and commentary that will lead people to a more passionate faith in Jesus Christ.

US Military? Illinois? Get Your MBA FREE!!!

2006-03-20T21:04:00.000-08:00

This is not a scam, I'm not on the take, and yes the title is true! If you want to get your MBA but have been hemmin'-N-hawin' about the cost, or the time, or which school, the answer is right here!: University of Illinois!

I was contacted by the Assistant Dean at the University of Illinois, Mr. Robert van der Hooning. They are actively recruiting for candidates to receive a FREE RIDE MBA! And, this offer is for US Military personnel. And, no, not from just today's active duty ranks but from Guard and Reserves as well. There is one hitch (uh-huh, you had that in the back of your head) and it is a small one: you must have been a resident of Illinois during your tour. That means you had to have lived in Illinois (like, you know, the IRS can find you in Illinois via an actual address!) six months prior and six months after your duty/tour.

Now, that really isn't a big deal, right?! That is YOUR BIGGEST OBSTACLE to getting an MBA! And, you don't have to pay for the MBA, it is already covered. Get it? Someone's got your six if you can say you had six-before and six-after!

Helll-oooo ... are you there ... ??? :)

Here is a link that provides the background on this program:

Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) Program

Here is the quick version of eligibility:

To be a qualified applicant, you must:

Have served at least one year of federal active duty service in the Armed Forces of the United States, unless you:
served in a foreign country in a time of hostilities in that country, or
were medically discharged and the medical reason for discharge was service related, or
were discharged prior to August 11, 1967.
Have received an honorable discharge for each period of federal active duty service, and/or be honorably serving.
Not be a member of the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC).
Have resided in Illinois within six months before entering federal active duty service or within six months prior to entering the service.
Have returned or plan to return to Illinois within six months after leaving federal active duty service unless you are residing with a spouse in continued military service and establish or plan to establish Illinois residency within six months of his/her leaving federal active duty service.
Be enrolled at an Illinois public 2 or 4 year college.
Reside in Illinois unless you are serving federal active duty service at the time of enrollment in college or residing with a spouse in continued military service who is currently stationed outside of Illinois.
Not be in default on any student loan, nor owe a refund on any state or federal grant.
Maintain the minimum grade point average (GPA) required by your college.

If you are currently serving in the Illinois National Guard you may also be eligible for the Illinois National Guard Grant Program.

If you receive benefits from the IVG Program while serving federal active duty service, upon discharge you will be required to verify that your service has been characterized as honorable.

Now some of you may be asking, "But, isn't this a statewide program?"

Yeah, but I was contacted directly to help spread the word, by two very dedicated gentlemen looking to help our brave fighting men and women. I believe that the University of Illinois deserves the bulk of this post for that alone. It took a cold call to me, a short conversation, and some exchanging of LinkedIn connecting to seal the deal. No other college or university has done that with me, until now. Lion's share goes to the one to execute and follow through.

Ya know the saying, "To the victor goes the spoils."

I have all the contact information for the Assistant Dean, Mr. Robert van der Hooning. I've provided his name in case you already have contact information for the university. Since web-bots are disgusting and snag e-mail addresses out of blog content, I'll refrain from dropping his e-mail in this post. Please contact me directly and I'll get you alllll the info!

Oh, the other reason University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign is gettin' all the press here is because my heart has two special places for this effort: this program helps all US Military personnel and my best friend growing up is an Illini.

My best friend, in 7th Grade, was taking advanced courses at Cal Berkeley during the regular school year as well on his summer vacation. And, to top it all off, he was holding down a job working at Lawrence Livermore Lab during the summer months. Yeah, during middle school he was far beyond folks actively enrolled as freshmen at Cal. He went on to get tons of offers after he graduated Cal - he went to U of I in Urbana/Champaign.

His field, you might ask? Nuclear Astrophysics. No small feat, wouldn't ya say? :)

I remember the day I was in the Reserves and went to visit him at U of I. He took me to his lab where he had a "small" program running on the Cray. It wasn't too complex, he said, just begins with the formation of a small planetary body from particulate matter in space, drawn together. After years that I cannot count on fingers and toes, the body that he had formed, a star, then goes through the "death cycle" to final implosion. No biggie, we just need to come back and check all is well later after dinner and a few beers.

Found out later, he kinda "whacked" the Cray with his analysis and needed to schedule a new run. Seems the Cray had a little trouble with, time and space? :) Or, maybe it was fact that the heat coefficient function was too aggressive - I forget. One Cray down, two more to go! (I think they had three back then, I need to check on that)

Well, get on over and make yourself an Illini! You sacrificed your time and put your life on the line, the Great State of Illinois wants to pay you back. And, from my seat here in front of my computer, the University of Illinois should be your first stop!

(sorry Illini - I hunted all over the UIUC for a column!
I "borrowed" and "modified" to get this one)

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Get Your Pens and Paper Out, NOW!

2006-03-03T19:36:00.000-08:00

Alright, I just got pinged on IM by CJ over at A Soldiers' Perspective. I'm the type to always answer the call from a fellow Milblogger. I am especially keen on answering when that Milblogger is still active duty, and needs my help!

This blog is dedicated to the positive. And, in that sense, I know that what CJ is all about right now is putting our best foot forward and making someone else's life better. In this case, it is a family of a fallen brother. This family is going through a very rough patch right now as they are being harassed by some protestors. The folks that don't like this war are around, and they have the freedom which we have fought and died for, to speak out and protest on their own issues, wants, and needs. But, when you raise your hand to someone that has risked their life for you to keep those freedoms, you make the hair on the back of my neck stand STRAIGHT UP!

I am thoroughly disgusted by the actions taken by the current batch of protestors, and one would think God fearing, Westboro Baptist Church. What on earth is going to be served by torturing this family in their hour of need? When there is a grieving family, do you in turn, egg their home and call them with disgusting comments like, "I'm glad your son is dead."?

My oh my. What evil have these people wrought?

In support of CJ, and Sgt. Rickey Jones' family, please take the time and join this letter writing campaign. As CJ puts it, so well:

"Let them know that we appreciate their son's service and mourn their loss. Let's show them what America is really made of. This isn't about whether or not you support the war. This is about common decency for a family that has suffered the ultimate sacrifice ... having to bury a child."

For the information contact, I'll include the paragraph from CJ's site, here:

"If you own a blog, please post this effort on your respective blogs and ask your readers to post it on their blogs. If you are as disgusted as I am and would like to write a letter to have delivered to this family, please email Lauren (MyWay716@aol.com) for more information. The good people over at Operation Military Pride are helping facilitate the delivery of these letters."

Get to work, folks. This is a good cause, and I know this group is full of caring people that know the commitment and honor that should be afforded to our fallen brother in arms.

UPDATE: Milblogs Linking Here
Euphoric Reality
Exile in Portales
You Betcha I'm a Proud Army Mom
Soldiers' Angels - New York
Big Dog's Weblog
Cao's Blog
And THAT is MY Opinion
A Lady's Ruminations
Gribbit's Word
Conservative Insurgent
Ms. Underestimated
Iraq War Today
Landrys Life
Yikes!
A Rose By Any Other Name
Sparks From the Anvil
Blackfive
Right Truth
Conservative Cogitation
WhenEvilProspers
No End But Victory
In Training
Milblogging.com
Knowledge is Power
Blonde Sagacity
Hick Politics

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Get the Good GWOT Gems!

2006-02-28T19:44:00.000-08:00

Do you find that you just don't have the time to get to all those Milblogs out there? Does it seem like after you've read one, it's time to take out the garbage, or get the kids to bed, or GET OUT OF YOUR JAMMIES!!! And, once you've taken the time to read a few, and all you get is smack down and venting and rhetoric that'll give you curls like Lucy's?

Wanna just get to those blogs giving you the good news from the sandbox? Once in a while, do ya have a hankerin' to read a few great stories without all the 'tude?

Then ya wanna click on over to Phil of Camp Katrina fame's new site, MilTracker.com! He's taken the time to reach out to those bloggers that have the good stories, he compiles them into a quick list for us all, and gives ya the meat without all those annoying turnips!

I go there every day now. Hope you find what you are looking for there, as I do!

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Tornado Warning in California?

2006-02-28T10:13:00.000-08:00

Just read, and heard, there is a tornado warning in Northern California. Near Travis AFB, in Solano County, they predict a tornado to hit around Suisun City (say it as Sih-soon City).

Take care everyone, and be safe!

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

What?! The Night Stalker Dies Too!!!

2006-02-26T12:10:00.000-08:00

Darren McGavin died yesterday. What is in the water down there in LA anyway?!

Darren McGavin has done an amazing amount of work in TV and Movies. The list is as huge as Don Knotts, yet he fit into a very different genre than Mr. Knotts.

Take a gander:

The Man with the Golden Arm
The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell
Billy Madison
Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Dr. Kildare
Death Valley Days
Mission Mars
Gunsmoke
The Rookies
Six Million Dollar Man
Airport '77
Hangar 18
Donovan's Kid
Tales from the Darkside
Dead Heat
The X Files

Sheesh, the list is too long. I am a huge TV/Movie Trivia IDIOT, so to see two big actors go in one weekend makes ya think ...

Is Hollywood in for a shake-up? Who is taking the place of the once great actors of our days ... ???

Time will tell. Yet, for those in the blogosphere that are Milbloggers ... we have a list and put up with the rest.

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Mr. Limpet Dies at 81

2006-02-26T11:43:00.000-08:00

Just looking around for something good to write and came upon something sad (for me). Don Knotts died Friday at the age of 81. Even though his primary memory for me is from comedies and great movies from Disney (they just can't make good ones anymore), I think I'll remember him best from those long days as a little boy, being sick as dog, watching Mr. Knotts on TV with Andy Griffith ... you know the show ... say it out loud! :)

A moment of sadness for all those that remember these unforgettables:

Mr. Limpet
The Apple Dumpling Gang
The Shakiest Gun in the West
Three's Company
Chicken Little
Pleasantville
Gus
The Reluctant Astronaut
It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World
The Muppet Show

Aw, heck, just remember him as a great man with a great love for children everwhere who refused to compromise principles for Hollywood.

Take care Don, and I can't wait to shake your hand at that great mixer in the sky with the Big Guy!

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Just Remember Who Funds the Military

2006-02-25T20:00:00.000-08:00

Alright, it's been a bit slow here 'cause we took a short trip. Too short to be exact! But, who ever thought a vacation was ever long enough?!

Back to some business - the Air Force Association's latest e-mail update regarding TRICARE and Department of Veterans Affairs benefits costs. I am going to focus on the issue of TRICARE and Department of Veterans Affairs personnel here.

You do need to know that no matter what, the same construct applies to anything regarding the funding of anything that relates to the US Military: Congress authorizes the budget, they pay the bills, the President and his staff only draw up a proposal (they are the executive branch). Congress is responsible for reviewing and approving everything that is in every nook and cranny of the budget.

The Executive Team proposes a budget and the run-rate for the entire system (our country) going forward. The Bean Counters work the numbers and adjust fiscal year targets responding with a Yea or Nay on the proposal. Everyone gets back to the table and "haggles" until the whole thing works for everyone. That's business. And, really folks, this country is run like a business! We may be a representative republic, but we still are a capitalist system and therefore must have this process under control and run by a CEO (CINC is the CEO, and the CFO/CIO/COO/Legal are in other seats!).

If everything that has been proposed passes this budget phase, and Congress has not stopped increases in fees for TRICARE and Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, stop blaming the President. You really need to go after your slacker representatives!

Net-Net the proposed budget shows an increase in fees/co-payments (what you and I, if you are in the private sector, pay now) for visits and drugs. In some cases there is an "enrollment" fee for folks in Priority Groups 7 and 8 (folks that have illness/injuries not related to military service). Let's be honest, rates are going to increase for everyone, and in some cases these changes are upwards of a 40% increase overall!

Now, I never served 20 years. I am not under TRICARE. I am also not a Department of Veterans Affairs employee. I'm just a regular guy. I am already getting whacked by my company for benefits because I work at a small company and insurance companies love to rake the small companies - which translates to costs (I pay around $800/mth out of pocket) passed directly to the employee. No free ride here ...

If I had served 20, benefits should be very affordable for my family and I. No question. In fact, costs now, if they go unchanged and there are no increases, only costs 4% of the GDP. I think useless funding of some slacker programs eat up more of the GDP - so, why is there a need to change the Military's 4%? Leave the 4% GDP cost for Military Costs and Benefits steadfast and clamp down on some of these other slacker programs that just get slacker representatives reelected!

If these costs are going up, and the government (I use a generic term on purpose) sees fit to pass these fees on down the chain, what can a person do? How can a few of us get enough momentum going to change the wave of disrespect for those that sacrificed their lives for those of us riding on their backs? (yes, I served, but not as long, remember?) I believe that the 4% price for the US Military is small and well worth it when compared to the yearly paycheck these useless representatives pull down a year, sucking us all dry!

Sorry, I still think Washington gets paid too much for what they are doing for us these days ... off the soapbox now.

Anyway, there needs to be something done. I am mailing my useless representatives. What about you? Take the URL for the Air Force Association online article and pound away at your empty suit in Washington.

http://www.afa.org/media/press/07Budget.asp

It can't hurt!

Oh, the above is pretty simplistic - give me a break, I just got back from vacation! :)

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

You're Looney Toons to think it's OK!

2006-02-15T00:49:00.000-08:00

Certain things should just be common sense. Riots over cartoons are a stretch and over the top. Too much hate is being whipped up over there. That matter is a ticking you know what. I read some good arguments over at CaliValleyGirl as her feathers got ruffled by a friend. Yet, during the "ruffling", a point she put forth touched a nerve ... many of you may have that nerve too ... I am posting my comments on her blog here - you can go there to read them too. Therefore, don't take the "you" here as you, but the "you" over there in her comments section ... whatever! :) Here are my words:

I NEVER let my American Flag touch the ground. Would any of you? Do you understand why? Do you know the history, and the many men that risked their lives TO RETRIEVE OUR OLD GLORY before their position was overrun, while under heavy fire, to retrieve "The Old Girl"? Do you know how many men WATCHED the guy they've been sharing a foxhole with run to collect the flag, get cut down, and HE THEN JUMPS UP and goes to get the flag?

If so, then you KNOW why burning the American Flag is not free speech. You tread on those that have passed before you. And that is where this country has brought itself.

Never leave anyone behind. Never leave the colors, ever. Never disgrace those before you.

Powerful words. Words spoken by those that have brought you safe shopping malls and open freeways. Luxuries, compared to many other countries run by tinhorn dictators.

But, I don't riot.

Yet, if we could wrest the flag burning issue from judicial activism and place it in the hands of the people, who do YOU think would win?

I know what MY VOTE would be. And before you say, "Aww, but, they should have a right to ...", look deep in your heart and concentrate - I say, "People should protect our national symbol, the American Flag, for those that have kept it flying for us to enjoy our luxuries."

God Bless America. God Keep the American Flag Flying Free and Unsoiled. And, may God Bless all of you. Sorry for the "soap box", but this is a big one for me ...

(i lived in Germany while in the US Air Force. i had to inspect my car every morning to look for explosives. i had to watch myself when in non-military towns. during those two years we closed the gates numerous times [Rhein Main AFB is no small base!] for safety. that was in the early 80's. have any of you had to check under your car, in the engine compartment, and in the trunk before you could go to work? i thought not. think about what the American Flag brings you at home, and what it draws to you outside our borders. frightening.)

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

LinkedInUSAF Group Member #0025 In Need!

2006-02-13T23:53:00.000-08:00

I started this blog, as you remember from a previous post, to help other members of the US Air Force that use LinkedIn and are members of our private group, LinkedInUSAF. I have been working on images and templates for the occasion when one of our group members needs help. That day is today!

First, how does the FLASH MESSAGE look?! I took the format from the old teletype messages everyone would receive in the field. I borrowed the look and feel from an old World War II contact from CINCPAC to ALL PAC Forces. The field at the top really is a priority 1 message! The day of the month and time (in Zulu) are preceded by a number or code to signal importance. The month abbreviation and the year drops in at the end. Took a while to find out how that part of the transmission was put together. I am sure some of you SIGINT folks can give me more information about the format and code. Please do!

Second, to help you understand how to get in touch with the person in need, a little extra info is in order. There will not be a name associated with this post. I am using the group members ID to protect their identity. To reach this person, just go ahead and contact me using the e-mail address in the FLASH MESSAGE graphic - this also minimizes my spam by not putting a live mailto link here! Now, on to the most important part!

LinkedIn USAF Member ID#0025

TO ALL READERS: CLICK FOR FULL FLASH MESSAGE

Need: Career change in process and currently seeking a new position.

Titles: Program Manager, Service Manager, Lt Colonel, Management Consultant

Summary: Over 20 years experience bridging all levels of communication in both corporate and government organizations. Individual strengths are in systems and process design as well as technology support resulting in increased organizational effectiveness.

Specialties: Process Design, Technology Project Management, Enterprise Systems, Cross-organizational communications and coordination.

Currently: Project management, process design, and business process development from technology support to enterprise software systems development. Corporate structures range from mid-sized to large organizations to include: agribusiness, aerospace, telecommunications, utilities, education and service. Responsibilities included being a Program Manager for an information technology consulting company, a Service Manager for a Fortune 100 Software Company, and providing Command and Control capabilities for numerous systems valued at over $30 billion requiring 12,000 personnel in 44 locations worldwide.

Past to Present: United States Air Force (22+ Years), DPI Services Inc., IBM, Management Consulting Firm (owner)

Please, contact me at the e-mail in the FLASH MESSAGE graphic as soon as possible with any leads! Dropping me a note with the name, e-mail address, and phone number of a headhunter that serves the Northern to Central California region would be just great! You might also want to just give that headhunter my e-mail address and I'll take it from there - whatever is easier for you!

If you have a blog, would you be so kind as to provide a link-back or Trackback to this post? I'd like to get as much reach into the job market as possible. As you all know, the more people you can touch the more successful your job search will be - and I just love success!

Thanks for all your help in advance! Our LinkedInUSAF Group members thank you very much, too!

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

The Spirit of Hawaii - Ke Aloha

2006-02-12T14:57:00.000-08:00

This is a great photo of the Spirit of Hawaii!

[U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo]

Take care, Bruddah! Mahalo!

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Thermonuclear war in a Starbucks Society, discuss ...

2006-02-08T01:49:00.000-08:00

You know, it never ever gets old how folks can easily blur what is the reality in front of them. There seems to be a strong affectation brought about via the "coffee shop safety dance". No one wants to offend the other because their kids are in the same class, or play a sport together, or belong to a group or club. Some of us are flat out afraid of being sued or stalked for putting our own ideas out in front! Everyone is so quick to smack you down for expressing your ideas if counter to theirs, because they are safe in their "coffee shop", having their "coffee talk".

Why is it OK for everyone to smack down the US Military getting budget dollars?

I mean, if we were taking those budget dollars and giving it to the politicians, well, then you have cause for alarm! But, we are in the beginnings of some very tense days. This isn't Fidel Castro trying to sport a few missiles in Cuba to get his way (ie having the United States pay him for his terrorist action). This is about people that have no compunction lobbing missiles at Israel and the United States - ultimately to destroy us both. We need to do everything in our power to stop this from happening.

Hmmm ... let's see, cattle flatulence studies or new ways to achieve success in the Global War on Terror ...

The key is what I read in the QDR (yes, I really did read it, and no, I won't print everything here; you all hate my huge posts I am sure). The US Air Force is being given complete control over UAV/UCAVs - keep the airspace under control. Also, combine forces better by having AFSOS beginning to form tighter bonds with a larger Special Operations force comprised of the Navy, Army, Air Force, and Marines. The art of war is changing every day as the climate throughout the world heats up to epic proportions - in fact, biblical proportions! We need to be able to strike deep into all sorts of enemy territory with precision, and then amass a force on the ground that is mobile, lethal, and efficient. This really is a war where we break things and kill people. And the enemy can amass militants at the snap of a finger, or the stroke of a pen.

If a few cartoons get these people to riot, what makes you think they are going to give you a "big hug"?

I think that there have been cartoons out there over the years that never should have seen the light of day. You know that when the cartoonist drew it, the editors reviewed it, and the paper prints it, they all are colluding. They are all at fault, and they have to know it is going to provoke emotion. If they do not know this, we need to take the pen out of their hands and immediately prescribe meds. Sheesh, even a kid knows this is going to set people off - it is targeting a religion!

Is Homer Simpson in charge of today's media? I hear a huge "Doh!" out there after this last mess!

Does the media out there actually forget the Cold War? There were missiles aimed at all major metropolitan areas all over the world (predominantly here and in the USSR). We all knew where ground zero was, we knew that living in Omaha, Nebraska, wasn't just cold, you had a huge target on your head! Now, there is no big bad evil empire, it is a fluid, flammable, easily excited enemy out there. Access to elements key to mass destruction can be bought for the right price. I am not the only one asking why is it that the Starbucks Society has lost touch with all the threats to our way of life.

Can I have a tall-multiple-delivery-intercontinental-ballistic-missile? OH! Leave room - ya just never know.

People, wake up! There is a drive-up window for this stuff! If we don't make the military stronger, bring new ways to combat covert attempts to gain elements, and continue pressure on the world community, you may just get what you ordered: a steaming cup of brackish goop in your lap from a sneering immature flunky paid minimum wage - oh and 72 virgins ... blah, blah, blah ...

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Meme, Oh Meme, What Meme Be This?!

2006-02-04T01:53:00.000-08:00

This week has been a complete mess. There were numerous posts I wanted to get up on the blog. And then, I really wanted to get to this one, 'cause it's fun, and I think I am just off-center enough that a few of you are gonna say, "Huh? Is this guy stable? The Military GAVE HIM a gun and made him an augmentee!?"

Now, it is just plain, flippin', impossible to pick only four of something! Movies and blogs are the hardest. I have so many movies flying around in my mind that even the list below is not enough. And then, there were some things I thought we all could think about, like "Places that just rate an, 'Eh', response", Milblogs to visit daily, and adult beverages! You all can leave those off, if you want, but I figured I'd dive right in and be honest! :)

So, here we go, and thanks for tagging me, Laurie! I know you have been waiting for these answers. And, as you already know in a few other choice and whacked e-mails, I am, well, certifiable!

4 Jobs You Have Had In Your Life

Landscaping for an elderly widow (her husband was a famous botanist! at least I didn't kill any rare plants!)
Inertial and Doppler Navigation Systems Specialist (USAF - supported Doppler, AWADS, Gyro-based INS, Stellar or Celestial Nav, and worked on the first Navstar GPS Systems, too!)
Travel Agent and Systems Support (worked for United Airlines and Covia on Apollo Systems, and then numerous travel agencies as their IT/IS guy)
Software Quality Engineering (companies like Frame Technology, AirTouch Cellular, OmniSky, and ran worldwide Software Quality for palmOne [the Palm PDA guys])

4 Movies You Would Watch Over and Over

The Waterboy (c'mon, hard hitting football scenes and STUPID comedy! what else is there in life!?)
Monty Python's movies (The Meaning of Life, Life of Brian, The Holy Grail, duh!!!)
Mel Brooks' movies (Spaceballs, Blazing Saddles, High Anxiety, History of the World)
Usual Suspects (Kaiser Sooohhhh-saaaay!)

4 TV Shows You Love to Watch

CSI(s) (plural, like 'em all)
House (if you like Black Adder and Frye and Laurie, you'd like House)
Black Adder (doh! dead give-away! - well, Mr Bean too!)
24

4 Places You Have Lived

California (I'm a Native Californian, so, BACK-OFF!!!)
Mississippi (Biloxi, Keesler AFB, 9 MONTHS PEOPLE!)
Frankfurt, Germany (Rhein Main AFB - sad, she is no longer with us)
Omaha, Nebraska (once you get on it, you can't get Offutt!)

4 Places You Have Been On Vacation

West and East Berlin (during the Cold War, BABY!!! it was a TRIP!)
Fulda Gap (back then, it was a SIGHT to see - that was power on the battlefield)
Tahiti (for my birthday one year - Dad worked for United Airlines and got us a deal!)
Alaska (my older sister lived there for many years working in the Capitol [quiz: the capitol is?])

4 GREAT Places Where You Just Said, "Eh .."

Atlanta, Georgia (sorry, lived there, it was beautiful, but, eh)
Las Vegas, Nevada (it got old real fast - sorry, not me cup o' tea)
London, England (I loved Norwich/Kings Lynn and my Dad's birthplace Manchester better)
Oahu, Hawaii (I've been to Hawaii ~20 times, everywhere else but Oahu is GREAT!)

4 Websites You Visit Daily

Amy Proctor (she just knock-down nails some tough subjects - with panache!)
Faith at the Front (Sara is a great writer and motivator via the word)
Irish Pennants (just dropped onto this site and like the writing)
NewsMax (well, I subscribe to the feeds and e-mail drops, so maybe it visits me!)

4 Milblogs You Visit Daily

Soldiers' Angels NY and DE (DE is for Germany, folks)
TOAOBP (The One And Only Buck Pennington!)
The Truth (thought provoking Chief has a handle on some brain twisters!)
TOSS UP: Cap'n Bob and Officers' Club (I like 'em both, they both rate! so, more than 4!)

4 Favorite Foods

Chocolate
Chocolate
Steak
Chocolate

OK, just kidding, here we go again:

4 Favorite Foods

Chocolate (just relax, there's more!)
Steak (Tri-Tip or Market on the BBQ)
Baked Cut Red Potatoes with rosemary/basil/salt/olive oil
Fried Chicken (coated in a garlic & salt & flour, basted with oil and sherry)

4 Favorite "Adult Beverages"

My own Appletini Recipe (involves Berentzen's Apfel Korn)
My own Sangria Recipe (let's just say it's killer and includes extra alcohol!)
Strong wines (any dark cabernet, pinot, port, or eisewine/troken beeren auslese)
Good Scotch, Jack Daniels, or 7 to 12 year dark rum (Ronrico)

4 Places You Would Rather Be Right Now

Sitting on the patio in the early evening, while the girls are swimming, and all you hear is laughter
Eating my favorite foods with a glass of red, then enjoying dark rum and some pipe tobacco on the patio (see above)
Sitting on the hammerhead at Beale AFB with two sets of hearing protection at sunset waiting for the SR-71 pilot to rocket down the runway
Sitting at home in front of our TV with popcorn on a rainy day and all 3 of my girls watching The Princess Bride, Scooby Doo, Monsters Inc, Ice Age, Emperor's New Groove - just laughing under a blanket with a flashlight (huh? what happened to the movie? lost interest!)

4 People to Tag
In Training ('cause she'd have some good answers!)
Cap'n Bob (I think between the Cap'n and Damsel, the answers will be great!)
Days Gone By (she needs to gimme some funny ones!)
planningblog (Carol, start at the pub, and then lead us onward!)

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

When You Think You Know Someone

2006-02-03T00:29:00.000-08:00

"I speak for all my Soldiers when I say that we sleep well at night because we know you are all out here keeping us safe."

Is that a quote from a Captain or Major of the Iraqi Forces thanking the service of our US Army or Marines? Could this be a quote you read when you were just skimming the news bytes from the MSM and a reporter forgot that this is something positive? Do you think that this one sentence is a training command leader speaking about the active Soldiers protecting them as they learn their new duties? Well, actually, this is one of those real life statements that is spoken in true thanks and appreciation from someone who "knows soldiering".

The speaker is US Army Colonel Victor McCagnan, commander of the 16th Corps Support Group and Logistical Support Area Adder, Tallil Iraq.

The 30 folks he is thanking are the US Air Force Security Police Airmen from Tyndall AFB, Niagara Falls ARS, and Seymore-Johnson AFB.

Surprised? Colonel McCagnan isn't. Everyone serving over seas and here at home are not surprised. The families of our US Military are not surprised one bit! The President of the United States is not surprised. And, I'm pretty sure, if you read my blog once in a while, you aren't surprised and I didn't surprise you one bit.

Yet, it's not just the quote above but the actions taken by Colonel McCagnan that should not go unreported. Colonel McCagnan was speaking at a ceremony where he was awarding 16 of the 30 US Air Force Security Police with United States Army Commendation Medals! US Army Commendation medals are rarely awarded to other service members outside the Army. Generals of both branches need to approve the medals.

US Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Marc G. Melcher wrote:

"Receiving the decorations was a very exciting and a very proud moment for me personally. I have over 25 years of military service and this was the first time I was involved with another service performing a mission. To be recognized by the Army for my service and contributions to the garrison was a great moment."

[Photo by Staff Sergeant Engels Tejeda]

SrMsgt Melcher said something that really struck me. He said that he has served for 25 years and this is the first time he has been involved in a joint services mission. Now, I know he doesn't mean we've never worked together - we always do. But, today's forces are really working closely together to achieve mission success. The last time that the US Army and the US Air Force worked this closely was before the Army Air Corps became the United States Air Force. People, we were the same branch of the service some 58 years ago!

The US Army's little brother has grown up, moved out of town far away, and picked a life that is very, very different from his older brother. For many years they just never saw things the same way. When problems came about and "Mom and Dad" needed help, yeah, of course they'd pull together and get the job done! Let's be honest, we are family after all! Yet, when things got back to normal, both brothers would sorta drift off to their respective regular lives. The younger one is a major nerd and into all kinds of techie-things - the older one would just shake his head, "What sorta gadget is he messin' with now?" The older one is completely at home in the outdoors where the air is clean and there are no traffic jams or annoying cell phones - the younger one would just shake his head, "He never reads my e-mail."

[Photo by Staff Sergeant Engels Tejeda]

Colonel McCagnan recognizes that we are all working together for one cause. And, it's good to hear him say:

"I hope the next guys are at least half as good as these guys because they were great."

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

God Shines Down on Those Protecting us All

2006-01-29T23:18:00.000-08:00

In a story written by US Army Sergeant Rachel Brune, 101st Sustainment BDE, I found this photo she took as the 454th Transportation Company headed out to Forward Operation Base Warrior. There is only one thing that came to mind when I saw this photo:

[US Army Photo, Sgt Rachel Brune 101st Sustainment BDE]

God is watching over those that are protecting us. And as these brave men and women do their duty with honor, it is only fitting that Jacob shines down on them.

Genesis, Chapter 28, Jacob's Dream at Bethel
11 He came to a certain place and stayed there for the night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place.
12 And he dreamed that there was a ladder set up on the earth, the top of it reaching to heaven; and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.

God Speed, and God Bless.

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Combatants, Fuel, and Grease Pencil Idiots

2006-01-26T03:57:00.000-08:00

Look, I love the US Air Force, and I am sure you can tell that by now! If you are among those that believes we are just glorified bus drivers and fair weather combatants, you probably want to stop reading this particular post, right now. I do not intend to be mean, cut you off, or offend you in any way at all. I am going to discuss something that even at the highest levels is deemed "bunk", a "pipe dream", "nitwit shenanigans", "damned nonsensical", and "otherwise transitory advantages". I'd like to spend some time talking about the US Air Force's role in combat.

In the story "The Strategy of Desert Storm", Air Force Maga zine, January 2006, Vol. 89, No. 1, John T. Correll wrote:

"In recent years, it has been fashionable to emphasize the Air Force's commitment to supporting the nation's ground forces."

"In time of crisis, however, it has usually turned out that "Global Reach-Global Power" had it right. Airpower can be the supporting force in war. It can also be the supported force, or it can act independently. Field Manual 100-20 had it right, too. Airpower is not an auxiliary of land power."

"The understanding of that is the strategic legacy of Desert Storm."

Everyone remembers that the Gulf War was deemed "The Hundred Hour War" or the "5 Day War". And that is a very true statement, if you subtract the numerous hours and sorties flown prior to the actual land battle. The preceding "war" lasted 38 days - not 38 hours or 38 minutes, but 38 days. There were lives on the line the whole time. In the first few hours of the war, there were airmen and sailors behind the lines -- deep behind enemy lines -- taking out infrastructure, materiel, combatants, and vehicles. US combat aircraft in Desert Storm by branch were as follows: 58% USAF, 27% USN, 15% USMC. This is where the technology, from my first post, shoulders the weight of the "non-war".

Have any of you taken the time to watch "Discovery Wings" channel (now the Military Channel)? There have been a few shows that show Desert Storm and a few are of pretty decent length and depth. Each piece, if covering the entire war, shows the intense and deep strike taken to the heart of the enemy. The "new girl" in the air was the "Stealth Fighter" or F-117. She was flanked by F-15s and F-16s to take the "ball" all the way to the "cheap seats" and drop it right in Saddam's lap! Even he was to miscalculate what the United States Air Force is all about. In his own words from Mr. Correll's work:

"The US relies on the Air Force. The Air Force has never been the decisive factor in the history of war."

It is a fact that twice, Saddam has had his hat handed to him. And twice, the war began with deep penetration into the heart of the beast to destroy infrastructure, materiel, combatants, and vehicles. Yesterday, technology and the F-117 was a prime factor. Today, technology and the "Stealth Bomber" or B-2 and the Predator and Globalhawk paved the way. Yesterday, total loss of our brave all volunteer US Military suffered 148 dead and 467 wounded (coalition allies had 99 dead and 434 wounded). Today, 3 plus years into the Global War on Terror (one theater yet two battle areas) we've lost some 2,100+ brave men and women. Now, stop and do some quick math - 36 times as long and not 36 times as many casualties! (36 x 148 = 5,328)

Again, technology is causing significant reduction in combatants per square kilometer. Newer technology is also playing a big part in the amount of fuel required to prosecute an air-focused battle. There is a considerable amount of hemmin' and hawwin' going on in regards to fuel consumption in the US Military. Taking my second post in this series into consideration, with the improvements in technology and the reduction in combatants per square kilometer, fuel is becoming less of a factor in what the Air Force (and the other branches) to prosecute a war today.

It's no secret that if we had to prosecute a 1-to-1 air battle with the Iranians (no small air force, I assure you) or with Communist China (another sizable force, people) you'd really need a strong showing in the skies. No ground battle is ever going to be successful again without control of the air. The F-22 is the platform we need, coupled with the F-15 and F-16, to get control of precious air space. Once the air is secure, bringing technology to the fore and prosecuting a ground battle with newer air combat vehicles like UCAVs:

(such as the MQ-1 Predator)

[U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Colleen Wronek]

(and RQ-4A Globalhawk)

[Courtesy photo via AF.mil Photos]

we are reducing the strain on personnel and materiel (man hours and fuel spent per sortie per kill). Newer weapons that can deliver the munitions directly to the target providing 100% elimination of that target. Newer tactics like combined forces on the ground increase the effectiveness of overall combat operations - and camaraderie.

We don't need no stinkin' grease pencils!

Gimme the new Raptor to take back the air!

[U. S. Air Force Photo by TSgt Ben Bloker]

When folks at the higher level speak about turning all the United States Air Force fighter-type aircraft over to the Navy and Marines (yes, it was proposed in the QDR!), I get a little, upset. In an article from the same Air Force Magazine (January 2006) titled "Washington Watch" by Executive Editor John A. Tirpak, he writes the following:

"Throughout the QDR, the Marine Corps has had its eye on the funds intended for the F/A-22 program."

"They want that money right now -- preferably yesterday -- to expand the Corps in the near term."

"Once in possession of the fighter account, the Marine Corps could kill the F/A-22, shift all fighters to close air support, and use the savings for other purposes."

Huh? Go back up a few paragraphs here. Are we to then believe that the best way to be efficient on the battlefield, and with growing tensions in other countries, by trashing our "Global Reach-Global Power" and hamstring the US Air Force?! Who the hell is really thinking these things up? Myopia is a terrible thing, so is target fixation, and even believing that you have the only true battle plan. The following astute leaders put together one massively successful 38 day "non-war" code named "Checkmate" and "Instant Thunder":

Lt. General Charles A. Horner
General Michael J. Dugan
General John Michael Loh
Colonel John A. Warden III
Lt. Colonel David A. Deptula*
Brig. General Buster C. Glosson
Major Ernie Norsworthy
Colonel Tony Tolin

*Although Glosson led the effort, the architect of the air campaign was Deptula, who created both the attack strategy and the specific plan.

Are we going to go back to "sticks and rocks" or can we all admit that twice now, the US Air Force has proven it can take it to the enemy and provide an adequate theater of operations that propels the ground forces through the enemy "like buttah"!?

These types of situations (infighting for funds and prestige) are never going to go away. The only way that the Air Force can survive external, and internal, attack is to become more efficient and provide a broader role in overall strategy and operations. Plus, the Air Force Brass has got to start standing up for themselves and show that we are a fighting force! And, we are a force to be reckoned with, no matter your allegiance.

Save money? Or, is this still about fighters fight and pilots shuttle?

Take a moment to review the total force that the Air Force brings to the battle: C-5, C-17, B-1, B-2, E-3, E-8, EC/RC-135, E-4B, U-2, A-10, F-15, F-16, F-111, F-117, AC/EC/MC/WC/HC/C-130, KC-135, KC-10, E-10, Predator, Globalhawk, and now the F-22. We move, we jam, we attack, we survey, we target, and we defend - what is coming next? Ever heard of the airborne laser?

[USAF Photo by Jim Shryne - BoeingMedia.com]

[USAF Photo by Jim Shryne - BoeingMedia.com ]

The ABL Laser

[BoeingMedia.com]

The often forgotten piece of the Air Force is Missile Defense and Space Command! A formidable force, indeed, and something that many take off the table - yet should not be sold short! When it is time to take the field against Iran, North Korea, and China, who ya gonna call? Who can take the fight to the air, and hold it? Who has been doing quite well, thank you, keeping us all safe from an attack from the skies for the last 58 years?

C'mon, Ronald Reagan didn't build all this back up just to have it fretted away by short sighted people over influenced by the dopes on Capitol Hill?

Did Capitol Hill ever win a war? Have they proven to be adults today?

Bah! They're just trying to get re-elected.

What's the Joint Chiefs excuse?

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

H/T to Laurie of Soldiers' Angels NY for her kindness in helping our family adopt an airman in Iraq, and pointing me to the ABL photos above - oh yeah! Steevie likeee! (Tommy Boy Voice There, Laurie!)

Nope, Duh, Nope, Uh-huh, I Guess So

2006-01-21T23:31:00.000-08:00

Those are the five most important answers to some very prevalent statements we hear today. OK, so I changed the answers a bit for the title of this post! In fact, this post is to provide the reader with enough information to develop a stronger argument against the fifth answer, "I Guess So." I intend to show that I believe the Air Force is changing drastically enough that the answer should be, "Nope."

My previous post, the giant is now awake and dancing on the enemy's head, is threaded through this post and then ends at the follow on post to come. These three posts are in order, for a reason - like a friendship bracelet! (sorry, my oldest daughter is into these things ... wha' ?? how does a bracelet ... never mind, back to earth)

Let me first provide some background for this post. Colonel Richard Fullerton's article, "The Future: Oil, America, and the Air Force", can be found in the latest Air and Space Power Journal (Winter 2005, Volume XIX, No. 4). Colonel Fullerton is professor and head of the US Air Force Academy's Department of Economics and Geography. He also credits and thanks Duane Chapman of Cornell University for some, as Colonel Fullerton puts it, "... insightful comments." There is an extensive amount of information in his article, and I have brought quite a bit of it here. The reason is that there is so much disinformation out there on this subject. To have a valid argument we need to be on the same plane with the same information, not conjecture and less than factual points of view driving the debate.

What I think is key to agree upon is a subject that many take very little time to understand, yet they feel very strongly about their answer(s). When you bring up the subject of oil, folks either in the Air Force, or not, have some idea about a world view and can argue with confidence. But to take the time to study the conflict and the facts that are rooted in economics provides a better platform from which to argue. Really, this subject has bugged me ever since I stood on the flightline launching KC-135 tankers. We sent a TON of fuel into flight! Can we keep doing this? I mean, what we hear is the old faithful line from the regurgitators of pap, "The World is Running Out of Oil":

Wrong

Did you know that these purveyors of re-pap have been saying this for more than a 100 years?! Colonel Fullerton writes that geologist Kenneth Deffeyes put a date on when the world would be out of oil. Deffeyes said that, "world oil production will reach its ultimate peak on Thanksgiving Day 2005." Yet the US Geological Survey reports "the mean estimate of the world's recoverable oil" to be at three trillion barrels. Colonel Fullerton states that is "more than three times the amount the world consumed in the entire twentieth century!" The US Energy Information Administration put a guess on the table for peak consumption to be about 2037. Just remember, there are two very large countries that are dramatically increasing their consumption of the world's oil supply - that to come later. But, what about the fact that "The United States is Running Out of Oil":

Irrelevant

The one thing we all need to understand: no matter what, the world price is set by a world market and that oil is a "fungible commodity", folks. Colonel Fullerton shows that even if the United States was completely self-sufficient and provided it's own supply domestically, we are still vulnerable to "oil shocks" from the world market. Colonel Fullerton provides proof using the British gasoline debacle in September of 2000. As he writes:

"Britain's North Sea fields produced far more oil than the country needed domestically, but when the price of oil rose, it did so worldwide. British consumers felt the same pinch in their pocketbooks that we felt in America and that the Japanese felt in Asia."

Oil prices rose in unison, worldwide, regardless of the location of source or production. The slidebars are all tied together. I think of it this way: to change the values of my Technics stereo equalizer I bought at the Audio Visual Club on base at Rhein Main AFB in 1983, I'd use a stick across all the keys (lame, I know, but that's reality). No matter what, changes take effect across the whole spectrum (worldwide) not just one frequency (country). Now this seems to always lead everyone into my favorite, "An Oil Embargo is a Threat to the United States":

Wrong

Just because the "Middle East has two-thirds of the world's remaining proved oil reserves" doesn't mean you need to get your knickers in a twist. No matter what, oil is going to end up in the hands of whoever can pay the price. In simple terms Colonel Fullerton says it best:

"Just as the global market for oil prevents us from achieving oil independence, so does it ensure that no country has a practical way of embargoing the United States, beyond a merely symbolic gesture."

I am sure that you are screaming at your monitor saying, "The oil embargo of 1973 is proof that our prices got jacked to the ceiling, you moron!" My answer is simple enough and I'll coin the phraseology of a previous administration, "It's international trade and domestic economic policies, stupid!" Colonel Fullerton provides the reason through the words of Jerry Taylor and Peter Van Doren of the Cato Institute:

"price controls imposed in 1971 by the Nixon administration prevented major oil companies from passing on the full cost of imported crude to consumers at the pump. "Big Oil" did the only sensible thing: it cut back on imports and stopped selling oil to independent service stations in order to keep its own franchises supplied. By the summer of 1973, gasoline prices were exploding, pumps were running dry, and long lines were commonplace. And that was before the Arab oil embargo or production cutbacks were announced."

Look, we are affected if production is cut and limits on the sale of oil are imposed on everyone. Oil exporters are more dependent on us, the consumers, than we are on them. Did you know that 85% of export revenues in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran, and Iraq are all from oil? There is no other primary revenue generator from these regions. Let's face it, it's an arid, desolate place - ask the troops! And no matter what you hear out there, the two largest exporters - Saudi Arabia and Iran - have different politics and differing views when it comes to dealing with the United States. That said, what about the tried and true, "Oil Will Continue to be a Catalyst for Conflict":

Right

The Middle East can take this one to the bank: "at $50 a barrel, the estimated value of recoverable oil in the Middle East comes to roughly $77 trillion - more than five times the US gross domestic product." Yeah, he said 77 TRILLION DOLLARS Do you think there'd be a conflict? Sheesh, everyone in the world needs oil, and China and India are increasing their own demands at an ever accelerating rate. Another world war could put this whole thing into a situation that is worse than the effects of the United States and coalition forces working to stabilize the Middle East. Right from the Colonel's article regarding consumption rates, the "United States is expected to increase over the next decade at an annual rate of about 1.5 percent, oil consumption in China is forecast to grow almost 6 percent per year." Hello! That is 4x our consumption rate, folks. If you think we consume an unbelievable amount of oil, wake up! If China is at 6% what do you think is going on in India with all the outsourcing and manufacturing of US consumable products? To be honest with ourselves, this is going to be true until we get this under control, like now! And, Colonel Fullerton's last cloak room statement heard in the halls of say, the Pentagon, "Energy's Future in the Air Force Will Look Much Like its Recent Past":

Disappointing but True

Now, the Colonel states as oil prices rise and supplies become ever increasingly more volatile that:

R&D into "alternative energy sources and technologies will proliferate"
the "public will not flock to them until the become economical"
transition "to new energy sources will take an evolutionary rather than revolutionary path"
consumers "will gravitate towards more efficient diesel engines and hybrid gas/electric autos"
the utility companies "will move from oil for electricity generation"
the oil industry "will explore and develop previously unprofitable oil fields and bitumen deposits"
the oil industry "will begin producing escalating quantities of synthetic liquid fuels from natural gas and coal"
better batteries "will spur the commercial development and marketing of plug-in" hybrid vehicles using gas or "coal-based methanol engines"
the clunky and awkward "hydrogen fuel cells will not become a leading energy source for private autos before the second half of the century - if ever"

All these may ring true, and I believe that everything he has listed is true or will be true very soon. Colonel Fullerton asserts that the Air Force will continue to consume in the same manner. I, however, believe that there is a fundamental shift in strategy, operations, and tactics (Charlie Munn at The Officers' Club has a great graphic to help) that shapes the consumption of fuels and energy in a very significant way. He lists all the big-honkers (aircraft) that slurp fuel like a teenager on a hot day with free Icee refills at the local 7-Eleven!

I don't buy it. There are a few new birds crossing the horizon at sunset now, and there are more on the drawing board. There are changes to our defense shield that reduces our reliance and consumption of all fuels. There are changes taking place through joint forces operations that have reduced staff (combatants per square kilometer, remember?) and their vehicles required to move personnel and materiel. There are minor, and OK major, changes to equipment that make our fighting forces so much more efficient and less reliant on vehicles, be that aircraft, ground vehicles, or ships, that once again prove out to consume less and less product (fuels and other energy sources [nuclear, etc]).

I believe that we're reducing our consumption rate and capable of stabilizing the Middle East at the same time. In fact, this is the best thing we can do, for everyone!

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Sleeping Giant? You've Got Zeus Dancin' on Your Head!

2006-01-18T23:54:00.000-08:00

When will they ever learn? You taunt us with your words, we glare and take it all in. You poke us on the shoulder, we muster our control and size up the enemy. You poke us in the eye, we turn to collect our mettle - and then we take control. You strike any of us down, we bring it on, full force, with confidence, alacrity, and accuracy that could put an atomic clock to shame!

As has been a constant thread in my previous postings, science and technology have propelled the United States Military into uncharted territory: less manpower required to prosecute a war, with surgical precision, at greater distances, with excessively marginal casualty numbers. Strategy, tactics, mixed forces, and combined mission goals are taking the fight to foreign soil like no one has ever seen before.

In the latest Air and Space Power Journal (Winter 2005, Volume XIX, No. 4) I was pleasantly surprised by the story entitled, "The War Fighter's Need for Science and Technology". The analysis provided by the authors Dr. J. Douglas Beason, Colonel, USAF, Retired* and Dr. Mark Lewis was outstanding. It's amazing what one can learn in a few short moments of reading.

I knew in my heart back in 1984 that the future of the United States Air Force was beyond what anyone could dream. I was asked to assist our brothers down the flightline, the 7th SOS, in installing new technology on a few birds. When I was told how the accuracy of this new technology would dawn a new era in warfare, I believed it but wondered how we'd make it happen. Our systems were clunky, big, heavy, and, well, finicky! As the scientists of the 50's through the 80's would soon prove, the giant may have looked asleep, but he was thinking the whole time.

This opening paragraph says it all:

"Since the beginning of World War II, we have seen the introduction of radar, precision-guided weapons, atomic bombs, ballistic missiles, transistors, semiconductors, computers, jet aircraft, stealth technology, satellites, cell phones, lasers, the global positioning system (GPS), and so forth. The list of scientific and technical applications in warfare is staggering. Each of these technologies has had a profound impact on the way we fight and, equally importantly, on the way we keep our war fighters out of harm's way. Furthermore, the pace of inserting winning technology is increasing. In the millennia since humankind has kept records, estimates indicate that the world has seen a doubling -- a 100 percent growth -- in knowledge from the dawn of time until the 1950s. That knowledge, which has doubled several times since then, has spilled over to the war fighter. In many cases, it has actually been driven by his or her needs."

What a mouthful!

For those of you that remember, warfare was tough, dirty, deadly, and expansive. The campaign theater required multiple managers to prosecute any war. Varying levels of strategy managers and tactical leaders required staggering numbers of combatants to take the field. As Dr. Beason writes, the number density of combatants (the number per square kilometer) has decreased over the years due to:

"... the introduction of state-of-the-art weapons. One may understand the increase in firepower by considering the way technology has enabled fewer war fighters to levy more damage at a longer distance: the range of a spear was extended by the bow and arrow, whose range was extended by the bullet, whose range was extended by the artillery shell, whose range was extended even farther by missile technology. New technologies such as hypersonic missiles, which can cover hundreds of miles in a matter of minutes, or directed-energy weapons, which can engage the enemy at the speed of light, allow us to extend a weapon's range beyond national borders or even around the world, reducing manpower density on the battlefield even further."

The numbers of combatants that take the field looks like this:

Figure 1. Manpower density on the battlefield
(From data in Kenneth L. Adelman and Norman R. Augustine, The Defense Revolution: Intelligent Downsizing of America’s Military [San Francisco: Institute for Contemporary Studies Press, 1990], 55; and from Cable News Network.)

Did you see it?! Just take WWII and the Gulf War. Per square kilometer for WWII, we needed 2,200 combatants to be in the fight, and in the Gulf War only 0.5 combatants per square kilometer were required!

AND WE DID NOT HAVE UAVs AND UCAVs YET!

And, this is only the first two paragraphs! I mean, his next point is the effectiveness of the military. I'll really condense what he provided into a short list:

Bullets (1500AD) have a military effectiveness of 102 or 100 times greater than arrows (1000AD)
ICBMs (1970AD) are 108 or 100 million times more effective than artillery (1900AD)
Lasers (2020AD) as 10 billion times more effective than the same artillery (1900AD)

They always say that a picture can say so much more. Well, check out this graph and the accompanying little nuggets that follow:

Figure 2. Military effectiveness through the years
(From data in Simon P. Worden, SDI and the Alternatives [Washington, DC: National Defense University Press, 1991].)

"Although military tactics and strategy have played a role in increasing the effectiveness of these weapons, advances in military effectiveness stem chiefly from the exploitation of science and technology..."

"... the dramatic increase in such effectiveness on a logarithmic scale; that is, the vertical axis of the figure shows exponential powers of 10, so the maximum value of 25 is not a simple factor of five greater than 20 but 105 — 100,000 times greater."

He said 100,000 times!

Here, some hard numbers:

"To hit a 200,000 square foot German factory in World War II with a 96 percent chance of success required a squadron of 108 B-17 bombers (carrying 1,080 aircrew members and 648 bombs) and approximately 100 single-seat escort fighters, bringing the total force to nearly 1,200 human lives. Typically, 15 of the bombers and their 150 men would not make it back home."

"Today we could perform the same mission either with a single F-117 stealth fighter dropping two precision-guided bombs or with one cruise missile. Furthermore, to date only one F-117 has ever been shot down in combat."

"In the 45 years between World War II and the first Gulf War, the average miss distance of a bomb decreased from over half a mile to 10 feet."

"... we are reaping the benefits of decades of investment in S&T. Weapon systems from the F-22 to the airborne laser owe their existence to years of aggressive, vigorous Air Force support of S&T investments."

The airborne laser: a uniquely modified 747-400 freighter designed to shoot
down ballistic missiles during their boost phase

OK, now for the funny quotes and technological strides comparisons ... rich, just rich!

QUOTES

"In 1921, when told of Billy Mitchell's claim that airplanes could sink battleships, Secretary of War Newton Baker growled, "That idea is so damned nonsensical and impossible that I'm willing to stand on the bridge of a battleship while that nitwit tries to hit it from the air."

"Similarly, in 1938 Maj Gen John K. Herr remarked, "We must not be misled to our own detriment to assume that the untried machine can displace the tried and proven horse."

"And in 1939, Rear Adm Clark Woodward sniffed, "As far as sinking a ship with a bomb is concerned, it just can't be done."

"More recently, some individuals even scoffed at precision-guided weapons: "Who would need to be so precise when a grease pencil mark on the cockpit window has worked for years?"

"Others decried the Airborne Warning and Control System [AWACS] aircraft for controlling the air battlefield: "The Soviets did this and lost!"

TIME BETWEEN INVENTION AND INNOVATION

Fluorescent lamp, 79 years
Gyrocompass, 56 years
Cotton picker, 53 years
Zipper, 27 years
Jet engine, 14 years
Radar, 13 years
Safety razor, nine years
Wireless telephone, eight years

This is truly a great read! A bit hefty in price but it is full of great history, new technology, and future training advancements.

* Portions of [the article from Air and Space Power Journal] come from Dr. Beason’s book DOD Science and Technology: Strategy for the Post–Cold War Era (Washington, DC: National Defense University Press, 1997).

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Mrs. Reagan Christens the "Spirit of Ronald Reagan"

2006-01-14T09:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a great day for the dedicated Airmen at March AFB. The eighth, and final, delivery of a C-17 Globemaster III was christened by Mrs. Nancy Reagan. I am sure that for her, this was a beautiful, yet poignant ceremony - her best friend Ronnie was not by her side. (those who know, know, she always called him "Ronnie" [not me])

Mrs. Reagan ecorted through the guard by Lt. General John Bradley [Courtesy Photo]

Through a scene that is always powerful, a red carpet flanked by the guard, Lieutenant General John Bradley escorted Mrs. Reagan to the observation area. Even though Mrs. Reagan, a spry 84 years young, did not speak to the crowd, she did provide a few words for the ceremony:

"Ronnie believed that it is the responsibility of every American to help guard the freedoms we hold dear. So I know he would be especially pleased that this plane will be flown by citizen aircrews, providing support for our troops fighting in faraway lands."

I think it is amazing that in all these years, this woman's attention to detail when it comes to the written and spoken word is still at the forefront. The key words are, "citizen aircrews", where she is paying a special commendation to the Air Force Reserves and Air National Guard. It is true that the major compliment of our fine Airmen are active duty. And often times, the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserves are sometimes a tad bit overlooked - except in a time of war. Mrs. Reagan knows, and so did our former President Ronald Reagan know, that our Reserve and Guard forces are a very important part of our national defense, and very deserving of the respect and admiration of the entire country!

If you all have forgotten, President Reagan served in the Army Reserve and Army Air Corps during World War II! He holds a special place in the heart of the United States Military as he, and only he, brought us back from the brink of extinction. After so much strife, derision, defunding, hamstringing, and external bickering (outside the US Military), one man's vision returned our brave fighting forces back to the worlds greatest fighting force!

As California Congressman Kenneth Calvert put so succinctly:

"The fact that our Airmen are equipped with unsurpassed military assets like the C-17 is a testament to those leaders, especially President Reagan, who demonstrated the commitment to sustaining our military strength."

Mrs. Reagan and Lt. General John Bradley, Mrs. Jan Bradley, and
Maj. General Robert E. Duignan [Courtesy Photo]

I couldn't have said it better. Yet, Lt. General Bradley added this extra point to the spear by saying that President Reagan had:

"the vision to provide the kind of capabilities that we need today."

It is sad that President Reagan was not able to see his vision come to fruition. He died June 5, 2004, at the amazing age of 93. Just two more years and he would have seen "his" C-17, "his" aircraft carrier, and the F-22A become operational. Hmmm.

As the ceremony continued, Lt. General Bradley said:

"The C-17 has phenomenal capability and flexibility. It can go into places that many other airplanes cannot. It can carry huge loads (and) great numbers of troops into very austere environments. It will help the Air Force in its continued war on terror."

"This aircraft will fly around the world and do wonderful things for America and for many other people. It will deliver troops and equipment (and) deliver humanitarian supplies to people around the world who've never seen anything from America."

A beautiful day for the team at March AFB. It is a great story provided by Senior Master Sergeant Matt Proietti of the 452nd Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs at AF.mil. Good thing that the weather held, until today - raining again in sunny California ...

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Baby Raptor's First Steps - HOW CUTE!

2006-01-13T20:01:00.000-08:00

Alright, this is when the Air Force really puts her best foot forward! The Navy has beautiful ceremonies for all to see, like christening a new flat-top or destroyer or boomer. But, for aero-Nuts like myself, nothing raises major goose bumps like chocks being pulled to release a new bird! What on earth possessed the Air Force to create such a Big Honkin' Bird like this, anyway?

Be the biggest, baddest, fastest, deadliest, and meanest in the sky? And why not?!

From Sky to Space, no one tops the U.S. Air Force!

Today, as the press release went out about the F-22A being released for flight ready ops, our little Baby Raptor took her first steps! The 1st Fighter Wing is a VERY PROUD MAMA today!

(i've got serious hard rock goin' in the background while i typed the last post and this one - ahhh, the office is rockin' - can i get a FLY BY PLEASE!?)

I mean, really, can we have some ABs trashin' the neighborhood? I waaaannnnaaaaa have a RAPTOR!

[U.S. Air Force photograph by Senior Airman Austin Knox]

Sorry, got a little carried away there. Hey, not to worry, it's not like their gonna let me fly one!

2nd Lieutenant Rachel Sherburne of the 1st Fighter Wing Public Affairs office writes:

"The IOC declaration proves the F-22A is mission ready. The base now has 19 Raptors."

"The 27th FS -- the Air Force's oldest fighter squadron -- is now the first operational unit to fly the service's newest fighter aircraft."

The oldest fighter squadron is graced with the newest and brightest. Sounds good to me!

Wing Commander Brigadier General Burton Field basically nudged the Baby Raptor on her first steps with this statement:

"This next generation fighter can now be employed by combatant commanders and the national command authority for various missions both at home and in other areas of responsibility."

Everyone was there to watch her take her first steps (well, OK, except us!). The Air Force Vice Chief of Staff General John Corley, former Air Force Secretary Dr. James Roche, and retired and former Air Force Chief of Staff General John Jumper. During the ceremony, the guest speaker, General John Corley said:

"I can't thank each of you enough. You all played a critical role. Your children and children's children will reap the benefits of the technology (of this aircraft)."

Wing Commander General Burton Field said, and this is my favorite:

"This aircraft, and more importantly, the people who have brought it to the realm of operational flying, deserve to celebrate and be celebrated."

Yeah, this is a great day! We get a new C-17 at March AFB christened as the "Spirit of Ronald Reagan" and the Raptor's First Baby Steps. It really is sad that the Raptor's Grand Father, President Ronald Reagan, was not there to see her cross the hangar floor ... at least, maybe there's a few old warriors up there above the clouds sharing it with him?

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

F-22A ...:FLIGHT.:.READY.:.TO.:.FIGHT:...

2006-01-13T18:58:00.000-08:00

Today, thanks to AF.mil, here's the best few paragraphs giving the GREEN LIGHT to the F-22A:

Release Number: 050106
1/13/2006 - KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center recently completed the F-22A Raptor Follow-on Operational Test and Evaluation and has rated the Air Force's newest fighter as mission capable in the air-to-ground role.

"This was a significant milestone in terms of validating the F-22A's combat capability," said Major General Robin Scott, AFOTEC commander. "We are confident we have provided Air Combat Command and senior Air Force leaders with an accurate and complete picture not only of the Raptor's impressive operational capabilities but also where additional resources can be focused to further mature and sustain this 21st Century fighter."

Oh yeah!

There is one more bit of good news, and that is in a follow on post. Right now, I'd be worried if I were on the receiving end of any F-22A sortie.

[U. S. Air Force Photo by TSgt Ben Bloker]

SWEEEEEEET!

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Long Convoy - Brothers in Blues

2006-01-09T22:25:00.000-08:00

If asked, I bet everyone out there thinks that all the Air Force does is fly stuff around and send Stealth Aircraft in to take out a radio tower or two. Maybe some of you have bumped into some AFSOS folks - yeah, they actually carry weapons and get to shoot stuff. I know that, while shipping in and out or rotating from your duty station, you've seen the SPs (Security Police) on the Flightline, securing the entry points, or maybe on the perimeter in the tree line (and some you don't see).

How many of you have bumped into a convoy, and as the convoy team jumps out, see some "upside down chevrons" on the sleeve?

How many of you have been in the chow hall line and noticed something sorta outta place - like, somebody said "Air Force" and "Mike 88" in the same breath?

AF.mil has a great story that I tripped over while traversing the web. The story is about the Airmen of the 424th Medium Truck Detachment and their primary mission: move the U.S. Army 4th Infantry Division's supplies and materiel from Kuwait into Iraq. The trips are long, the danger is real, and this team loves the mission!

[U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Scott Campbell]

If you looked at anyone assigned to a convoy and they were in an Air Force chow hall line with folks from the flightline and CBPO (Central Base Personnel Office), I think you'd find it hard to tell their specialty. I know that unless I knew the person because I either saw them on the flightline, or in a shop, or at CBPO, the only way was their hat! (FMS, AMS, OMS, ok, I'm dating myself here). When I was at Rhein Main AFB, we all wore an FMS cap. I worked in avionics (AMS), and I am still proud to have been in the 435th FMS, mind you, but I'm making a point. These Air Force folks are wearing the same hats and BDUs - they all blend in with one another!

Yet, in the Army, if you are in a chow hall line at a new post, one glance at someone's patches or cover and you can start a quick conversation. In fact, I bet it is pretty easy to find somewhere to sit with folks talking about the same stuff. The bond is quick and the stories are often new. Sometimes you find out that that one story was a myth 'cause you're sitting right next to the subject of the story! Even in war or peace the Army can find someone in the same specialty and strike up a friendship pretty quickly.

And here, they are all one:

[U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Scott Campbell]

This photo jumped right out at me! Whether in green or blue the mission is clear. This whole team watches out for one another, and a higher power is watching over them. It's great that they take the time to share a prayer that they all make it through safely.

The Air Force has a limited few visual distinctions. Sometimes there is a badge or insignia, but mostly we all have the same stuff. Planes are all the same, except for their two letter base codes on the tail. There really isn't any way to pick out any one team, but then I saw the door on their vehicle!

[taken from a photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Scott Campbell]

Now, that says, "I'm coming so get outta my way!"

This whole team approaches their mission with conviction and ease. I really liked this part of the story:

"... a few decided to have breakfast before stretching out on a cot. The dining facility was crowded and more than a few looks were directed toward the convoy Airmen -- the only "non-Army" troops in the building."

Then, Technical Sergeant Bill Bellmore's quote about chow hall lines - Army chow hall lines:

"It's the same thing everywhere we go, Soldiers always ask, 'What are you [Air Force people] doing here?'"

Funny looks and questions - not bad, just, Huh?! Is there an Air Force base around here we didn't know anything about?!

I've only experienced this once on a TDY (Flintlock), and it was pretty funny. Being so different, I found LOTS of people to talk to because everyone else wanted to know what I was doing in their chow hall (not in a bad way, just, Huh?!)

Once they have delivered their cargo on the first leg of the trip, their next job is to backhaul stuff heading out of Iraq. As Sergeant Bellmore said:

"We've got one Army division moving in and one going out. That's a lot of cargo."

This team takes care of their vehicles and do "pre-flight" checks before hitting the road.

[U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Scott Campbell]

They are a self-sufficient unit, as is everyone in the U.S. Military. You bring what you need and you request what you forgot -- or realize you need now, 'cause the mission has changed. So, in comes the 424th to get it to you.

[U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Scott Campbell]

It turns out that the Airmen surprise lots of Soldiers. The team says that even though they get the same reactions every time they stop, it doesn't bother them. They like explaining what it is they do, and that the Air Force is there to move stuff on the ground too - not just the air. As Airman Ginocchio said:

"We're the equivalent of '88 Mike's.' But we drive anything."

Seems the team even surprises Soldiers using the right lingo for what they do. The writer, Staff Sergeant Scott Campbell of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs, said the following:

"Almost every time, the surprise came with a look of newfound respect. Because, while this convoy was safe, the roads of Iraq are deadly. Convoys must brave improvised explosive devices, hostile fire and other enemy activity on a trip. That is in addition to the common, everyday road hazards most are familiar with."

"But each day, Airmen conducting convoys is a more common sight."

The best quote, I think is from Senior Airman Marchuk. He he doesn't mind the questions and looks from the Soldiers, because:

"No matter what branch of service you're in, if you're called to do something, you have to do what you have to do."

Well said.

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

UPDATE: Missing some credits to other blogs
I just read, thanks to the Officer's Club, that they had posted the photo of the USAF and USA team sharing a prayer for their safetly and a successful mission. The photo is amazing, and I didn't know that they had posted it last week. So, belated HT to the Officer's Club!

Oh, and they linked back to me today in reference to this article. Thanks again, Officer's Club!

MaryAnn over at Soldiers' Angels Germany, also had the photo. Wow, I must have really been out of it this last week (did have a bad cold, but). Thanks MaryAnn for leaving kind word in the comments here, too.

Optimism Trumps Fear #11

2006-01-08T21:52:00.000-08:00

LinkedInUSAF is puttin' on the CENTCOM wrap-up for week 1 of CY2006. This is actually the first week of the year and the first posting! We'll get to this quickly since there aren't a ton of stories from the CENTCOM site. We have more positive than negative - and last week was pretty hectic. For the stuff I like to talk about, we have on tap: 3 separate captured weapons cache stories, Joint Forces to work on a security berm (giant speed-bump to keep out the riff-raff!), and recon stops an IED emplacement.

TONS of ordnance was seized this last week! Three separate stories really show how hard everyone is working to reduce the terror network's ability to intimidate and kill. First, CENTCOM reports on Operation Green Trident which is U.S. Marines of the First Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 8, captured 72, yes I said SEVENTY TWO caches over the last week! This equaled ten metric tons for the 72 sites uncovered (at 2,200 pounds/metric ton we're at 22,000 pounds!?) They report about 1,000 artillery and mortar rounds plus RPGs and hand grenades. Great JOB! Second, Iraqi and MNDCS Soldiers nabbed some pretty bad stuff: 75 mines, 40 artillery and mortar rounds, 7 RPG launchers and 69 rounds, 50 hand grenades, and some sniper rifles, machine guns, and explosive material. That's some bad stuff, and a good thing it's out of the terrorists hands! Third, this next story was so peppered with stuff that I have to put it all into list form:

Task Force Band of Brothers snagged 4 caches and 11 terrorists
One group of the 101st Airborne Div. 1st BCT netted 8 terrorists (3 on the run and 5 in the truck) and lots of weapons and explosives (RPGs and launchers, machine guns, and IED making materials)
Another group of the 101st Airborne Div. 1st BCT picked up 3 terrorists and 30 pistols (hmmm, 1 gun per person doesn't fly in California!)
The local gentry said we could find some bad stuff, and told us where - turns out it was approximately 6,000 anti-aircraft artillery rounds
Another 25 artillery rounds was discovered - we transported it, then destroyed it (hmmm, fire in the hole!)

That's a bunch of stuff in just one posting!

In an effort to transfer security over to the Iraqis, there has been a ton of training going on at every level. One outfit that is committed to this mission is MNSTC. The team at MNSTC coordinate operations to help Iraqis learn new tactics and strategies to the point where they can then assume complete control. In this specific story the 101st Airborne, 3rd BCT works with local leaders to build a berm with watch towers to protect their village. As marked use of IEDs is increasing, 80% of the time it is the civilian population that is killed or injured. In As Siniyah, a small village near Bayji in northern Salah ad Din Province, local police, city council members, sheiks and religious leaders met with leaders from the 101st Airborne, 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment(Air Assault). Captain Christopher Judge, 101st Airborne, 3rd BCT, discusses the operation whereby a berm will be built that is approximately 10 kilometers in length and nearly eight feet in height - with guard towers to control entry points into the village. These entry points will be guarded by Iraqi police officers and soldiers.

[U.S. Army photo of Capt. Christopher Judge, 101st Airborne, 3rd BCT and local leaders]

This should work - a desert moat, so to speak!

And, last but not least, there is a story you may have seen on SMASH's page the Military Outpost where he linked to the Officer's Club. The story is about a UAV that caught some bad little boneheads messin' around trying to emplace an IED - BUSTED! As CENTCOM reports, a UAV from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team (NOTE: I believe this is the 101st Airborne, 3rd BCT UAV, not a USAF UAV/UCAV - see below) was patrolling a road near Bayji after 9PM on January 2nd, 2006. Some terrorists were digging a hole that looked to be the SOP for these scum, so the 3 men's position was relayed to close air support pilots. Once the bad-guys left the road site they were followed by a UCAV (there is a difference between UAV and UCAV) to a nearby building. The UCAV crew took aim and trashed the place - with them inside.

[U.S. Army photo of Spc. Michael Rodenberg (left) and Sgt. Joshua Harris]
[Maryland Army Nat'l Guard's 39th BCT, 239th Military Intelligence Company]

Now, for the difference between a UAV and a UCAV. The UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) is 99% of the time a recon bird only. The reason UCAV (unmanned or uninhabited combat aerial vehicle) came about is why not watch them from above, and if needed, prosecute termination immediately. The UCAV has a dual role in mission use because it can just watch or be employed to take out targets. UAVs watch and report. I believe that in all other branches than the U.S. Air Force, in theater at this time, the use of UAVs is prevalent. I believe that in this instance, the reporting team was the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne 3rd BCT, and they have quite a few UAVs (see photos below).

[U.S. Army UAV RQ-11: Raven]
Photo compliments www.defenseindustrydaily.com

[U.S. Army UAV RQ-7A: Shadow]
Photo compliments www.defenseindustrydaily.com

As reported by CENTCOM, once the activity was seen to be hostile to both U.S. Military personnel and civilians, the hand off came to the close air support pilots - who then prosecuted the termination of the terrorists. To fly and then fire is traditionally the task of the U.S. Air Force's two birds in the sky - the Predator (nice size and focused mission, used in joint branch missions) and the GlobalHawk (too big and broader mission). The Officer's Club has a snap of the GlobalHawk for this mission, yet I think that this mission profile required the use of a UCAV in the Predator size (see photos below of these two UCAVs).

[MQ-1 Predator - U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Colleen Wronek]

[RQ-4A Global Hawk - Courtesy photo via AF.mil Photos]

I am in the process of confirming the use of one or more UAV/UCAVs. I think it is a nice little side-project. I just hope that between CENTCOM and CENTAF I can get an answer? Seems slim, but, gotta try - I love the exactness of a story and the joint tactical nature (U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force) of teams working together.

One can hope!

Alright, on to the links and the CENTCOM wrap-up!

[Ending January 8th, 2006]

The GOOD = 5
Security Berm Under Construction -- 01/06/2006
Weapons Seized, 11 Suspects Detained -- 01/05/2006
Iraqi and MNDCS Soldiers Seize Cache -- 01/04/2006
Air Support Preempts Possible IED Emplacement -- 01/03/2006
Operation Green Trident Turns up 72 Caches -- 01/02/2006

The SETBACKS = 3
Male Iraqi Detainee Dies -- 01/05/2006
Suicide Bomb Explodes in Ramadi -- 01/05/2006
Four U.S. Civilian Contractors Killed in Accident -- 01/02/2006

The CORRECTIONS = 1
Suicide Bomb Explodes in Ramadi Update -- 01/05/2006

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

President Bush Personally Thanks Pentagon Troops

2006-01-05T20:13:00.000-08:00

Yesterday the President made a point of greeting and personally thanking troops that work at the Pentagon. The article on AF.mil by Staff Sgt. C. Todd Lopez gave a brief look into the agenda for the President at the Pentagon. His first priority was to discuss the war in Iraq. After the meeting the President made a point of walking down the hall outside SECDEF's office for a personal "Hello!" The hallway was full of Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines just ready (like the US Military is never ready!) to get a chance to shake the President's hand and to get a few moments of his time.

Staff Sergeant David Kolcun from the office of the Air Force Surgeon General said of his chance to see the President:

"I was so nervous. The Secret Service was talking to us and keeping it lively."

[Department of Defense photo by Helene C. Stikkel]

The President thanked them individually - Staff Sergeant Kolcun thanked the President for his service. Now, that's someone that gets the chain of command and the service that everyone plays in the Global War on Terror. As Staff Sergeant Kolcun says:

"I told him I also appreciate what he was doing. It was pretty neat [to] shake the hand of the commander in chief - and not just in a crowd - but a one-on-one handshake."

Senior Airman Erik Nelson of the Air Force Honor Guard and a Pentagon tour guide said about his one-on-one with the President:

"I asked if he'd watch the University of Texas [-vs-] University of South California [Rose Bowl] game today. He said he had a feeling the 'Horns' might pull it off."

Obviously, the President wasn't the only person there! Vice President Richard B. Cheney, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Peter Pace also shook hands with the troops.

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

C-17 - Spirit of Ronald Reagan

2006-01-04T21:14:00.000-08:00

It's RONALD WILSON REAGAN WEEK!

Well, you knew that the same day that the Navy launches a ship named after Ronald Reagan, our 40th President, (Cap'n Bob has the story here) the US Air Force wouldn't be too far behind with an aircraft naming ceremony! Just today on AF.mil, Release Number: 020106, I noticed that Mrs. Nancy Reagan is going to unveil the "Spirit of Ronald Reagan". This is the eighth C-17 in the Air Force Reserve Command.

[U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. John E. Lasky]

On January 13th at March Air Force Base at High Noon, or 12 O'Clock High, the ceremony begins with the arrival of the C-17 being piloted by Lt. General John A. Bradley, Commander, Air Force Reserve Command.

[U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. John E. Lasky]

This aircraft is named “Spirit of Ronald Reagan” in honor of and in tribute to Ronald Reagan, our nation’s 40th president. As part of the arrival ceremony, the aircraft will be piloted by Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley, Commander, Air Force Reserve Command. After she is marshaled to a stop, the dedication ceremony begins.

[U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Marie Cassetty]

Some background on the C-17 was provided in the release:

"The C-17 is the newest, most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the airlift force. The Globemaster III is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operation bases or directly to forward bases in a deployment area. The aircraft is also capable of performing tactical airlift and airdrop missions when required. The C-17 further improves the ability of the total airlift system to fulfill the worldwide air mobility requirements of the United States from March ARB."

Obviously, reporters are invited to be there. Hopefully they can get this news item straight? I mean, they'll actually be there in person.

[U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Marie Cassetty]

I also want to point out that the above photos are all from the final ceremony commemorating 60 years of Rhein Main AFB service to USAFE. The 435th MAC was my first duty station. Even though we always lived in the "shadow" of Ramstein AFB, we had tons of pride and a long history: from the Berlin Airlift, to countless troop movement and materiel moves for all branches serving in USAFE, and on sad occasions like the Marines who were slaughtered by terrorists of an earlier age.

Once again, goodbye Rhein Main AFB. But, be glad! The "Spirit of Rhein Main" and her sister aircraft the "Spirit of Berlin" have a new, very famous sister:

The "Spirit of Ronald Reagan"!!!

UPDATE: Ceremony covered here!

Mrs. Reagan Christens the "Spirit of Ronald Reagan"

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Optimism Trumps Fear #10

2006-01-01T23:57:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

This blog has been running for just over 4 months and providing the CENTCOM Wrap-ups for just greater than half that time, or two months. In this very short amount of time, there have been many folks that have helped to make all this happen. I want to especially thank SPC Claude Flowers from CENTCOM who has been very helpful, supportive, and a responsive (to a blogger of all people!). It has been great corresponding over the past two months and I look forward to continuing the relationship!

The list for this last week is really short. The greatest news is that there are no setbacks and no corrections! You couldn't ask for a greater end to a spectacularly positive change in both theaters: Afghanistan and Iraq. While all this has been going on, the US Military has been handling flood and tsunami relief, a huge earthquake in Pakistan, and an increase in tension in Korea and China. Once again, the greatest volunteer military in the world shows what it's all about: helping people in need and protecting us all from terrorists while providing hope and support from which freedom will grow.

First up there are two stories that show you just how hard the US Air Force is working to help people in need. One is now buried beneath the fold and the other is very recent, so, you know the drill.

The story that no longer hits "the big time" in the media these days it the continued support being provided to Pakistan after the earthquake. US CENTAF reports that over the last week 3 C-130s flew more than 41,000 pounds of food and water, medicine, construction materials, and aircraft parts. In total, to date, the US Air Force has delivered north of 10 million pounds of aid using 54 C-130s, 45 C-17s, and 53 other civilian/private/corporate aircraft that have been contracted to help. This is humanitarian relief for the long haul, and it just keeps going!

When it comes to the humanitarian side, and you need to get someone way across the world for much needed assistance, and it has to happen now, well, call the US Air Force (ok, it's not that easy). In the case of a family in dire need of a life saving procedure for their daughter born with spina bifida, there was an amazing series of events that made it all happen. While some Gainesville Georgia National Guardsmen of the 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, 48th Brigade BCT were searching a house, the grandmother of a baby girl asked the soldiers for help. As the story unfolded in front of these soldiers, they realized that this little girl had a slim chance for survival unless she received treatment - somewhere with advanced facilities. Members of the guard unit contacted their congressional representatives, were able to get a doctor in Atlanta to help for free, get free airfare to Atlanta (the portion that was not on a C-130), and a non-profit in Atlanta that will pick up all the other expenses. AND, Charles Glatz, consul for the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait got clearance for these folks to fly over Kuwait without needing visas and such (yeah, I know, FLT LVL says ya don't really touch the ground, who needs a visa!?). Here's to the crew from the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, 738th Expeditionary Air Squadron, that were to have a day off yet turned right around and fired up their C-130 to get the baby and her family on their way!

Another great story coming out of Tikrit, Iraq, is the capture of 23 suspected terrorists in three separate raids in two days. And you might say, "But, hey, the teams capturing these terrorists weren't Americans but were Iraqis!" That's very true. And the US Military has been working very hard to get the Iraqi Army trained and ready to protect themselves! This is what we need to do to get freedom to pervade the country of Iraq. What is even better is if you read the article, locals turned the terrorists in to the Iraqi Army - so, they went in and scooped 'em up! Hats off to soldiers from Iraq's 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Army Division and 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division! They netted a Ba'ath Party leader who was behind many attacks. They also scooped up terrorists believed to be responsible for IED and small arms attacks. The best quote from the whole story,

"None of the Soldiers involved in the two days of operations were injured as they continued to remove those responsible for acts of terrorism and violence against the civilians and security forces in the area."

Uh-huh, it gets better and better. Just stay on the positive and keep the pressure on. Yes, there are setbacks and sometimes bad people get lucky. But to win a conflict of this magnitude requires fortitude, perseverance, and hope - OK, mix that in with a little bit of Blackhawks and A-10s for good measure!

So, for the last CENTCOM wrap-up of 2005, here we go!

[Ending January 1st, 2006 -- HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!]

The GOOD = 12
Combined Raids Result in 23 Captures -- 12/31/2005
Weapons Seized, two Suspects Detained -- 12/31/2005
Air Force Evacuates Baby Noor From Iraq -- 12/31/2005
ISF Rescues Kidnapping Victim, Arrests Three -- 12/30/2005
US CENTAF Provides Pakistan Aid -- 12/30/2005
Coalition Forces Transfer of Authority -- 12/30/2005
Iraqi Security Forces Take Charge Against Terrorism -- 12/30/2005
Afghan Interior Ministry Selecting General Officers -- 12/30/2005
Teamwork Clearing Ramadi Streets -- 12/29/2005
First Battle Space Transition in Nineveh Province -- 12/29/2005
Citizens of Paktika Province Welcome New Road -- 12/29/2005
Joint Statement by U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad and Gen. George Casey -- 12/27/2005

The SETBACKS = 0!!!
None, and what a way to end the YEAR of 2005!!!

The CORRECTIONS = 0!
None here too, Wooo-Hooo!

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

C-17s BRING IT ON!!!

2005-12-29T00:28:00.000-08:00

You really have to admit, if anyone is going to create a sight that looks like an old WWII photo, it'd have to be the United States Air Force. I mean, is there any ROOM for any "real birds" in this shot?!

[U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jacob Bailey]

And, to top it all off, when SEVENTEEN C-17s assigned to the 437th and 315th Airlift Wings start doing low-level tacticals over the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, the scream of the engines has got to be AWESOME!!! I still remember the days of a C-141 or C-5 just sloooowly coming in to Rhein Main AFB. But, when ya got tacticals and funky stuff in a C-5, best place to be is either around Charleston AFB or Travis AFB - WHAT A SIGHT!!!

Turns out that this was the largest formation of C-17s to fly from one base, ever!

[U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jacob Bailey]

The record was held previously by McChord AFB WA with 15 C-17s in formation.

This was a training mission that took the 437th and 315th all over the southeast to do low-level air drops and standard flight level refueling practice. Some stats from the article on AF.mil:

"On average, Charleston's C-17s move more than 295 tons of cargo every day. About 45 percent of all air cargo bound for American warfighters in Iraq and Afghanistan originates here."

"If fully loaded, the 17 airlifters would be able haul more than 2,890,000 pounds of cargo or more than 1,734 passengers."

All I can say is, thanks for being there! Without this kind of support, Air Mobility Command would be hard pressed to get into mid-to-large places and deploy quickly. Top this off with a few of my favorite Hercs, and you got the makings of "Bring it On!"

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Optimism Trumps Fear #9

2005-12-25T23:58:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas for us here back at home. It's Christmas for the men and women who selflessly volunteer to protect all of us back here at home. It's Christmas for the fallen that have been laid to rest, with honors, at Arlington National Cemetery who sacrificed their lives to protect us here at home. For those of you that saw my post a few days ago (yes, it's origin was here), there is someone special here at home who sacrifices every year for those that have fallen - and supports those serving now or who have served in the past. Mr. Morrill Worcester makes a scene that is just this poignant possible:

[U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi]

Everyone, please remember Mr. Worcester, his family, and his company as they remember all of us (those that have served, are serving now, or who died serving). God Bless, and God Speed!

As for the best of the best, the U.S. Military is taking names and kickin' keesters! As you can see from the last weeks CENTCOM News Releases, it's 25 -to- 1 GOOD to SETBACK! You just can't beat positive progress like this with a stick! Biggest bits of news for our 9th installment are troop reductions, weapons caches captured and destroyed, and a new spot: Terrorist Darwin Awards!

First off I think it best, even though this has been widely covered all over, during Mr. Rumsfeld's (SECDEF) visit of the troops he gave a great speech with some thanks for the troops and some thanks for the troops. He spent a considerable amount of time during each of his visits ensuring that everyone there heard his appreciative, heart felt, praise and admiration for their service, commitment, dedication, sacrifice, and vision to see freedom come to the Middle East.

[DoD photo by Cpl. Adam B. Groenhout, U.S. Marine Corps]

As he spoke he let on that the number of U.S. Troops are beginning to decrease due to deployments being held back now and some that were to occur early next year. This dove tails nicely into what the Bush Administration has been telling us: as security increases and control resumes under Iraqi leadership, U.S. involvement decreases. Signs that things are going well like the 1st election last year, Iraqi self-security getting better every day, civilians turning in terrorists to the authorities, and an even larger and more historic election just this month proves that Iraqi control is increasing. Let's be honest, as their involvement and control increases, we can begin to bring our troops home. From the SECDEF comes two good Christmas presents: praise and thanks, and troop deployments held back in the theater. Sounds good, let's keep it going!

[DoD photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley, U.S. Navy]

Quite a few news releases provide background into weapons caches that have been captured and also destroyed. In fact, in one air assault operation, we scored some 6 terrorists and a weapons cache of varied ordinance on an island in the Tigris River! Nice double play, folks! In two of the other press releases civilians are attributed for capturing 15 rocket launched weapons in a home and 26 60-millimeter mortar rounds (obviously for IEDs) found at another home. Civilians are continuing to increase the pressure because as there are more eyes there are less places to hide. It's a good thing, and so are the numerous instances of weapons caches and IED factories being found out, ordinance captured, and then the destruction of IED making materials.

TERRORIST DARWIN AWARDS!
You know it's getting bad for the terrorists as time slips away, the pressure is increasing, and mistakes begin to happen more often. That's why when these factors become reality, training and a cool head screwed on tight is your best bet. For a couple of bonehead terrorists, their heads weren't so much cool as they were, well, no longer necessary? Seems these two gents were trying to place an IED along the road and it, well, detonated. Bad hair day all around, wouldn't you say? Then, we picked up two more hapless lost causes trying to assist the wounded terrorist in evading capture.

Homemade IED: Free
Terrorists it takes to bury an IED: Two
Unstable explosive device going off in your hands: Deadly
Being caught running away: Priceless

Yikes. Cowardly actions beget dire negative consequences for a couple of terrorists. Darwin?

Well, we've got a big list for you with only one setback, so on to the CENTCOM wrap-up!

[Ending December 25th, 2005]

The GOOD = 25
Secretary Of Defense Makes Surprise Holiday Visit to Soldiers -- 12/25/2005
Secretary Of Defense Awards Life-Saving Soldier -- 12/25/2005
Air Assault Operation Nets Suspects, Weapons Cache -- 12/24/2005
Iraq: Large Cache Destroyed Near Bayji -- 12/24/2005
Joint Statement By Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad and General George Casey -- 12/23/2005
SECDEF Announces Plans for Troop Reductions in Iraq -- 12/23/2005
Mosul Media Emir and Administrator Captured -- 12/23/2005
U.S. CENTAF Pakistan Relief Summary -- 12/23/2005
SECDEF Visits Camp Fallujah, Announces U.S. Troop Reductions -- 12/23/2005
Three Terrorists Caught Emplacing Bomb -- 12/23/2005
Iraqi Citizen Helps Coalition Forces -- 12/23/2005
Secretary Of Defense Visits Troops At Camp Victory -- 12/22/2005
Rumsfeld Visits Bagram, Kandahar -- 12/22/2005
Afghan, Coalition Forces Repel Attack, Discover Cache -- 12/22/2005
Polish Prime Minister Visits Camp Echo -- 12/22/2005
U.S. Patrol Finds Munitions Cache -- 12/21/2005
Operation Moonlight Concludes -- 12/21/2005
Nine Insurgents Killed, 16 Detained in Overnight Raids -- 12/21/2005
Terrorist Bomb Detonates on Bombers -- 12/20/2005
Iraqi Army Division Certified -- 12/20/2005
Ukrainian Task Force Ends Service in MNDCS -- 12/19/2005
Vice President Makes Surprise Visit to Taji -- 12/19/2005
Iraqi Forces Lead Operation Moonlight -- 12/19/2005
International Women's Forum Inducts Female Afghan Army Officer -- 12/19/2005
Citizen Tip Leads Task Force Baghdad Soldiers to Mortar Cache -- 12/19/2005

The SETBACKS = 1
Soldiers Plead Guilty to Charges of Abuse -- 12/19/2005

The CORRECTIONS = 0!
It's NICE - 0 again!!!

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

USAF AWACS -- Operation Just Clause

2005-12-24T00:01:00.000-08:00

In just 23 hours, the U.S. Air Force will be executing a very important mission: Operation Just Clause. A mission that will last for upwards of 6 hours and criss-cross the United States. Very dedicated and highly trained personnel from the 552nd Air Control Wing, 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron, are deep in the midst of this mission. This mission comes to them as this very famous team from Tinker AFB OK are celebrating their 50th Anniversary!

[U.S. Air Force photo]

They have been training all year for a mission that covers thousands and thousands of miles, requiring a refueling (most likely the 196th ARS Grizzlies of CA or the 344th ARS of Seymour Johnson NC) operation in an undisclosed location in the midwestern United States. Maybe the 350th ARS Red Falcons (old Beale AFB - my old home) of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing are called up - it's all Need to Know OPSEC and I haven't been briefed. Rats.

[U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brian Ferguson]

This mission is so important, in fact, that for the first time Santa's flight plan has been given to the U.S. Air Force. As Captain Bob Krause, the 552 Air Control Wing Public Affairs officer, states:

"Previously considered sensitive information, AWACS crews are for the first time privy to Santa’s exact flight plans he will follow early Christmas morning. This year Santa will make his arrival in New England and follow a north and south flight plan gradually working his way west toward California."

"Mission crews spent most of today preparing for this unique mission. Of primary concern was the tremendous performance of Santa's sleigh."

It seems that the flight profile far exceeds the physical performance of the E-3 AWACS. But, not to worry, the "Eyes in the Skies" don't really need to be "right on his tail", so to speak. As Aircraft Commander Captain Chris Egan puts it:

"We really don't have the performance to keep up with Santa's sleigh but we do have the equipment on board to track a circumference around him. We can't chase him around the sky, but we'll keep a good track on him."

Uh-huh - with JTIDS (Joint Tactical Information Distribution System) employed and NORAD always ever watchful, Santa is sure to be safe and toys will get where they are supposed to be on time! I'll let Kyle Mullen the 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron Mission Crew Commander say it best:

"We provide the unique ability to flight-follow right with Santa. We're going to make sure he gets where he needs to go and gets the toys to the kids."

Rest assured boys and girls - Santa's Gonna be here, he'll be safe, and your United States Air Force keeps the skies clear!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE ! ! ! !

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Christmas at Arlington National Cemetery

2005-12-21T00:36:00.000-08:00

Our brave men and women buried at Arlington National Cemetery deserve this country's greatest thanks. Worcester Wreath Company's owner Morrill Worcester deserves this country's greatest thanks and warmest regards for the greater than 5,000 wreaths donated to grace the headstones of the fallen.

Here are the words, straight from Mr. Morrill Worcester himself:

"We couldn't do anything in this country if it wasn't for the people who gave their lives to protect us. It's a great honor to be able to come here and pay our respects."

This photo, and the volunteers who made it possible -- past and present -- brings the sacrifices made by everyone in the United States Military to the fore.

[U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi]

TSgt. Lisa Rodier has volunteered to help place wreaths to honor those that have gone before us. Hearing her describe her emotions and the fact that,

"You get a feeling you can't get from anything else"

What she said that struck me the most, and says it like it is,

"These people sacrificed their lives for me and my children, so why can't I sacrifice a little time for them?"

We shall never forget. We shall leave no one behind. We shall support to the end. We shall honor and protect the Constitution of the United States of America. We shall defend this nation from its enemies, foreign and domestic. We shall fight to end tyranny and oppression. We shall not waiver. We stand and fight. We stand together. We stand strong.

[U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi]

God bless the United States of America.

God Bless the President of the United States.

God Bless the

GREATEST VOLUNTEER FIGHTING FORCE
THIS WORLD HAS EVER SEEN!

UPDATE - December 22nd, 2005 [11:29a]
Thanks, big time, to Kit and her Beloved Marine for catching a HUGE oops in my post above. I was typing so fast I criss-crossed a statement and left out some very important words. I have changed a few sentences - please forgive my previous "gimbal lock" situation. :)

I want to thank the following folks for linking back to my little slice of the blogosphere:

Kit @ Euphoric Reality
Folks @ Freedom Folks
Bigshoulders @ Toungue-tied Lightning
SwiftVets @ SwiftVets and POWs for Truth

I thank you all very much for sharing your readers with me. I am sure that you all feel, as do I, that this is a very important and poignant photo. The U.S. Air Force has been kind enough to share it, and it is good that we all recognize the efforts of one man to draw other volunteers to honor our fallen brothers.

The story of sacrifice that everyone at rest in Arlington National Cemetery speaks volumes - for the World! There are many militaries in this world. A very small handful do what they do for others. An even smaller number have volunteers fighting the fight.

Our volunteers, the United States Military, jump into any fight because they know some day the fight may come home. And we will not rest until those that:

Want to hurt us
Hurt our families
Threaten our way of life
Destroy the strength and power of the AMERICAN SPIRIT

are vanquished and sent packing!

Remember, do not waken the sleeping giant. You just don't know what you'll be dealing with - but we do.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone.

God Bless.

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Monty Python Character?

2005-12-20T23:37:00.000-08:00

" How can you tell 'e's a King? "
" 'Cause 'e 'asn't got $@!* all over 'im. "

-or-

" I'm being REPRESSED! "

Take the quiz, join Gunn Nutt and I! If not, Naughty Evil Zoot will seek you out.

Wait a minute?!

What Monty Python Character are you?

Well, u-- um, can we come up and have a look?
Take this quiz!

Optimism Trumps Fear #8

2005-12-18T23:56:00.000-08:00

The banner for this blog says it all, optimism ultimately defeats fear! The eighth installment of the latest CENTCOM Press Releases is a firecracker! This is truly a great day, 'cause IT'S ALL GOOD! Yeah! Take a look: The GOOD = 15, SETBACKS = 0, and CORRECTIONS = 0. Our brave men and women are top drawer, and the Iraqi forces are picking up for more and more of the security - obviously a good thing!

I'm sure there are tons of blogs out there going over the elections. I figured I'd drop some photos out there I picked up from MNSTC Iraq -- Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq. The photos came from the most recent copy of their MNSTC-I Newsletter - The Advisor. Enjoy!

[U.S. Army Photo - Dec. 17th Vol. 2 Issue 51 of MNSTC-I: The Advisor]

It's a short list, so let's just carry on to the CENTCOM wrap-up!

[Ending December 18th, 2005]

The GOOD = 15
Major IED Manufacturing Cache Discovered -- 12/18/2005
U.S. Navy Sailor Rescued in Arabian Gulf -- 12/18/2005
Bulgarians End Service in MNDCS -- 12/18/2005
Arrest Warrant Issued For Iraqi Terrorist Leader With Ties To Zarqawi -- 12/17/2005
U.S. Seabees Turnover Operations -- 12/16/2005
Iraqi And Coalition Forces Help Pave the way for Voters in al Anbar -- 12/15/2005
U.S. Military Releases Dozens of Afghan Detainees from Bagram -- 12/15/2005
History in the Making, Early Morning Brings Iraqi Voters -- 12/15/2005
Iraqi, U.S. Forces Security Tight as Polls Open -- 12/15/2005
Iraqi, U.S. Forces Prepare Security at Polling Sites -- 12/15/2005
Task Force Baghdad Soldiers Nab 28 Suspected Terrorists -- 12/14/2005
U.S., Iraqi Forces Keep Baghdad Streets Safe for Election -- 12/13/2005
Renovation of a School in al-Kut is Completed -- 12/13/2005
Detainee Voter Turnout Overwhelming -- 12/13/2005
ISF and MNF Continue Sweep of Terrorists and Weapons -- 12/12/2005

The SETBACKS = 0
Progress ONLY - Yeah!!!

The CORRECTIONS = 0!
Carry On!!!

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Argh - TAGGED by Gunn Nutt!

2005-12-18T22:17:00.000-08:00

Alright, Gunn Nutt, Trix are for Kids!

Having been tagged with the Quirkiest-Meme by Gunn Nutt, I began to draw from friends and close confidants (yeah, I got those!). In review, I feel that, they're all WHACKED! Nothing is wrong with me one bit.

OK, maybe a small bit ... well, alright, 5 things at the MOST!

I do have one thing to say about this little blogism known as Meme-Chucking, when and why did this start? Did the first person to do this think that by "tagging" a friend that they'd become enamored and always be true? This is the web and bloggers can get links and trackbacks and HTs ... Meme-Chucking?

Talk like a Pirate day seems, better! Write like a Pirate? Ahh-Harrrr!!!

"Stagger, stagger, crawl, crawl, stagger ..." (name the movie - eh? betcha!)

When will this go the way of Shields and Yarnell? Memes are in parks and sometimes at lame office parties or even in those "B" Movies that come on real late at night on some indy-station in your home town, right?! How is it that this continues, with a sick twisted perversion known only to bloggers, without there being the Meme-Police (wasn't that a song by Cheap Trick) to save the day? Was the origin of this charade from that really bad line in Rocky Horror Picture Show where they all say, "Meme-Loaf Again?"

On to my list:

1.) Using the wrong word or idea in a sentence, where it doesn't really belong, as the conversation progresses. Take, well, Meme-Police or Meme-Loaf ... need I say more?

2.) Changing the definition of a word when I know the person using that word hasn't the foggiest when the context is right for the application of that word. This drives many of my friends and family insane. Although, it has brought many a friend closer - so, I still do it!

3.) Recounting movie trivia/monty python quips/mr bean gags/faulty towers scenes/Blue Collar Comedy Hour-isms/Star Trek (the ONLY one, no variants!) life lessons to no end, wasting precious time, and having a hoot doing it! I have been dubbed, "Walking IMDB", "Font of Useless Knowledge", and "Random Factoid". I apply the same sort of fervor for word-trickery (see Quirks #1 and #2).

4.) I've been told I should have been a lawyer because I won't let go of a point until all perspectives have been recognized. This is interminable and makes me an insufferable bore. I love the whole picture and continue to explore it - well, until I'm satisfied that I'm right and you know that that is true as well. Just agree, it's easier for all of us!

5.) I will carry out a gag to the end, poker face on, never giving up my comrades. Rules of the game first: if you go on vacation for longer than 2 weeks you are a target; nothing is sacred except pictures of family and expensive trinkets and awards; if you get wigged at the smallest of things, ohhhhh, you are a target; anything small and insignificant is included in the gag - no detail left out; if you think you're cool and sometimes "above" others, ohhhhh, you are a target; if you can take a gag, you are a target; if you can deliver a gag, you are a target. Two cases in point to be covered below in 5a and 5b as evidence, and 5c has random small gags.

5a.) COO is out for about 2 weeks over Christmas. He is a FREAK for his paperwork and loves order (as do I, so, he's a target!). There is a huge sale of Christmas decorations at ToysRUs - hmmmm, ammo. 3 hours later we have: a 5 week old Christmas tree is in his office fully illuminated; about 500-600 Christmas lights ALL OVER; a blow up Rudolf over his monitor on his desk; Christmas Kermit tacked up on his cork board with the old wreath around it; all is contracts and paperwork has been replaced by stuff from the recycling bin and some was shredded (with appropriate header and stuff to make him sweat); as a precaution, all contracts have been marked, filed, and stored in numbered boxes (by me, freak) so that he can continue without a hitch; ceiling to floor wrapping paper all the way around his desk and the old tree, with a big bow. Ahhh, art.

5b.) CEO leaves for 2 weeks to go windsurfing in some warm place (scum). He LOVES a good gag so he's a target. 45 minutes later (yes, really) we now have: 5 bags of sand, 4 2x6s, chaise lounge, pineapple drink, about 100 festive lights (some are reused from 5a above), Latin tunes playing 24x7; all were combined into a full desk area beach scene with a cheap Hawaiian Shirt on the back of the lounge chair. He used that setup for about 2 weeks before I tore it all down (investors were coming to visit). No animals were harmed in this gag, and no one in building management had to touch a thing - my mess, my responsibility!

5c.) Use rubber cement and glue EVERYTHING to the desk: phone, handset, keyboard, mouse, loose change, books (not legal stuff, just fun stuff), CDs, pencils and pens, tape dispenser, paper clip claw, random paper clips, rubber bands (there's a dichotomy rubber cement gluing rubber bands), and a few folders were glued to the organizer dividers. Block the transmit lead in the phone handset so that the target can hear the caller but the caller cannot hear them - use with caution! Reprogram the keys so that the wrong key is typed - Macs are great for this! Create a May Pole in the center of the VPs office with a coat/hat stand, toilet paper, and colored pens - don't forget the confetti! Installing desk drawers upside down or without draw bottom boards.

Sheesh, I've got tons ...

Anyway, for quirks, I have a few. Who has quirks out there? Maybe you?

Chromed Curses
Rightfielder
Silent Republican
Camp Katrina
In Training

You can bail on the Meme-Chucking if ya want. But, I feel that others should check out your blogs if they don't already. So, a little link-love goin' your way!

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

F-22A Into the BLUE!!!

2005-12-15T23:34:00.000-08:00

Oh, last week I mentioned how it's a good thing the A-10 is on our side. I mean, to see that bird coming down range with gattling gun-A-blazin' ...

This bird, well, ya can't see her comin' ... again, you want the F-22A on your side!

[U.S. Air Force photo by TSgt. Ben Bloker]

THIS IS THE NEW UNITED STATES AIR FORCE!!!

[U.S. Air Force photo by TSgt. Ben Bloker]

Comin' at ya - or ... not ... you'll never know.

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Optimism Trumps Fear #7

2005-12-11T23:51:00.000-08:00

The banner for this blog says it all, optimism ultimately defeats fear! OK, Lucky Number 7, or the seventh installment of the latest CENTCOM Press Releases. There's obviously some bad folks still making a mess of things. The good thing is, our brave men and women are on it, and we all see nothing but success.

What else is there? (i know there is another result, but nothing the U.S. Military does causes that result)

Three big stories for this last week. The first is a Girl's School in Mosul received much needed support in the form of school supplies, and some TLC. The #3 Terrorist on the 2nd Brigade's High Value Individual list was nabbed two days ago. And, this last story is in regards to all the assistance being provided, still, in Pakistan after the devastating quakes.

School supplies were delivered to the Ninewa Middle School for girls in the Al-Faisaliya neighborhood in Mosul by Operation Iraqi Children team members on November 29th. As has been reported before, there are many such missions happening every day where local Iraqis are receiving support big and small from the U.S. Military. This specific trip shows that in Iraq, education is very important part of the rebuilding of the Iraqi people and their nation. Starting the momentum in some of the smallest corners will pay larger and larger dividends as the Global War on Terror progresses. Signs are very evident that these people-to-people missions are catalysts in the local Iraqi citizenry turning over terrorists to the authorities.

Speaking of turning over some bad apples to the authorities, it seems that the highest ranking terrorist to ever be turned in to the authorities by locals happened two days ago on December 9th. The #3 Terrorist on the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division High Value Individual list was turned over to authorities by local citizens that are fed up with these outsiders ruining their country. This terrorist was picked up in Ramadi and was wanted for murder, kidnapping, you know, the usual. It's such a great thing to see Iraqis helping to clean up their own country. No matter how small it seems, it still remains true, victory comes in ever increasing bites at the heals of the enemy.

Shifting to another theater, in Pakistan, some giant milestones have been passed recently. CENTCOM is reporting that U.S. helicopters reached the first milestone on December 3rd by delivering more than 5,000 tons of aid the disaster stricken area. And on December 4th the second milestone of treating the 5,000th patient in the U.S. Hospital in Muzaffarabad. Both Task Force Eagle and the 212th MASH comprise nearly 1,000 U.S. Military personnel dedicated to the disaster relief after that devastating earthquake on October 11th. As always, in time of need, the U.S. Military responds and performs at and above the level of the best of the best!

Now, on to the major highlights from last weeks cleanup efforts.

Bad Lots
There were 52 detainees scooped off the street from the combined effort between soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division, the local police force, and our troops from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. Operation Able Rising Force has been operating north of Tikrit to locate and then round up the suspected terrorists. Turns out that 3 of the 52 were wanted for IED specific attacks against the Iraqi locals as well as the combined forces of the U.S. Military and the Iraqi Military.

That LOOONG Arm!
The Central Criminal Court of Iraq was a hive of activity lately. In one case they threw the book at 4 members of the Mosul Bombing Cell led by Abu Talha. They violated Article 194 of the Iraqi Penal Code which covers terrorists attacking Iraqi Police, Iraqi National Guard, and Coalition Forces. All four were sentenced and received life sentences. Not sure, but the CENTCOM article says that a life sentence equals 20 years - that's some bad jail time! And, it seems that these terrorists were all foreign fighters: they were from Jordan, Syria and Algeria. Naturally they all entered Iraq illegally, perpetrated crimes of murder, terrorism, and possession of illegal weapons. They were caught in the house where the kidnapped Governor of Anbar was found dead after the fighting and arrests were complete.

In another case the Central Criminal Court of Iraq sentenced 3 al Qaeda Adhamiya Terrorist Cell Members to 15, 10, and 10 years in prison. In the article it states that these 3 were responsible for helping to get anti-Iraqi terrorists into Iraq from Morocco, Tunisia, and North Africa. I'm sorry, but these areas only sound familiar to me because of World War II! None of these places really like the United States of America, and since Iraq is the best place to engage, looks like these folks are more than willing to take up arms against the U.S. Military - again. It is a different day, and a different war. I really think these hardliners should rethink taking on the U.S. Military.

Do people just stop reading history? Are more and more leaders bent on fighting the U.S. Military not students of Military History? I think the wisdom inside a box of Cracker Jacks would serve them better than their current will and drive to fight us! Sheesh.

[Image taken from Cracker Jacks - Frito Lay Company]

OK, on to the CENTCOM wrap-up!

[Ending December 11th, 2005]

The GOOD = 17
IRAQ: Operation Skinner Concludes -- 12/11/2005
IRAQ: U.S. Patrol Finds Munitions Cache Along Side of Road -- 12/10/2005
IRAQ: Three al Qaeda Terrorist Cell Members Sentenced by the Central Criminal Court of Iraq -- 12/10/2005
IRAQ: More Detained as a Result Of Operation Able Rising Force -- 12/10/2005
IRAQ: Mosul Bombing Cell Members Sentenced to Life Imprisonment by the Central C -- 12/10/2005
Ramadi Terrorist Brought in -- 12/09/2005
Busy Day in North Central Iraq -- 12/09/2005
Iraqi Girls School Receives Needed Supplies -- 12/09/2005
Afghans Deliver Blankets, Clothes to Displaced Citizens -- 12/08/2005
Operation Rams Concludes -- 12/07/2005
Major Cache Uncovered Near Tuz -- 12/07/2005
Coalition and Iraqi Forces to set the Stage for Safe and Secure Election -- 12/06/2005
Operation Rams Continues -- 12/05/2005
U.S. Military Tops 5,000 Milestone Twice -- 12/05/2005
Operation Rams Kicks Off in Ramadi -- 12/05/2005
24 Terror Suspects Taken Off Streets of Baghdad -- 12/05/2005
Task Force Baghdad Soldiers Find Two Weapons Caches -- 12/05/2005

The SETBACKS = 3
Terrorist Detonates Bomb in Coffee Shop -- 12/07/2005
Suicide Bombers Attack Iraqi Police Academy -- 12/06/2005
Three U.S. Soldiers Injured by IED Near Deh Chopan -- 12/05/2005

The CORRECTIONS = 4
IRAQ: Two Members of PMOI Abducted (UPDATE 1) -- 12/11/2005
Suicide Bombers Attack Police Academy (UPDATE 1) -- 12/06/2005
Update To December 1st Improvised Explosive Device Attack -- 12/06/2005
UPDATE: CH-47 Hard Landings -- 12/05/2005

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Crew Chiefs LOVE? Parked on Echo 4!

2005-12-09T23:57:00.000-08:00

OK, I didn't intend for this to be a photo-blog today, but, this just brought back way too many memories.

[U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joel Mease]

(I hope A1C Caleb Pangborn doesn't mind me using his photo!)

If there ever was a tighter bond, it is between a plane and her Crew Chief! I have to tell you, there are sooo many times I can remember these sorts of conversations ...

Late at night, swing shift, cold and rainy, I'm on my back trying to remove the radome for the Doppler Nav antenna, flippin' speed handle is wet and the fasteners are being buggers (you Herc folks, you know the deal), and a head pops down with a big grin:

"Hey, can I help? She's gotta go in about 3 or so hours."

"I'm almost there - R-Square the antenna, quick check, she'll be ready ..." {grunt - screech - another bad fastener}

"It doesn't sound so good under there - how many?" (they always ask - there's an acceptable number of bad fasteners, and it's tight!)

"Uhhh, you better call sheet metal ..." (I hate this part, 'cause I know it's gonna blow his whole shift!)

"No problem - they owe me. And, hey, they're all in the chow hall right now, we're out here, and she's gotta go. I'll be back in a bit ..."

"OK, I'm crankin' on this as fast as I can."

Now, I'm pretty sure he was gone longer than it seemed. I swear I had just barely heard his boots going away from our parking spot! Then, here's that big grin again, and behind it is a speed handle and another crawler (great for races, when you're bored!) ...

"Move over - I'll take the aft side and we'll meet in the middle."

"You don't have to help - I am sure there's more stuff you need to do. Really."

"Hey, if they can't tell where they are going and where they are now, who cares what else is busted - it's all a wash! Drift into East German airspace ain't pretty, ya know?!"

['nother big grin!]

"Alright. Makes this go faster, that's for sure!"

"Hey, why don't you get crankin' on the antenna, and I'll just keep up on these. Maybe by the time sheet metal gets here, you can be ready to do the Ops Check ..."

"Great idea. This won't take long to R-Square."

Moments later, I'm not the only one worrying. I can hear as he is getting closer and closer to the end of his run, there is a bunch of "brass" on the tarmac. Damned if he didn't start pre-clearing all the holes for sheet metal!!! I've got the antenna out and am coming back with the new one.

Next thing ya know, sheet metal is here, looking around and kinda annoyed - then they see me. I'm kinda a bad omen for these guys. Every time I get under a '130' in ISO Docks, they sorta, cringe. There's more brass on the ground than at a live fire range full of Airborne Guys! That just means lots-O-work, in a small space on your back, and the tools are heavy and flat out not very cooperative all the time.

The reason I'm so tough on these fasteners? There was a crew that had a rapid depressurization, in flight, and there was a mishap. Just so happens that the Doppler Radome wasn't the prime culprit, but when it popped a few other things went bad. I'd hate to be inflight if that happened to me, and since I'm on the ground all the time, I won't let it happen to anyone else.

Turns out, the Chief and I were on the same wavelength - he knew who I was, too. His '130' was not going on a mission and have a failure either - no way!

From that moment on, it was like a well oiled machine. I did a quick check, which only made them have to stand around for about 20 minutes. This at least gave me the assurance that the antenna was good - full ASN-35 checks and such could wait until they finished.

As soon as sheet metal was gone, he and I buttoned her up, I fired up all systems, and in under 90 minutes we had all of this stuff done. Not earth shattering times, like at Red Flag, but hey, we worked together.

And that is ultimately the point, isn't it? When you truly love something, you'll do anything. All of us were for the mission. All of us had our jobs to do. We loved what we do ...

The Crew Chief - it's all about that Girl on Echo 4!

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

US Air Force NEW Mission Statement

2005-12-09T23:53:00.000-08:00

Just says it all!

[U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Ken Wright]

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

A-10s In A Row -- SWEET!!!

2005-12-09T23:44:00.000-08:00

This photo just says, ooooh ...

[U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Bevier]

It must be complete and utterly discomboobilating to see these coming at you, gattling gun (GAU-8 Avenger) blazing, ripping through the airspace. Damn good thing these are on OUR side!!!

More later - I've been developing a new blog template. So, sorry for the "radio silence" for so long. Keep things going ever positive!

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Optimism Trumps Fear #6

2005-12-04T22:53:00.000-08:00

The banner for this blog says it all, optimism ultimately defeats fear! Here's the sixth installment of the latest CENTCOM Press Releases. Progress, PROGRESS, PROGRESS!

Hello? Any positive reports out there from the greater stream of news? Thought not. Oh well, you know where to get the GOOD NEWS and CENTCOM weekly roundups!

Again, what a great week to tell you about! Even though we've had two really bad situations (CH-47 Emergency Landings), all in all the good stuff just keeps happening. We all can breath a sigh of relief to learn that those six soldiers injured in the two emergency landings are in stable condition. The Good Lord is watching out for them! God Speed!

I didn't get the opportunity at our last "round up" to talk about Operation Thunder Blitz! The primary objective is to clean up the local areas prior to the elections (Iraqi Elections, not US - sheesh, always looking for some sort of evil-angle!) so that Iraqis can vote. It's a major Clean Up on Aisle 5 whereby terrorists and varying weapons are getting the attention they deserve! So, it's sorta like the Giant Zamboni Machine in the Iraqi Theater!

[Photo Courtesy About.com and Zamboni.com]

Once they are done, we can drop the puck and get down to some serious work that makes for awesome history! I mean, all these boneheads need 5 minutes in the box (OK, stay on the hockey analogy, please) for major blue line offenses!!! Cross the line, get time!

Great news, have you read it already?!

"Wait for it ..."

Iraqi Government Assumes Control Of Borders!

Boo-Yah baby!

This is a GREAT step forward, and makes transition to the Iraqis truly possible. One good thing is that Iraq is in control of the flow of "terrorists for hire"! You can just hear it when you read the words straight from Iraqi's Minister of Defense, Saadoun al-Dulaimi:

"This is a historic day for Iraq," said al-Dulaimi. "I won't forget this day. The ~~insurgents~~ terrorists are no longer controlling the border. Our friends have helped us. We are now a country of freedom, of human rights, and of peace."

[i did the strike-through - more accurate!]

The ceremony was held on November 30th. It highlighted one more major success in the Global War on Terror, focused mainly in Iraq at this time. This success is the direct result of the cooperation of the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of the Interior, and the Multi-National Force Iraq. This is truly historic! I hope that you have been able to see this news in other places than just here!?

To keep the momentum going, there was a very important conference held on November 29th and 30th. The primary goal was to set the strategic direction for Operation Iraqi Freedom in CY-2006. During the conference, Fatmir Mediu the Albania Minister of Defense was quite clear in stating that there is widespread progress in Iraq. In fact, the quote CENTCOM provides is as follows:

"... we need to share the same belief that Iraq is heading toward democracy and that the Iraqis are not left alone in their progress."

Again, words that the rest of the PMM (Prevaricating Media Machine) needs to heed and take to heart. Maybe someday ...

OH! And for those of you, and I know who you are, still take great interest in the Air Force, how about something new? It seems that there was another very historic flight, not like the one I reported on, but historic all the same! The Iraqi Air Force took control of their first C-130 flight just this last week! Now, to most this sounds trivial, but for those of us that have been responsible for thousands upon thousands of sorties, getting your first "bird"

[US Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Randy L. Mitchell]

[for history on YI-301 and her sisters, go to C-130 Hercules HQ Message Board]
[Thanks to Bob Daley and Doughy Baker over at C-130 HQ!]

in the air is AWESOME! I suspect the flight plan was within operational limits for their mission and in some small way supported a minor part of the overall mission. BUT, and that is a very big word here, they can now begin to take their airspace under control. That says a ton to those military history buffs out there. I can hear the words ringing true right now, "He who rules the air ..."

Oh yeah.

Bad Lots
Alright, when there are 33 terror suspects captured in one day, you gotta figure our troops are on the hunt! I mean, you just gotta read this quote from the CENTCOM press release:

"Moving rapidly into the area, hundreds of U.S. Soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and Iraqi Forces from the 1st Battalion, 2nd Commando Brigade (Wolf Battalion) took the enemy by surprise by securing seven different objectives areas along the Tigris River."

SEVEN DIFFERENT OBJECTIVES!

Yeah, our troops are "broken". Uh-huh, our troops are "hand to mouth".

Our troops are the best in the world! Sheesh!

Let's see, compare one conflict lasting decades and in the same theater, new forces, a campaign lasting a few weeks, with limited casualties. Can you think of another super power that just couldn't "seal the deal" and the great fighting force that "smeared the opposition"? I can say one word, and I think you'll be right there with me. Need I say the theater of campaign? It starts with an "A" ...

That LOOONG Arm!
To lock this one down, when it comes to the long arm of the law, I figured it'd be good to hear about this little activity. It seems that between the Iraqi and U.S. Military we removed more than 4,200 mortar rounds discarded/stored near Kirkuk. I guess the Iraqi soldiers discovered it and began to clear the area. Then, "lions and tigers and bears, oh my" it seems they quickly realized that there was more to be had than at first glance. From that point they figured a quick call to the 101st Airborne Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team would be a good idea. When all this stuff is buried under concrete blocks and sand, sometimes there is more and more - ya just don't know. TSgt. Jennifer Wayne of the EOD Team said:

"I'm glad we found it over someone else. All those rounds are potential IEDs. We just stopped that many more IEDs."

Too true. And ya know, the less of those as we approach the elections, the better!

Well, carry on, here are the highlights!

[Ending December 4th, 2005]

The GOOD = 17
USCENTAF Pakistan Relief Summary -- 12/02/2005
New Iraqi Air Force Marks Major Milestone -- 12/02/2005
Operation Shank Begins In Ramadi -- 12/02/2005
Operation Iron Hammer Progresses -- 12/01/2005
Iraqi Government Assumes Control Of Borders -- 12/01/2005
Soldiers Find Weapons Caches, Terrorists On Island -- 11/30/2005
Iraqi 2nd Army Brigade Ready To Take Over Babil Province -- 11/30/2005
Operation Iraqi Freedom Coalition Conference: "Maintaining Post-Election Momentum -- 11/30/2005
Kirkuk Weapons Cache Still Yielding Ammunition -- 11/30/2005
MNDCS Completes Projects in ad Diwaniyah -- 11/30/2005
Iraqi, U.S. Forces Capture 33 Terror Suspects -- 11/30/2005
Iraqi Soldiers and U.S. Marines, Sailors And Soldiers Begin Operations -- 11/30/2005
Multiple Caches Uncovered By Iraqi and U.S. Forces -- 11/29/2005
Iraqi Security Forces Along With Multi-National Forces Continue Partnership to F -- 11/29/2005
Soldiers Seize Weapons Cache, Detain 4 Terrorists -- 11/28/2005
Expeditionary Strike Group 8 Transits the Suez Canal -- 11/28/2005
Massive Weapons Cache Discovered Near Kirkuk -- 11/28/2005

The SETBACKS = 1
Two CH-47 Chinooks Make Emergency Landings in Southern Afghanistan; Six Injured -- 12/04/2005

The CORRECTIONS = 2
Operation Shank Update -- 12/02/2005
Iraq, U.S. Forces Capture 33 Terror Suspects -- 11/30/2005

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

CH-47 Chinooks make EMERGENCY LANDINGS!!!

2005-12-04T16:18:00.000-08:00

Six soldiers were injured today when two CH-47 Chinooks made EMERGENCY LANDINGS in southern Afghanistan - both in separate operations against the terrorists there. One of the CH-47s was near a FOB south of Tarin Kowt. In this incident, one Afghan National Army soldier was injured and rushed to a nearby field hospital. The other 5 US Soldiers were injured when their CH-47, during an operation just north of Kandahar, was forced to land which resulted in severe damage to the aircraft.

Always the best to hear in these situations is that none of their injuries were serious, and all the soldiers are in stable condition.

I'll have this highlighted in my CENTCOM wrap up, but here is the link so that you can go there now:

CH-47 Emergency Landings

God Speed for all involved!

Now, if you are the Seattle Times, you hook people in by stringing two stories together to make it LOOK LIKE two soldiers died in the emergency landings.

Here's their headline: Two dead in attack in Afghanistan; U.S. helicopters make emergency landings

Sad how it continues to be readership and headlines that shock over reality. There are actually three separate incidents and two different stories.

Why not separate them? It isn't like they are trying to save print/ink/paper! Sheesh, you can be an excessive environmentalist and save ink and paper from landfills, so ya jockey two stories together - oh, and make it look like one big huge story!

Yikes. Has it been raining up there so much that they are beginning to experience cabin fever, thereby resulting in delirium that affects their stories ... ???

Naw, I think you all know the answer to this one.

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

The Push is On! Day 8!

2005-12-01T00:28:00.000-08:00

Boo-Yah! We're on the home stretch and we took a small detour "across the pond" to hear from Carol of Planningblog.com for the 8th Day of the 14 Day Push Back! I do realize that for me, Andi picked someone that is living where my most recent history began - my Dad is from the UK (Manchester to be exact). He served in the RAF during WWII, at RAF Sculthorpe. I went TDY as a USAF Buck Sergeant to RAF Sculthorpe about 40 years later ... indeed ... ???

I sense the British "air" and "sun" in Carol's post ... just a wee bit.

Someone get me elastics before my braces get caught beneath my rubbers! Where's my bumbershoot?!

Carol is posting from her blog as the London Pushback. Or, as her subheading states, "Living in my own private Idaho." I'm not sure how Idaho and London are on the same plane, but, Idaho has lots of spuds, and Brits eat tons of "chips" ... hmmm ... where's the malt vinegar when ya need it!

Even though Carol longs for the days when warm winter sidewalks can bear her bare feet to pick up "The Times of Old", her point is one that pierces to the heart of the media failure today:

"...biased, untruthful reporting is bad for business."

The L.A. Times may have been a great institution in days of yore. Today, however, Carol posits that as they continue to spin, prevaricate, and omit, their future becomes ever more bleak at an alarming rate. In fact, as fighter pilots will tell you, target fixation is a dangerous thing, and the media does not see the ground rushing at them - they cannot pull out. When the L.A. Times' parent company is instituting layoffs and their advertisers are running for the exits faster than movie goers at a Barbarella Revival Showing, you'd think they'd get a clue and pull up and ease off the throttle!

If you've ever crested the lip of a sand trap to see that dreaded "fried egg" .. uh-huh, you get the picture!

And, if you thought that was all, Carol gives a quick look into what the European Elite (code for the French) see as the most important thing about Saddam's trial. My oh my, what a colossal waste of readership goes on over there!

You really need to go here to get the full effect! You won't be sorry!

Onward and upward folks, as the 14 Day Push Back! powers on. We've heard from Second Amendment Rages, Guest Sages, Flight Level Gauges, and now Media Vestiges. I'm not sure, but since Andi said that our last post is a surprise, $10 says it isn't one of Lady Claridge's Hats! My guess is we all need to circle back and check Andi's Blog for the answer.

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Lift Up Optimism to Push Back Fear!

2005-11-30T00:01:00.000-08:00

Well, it's Day 7 - it just struck me, the 7th day of the 14 Day Push Back! means no rest for the weary! Sheesh, the pressure - as if I don't get enough at work!

I have read everyone's posts. I didn't skim, I really wanted to know what you have had to say. I will read everyone's post that follows mine, because I believe that for us all to succeed at what we truly want, we need to share in the lives of others. The blogosphere offers a TON of other people's lives! Maybe too much ... well, there's "meds" for the effects ... I digress!

The banner for this blog is my JP4:

There is a little query just above this banner. I ask anyone who stops by if they know the quote, and if so, to e-mail me the answer. The e-mail has been very light. But this is not an easy task since optimism from an orator these days is, well, rare. And this, my friends, is why I "blog". In fact, you now know the muse for my submission in this 14 Day Push Back! that Andi has been kind enough to extend to my little corner of the blogosphere.

OPTIMISM is almost non-existent in the ~~MSM OSM LAME~~ PMM (Prevaricating Media Machine). In fact, I have been noticing that it is often missed by our fellow Milbloggers. I am not asserting that optimism is burying ones head in the sand. The media is doing fine on their own hitting us with their invectives. I submit that we must try very hard to uncover the good and ensure that it permeates the blogosphere until it hits the general consumer. We have a responsibility to those that are sacrificing their all to protect us. Since we are "on the wall" here at home, we must lead by example and fight with the greatest power in the universe: optimism.

Pessimism, derision, pacifism, collusion, treason - these can be summoned with ease. It takes no effort at all to run pell mell into a diatribe of negativity. It is simple to tear something, or someone, down in no time at all. It is simple to wait for someone to make a decision and then as they execute point out everything that can go wrong. It is oh so simple to lie in wait to sabotage the noble efforts of those in harm's way. It's not easy bringing freedom to us all.

When did we, those who have served, those who are serving now, those who have loved ones that have served, those who have loved ones serving now, ever take the easy way? It is a far greater thing to lead everyone with optimism, charity, fidelity, camaraderie, inclusion - far greater, and much harder. That, my friends, is the essence of leadership. I believe that this is what is missing today and must be faced head on for the greatest reward: freedom.

One place I like to go to get a little, optimism, is a blog authored by Amy Proctor. A few days ago when I was stuffed to the gills with turkey, pie, and, ok, a bit-O-the-grape, Amy's posting on war criminals tickled my funny bone. This teeny bit from her whole post struck me just the right way:

"The common denominator in the spread of terrorism and defense of terrorists is anti-Americanism and pacifism. The common denominator in ridding the world of terrorism is success in Iraq. Even Barbie could do the math."

Both my daughters love Barbie. I've never noticed Barbie to offer any sort of counsel to my girls, let alone helping them with their math homework! Sheesh, success in Iraq is a no brainer! (she's chuckling, I'm sure - I'm a goof) You really don't need to look too deep to see what it takes to secure freedom. Here, some simple math:

PACIFISM = DEFEAT BY TERRORISM

OPTIMISM = DEFEAT OF TERRORISM

DEFEAT OF TERRORISM = FREEDOM

Many of the great orators spoke in positives, brimming with optimism, and promoting a vision that everyone can understand. If I say the following names, do you associate pacifism, derision, or pessimism with these names:

Thomas Jefferson
Abraham Lincoln
Theodore Roosevelt
Winston Churchill
George S. Patton
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Bernard Montgomery
Henry Kissinger
Kelly Johnson
Margaret Thatcher
Ronald Reagan

I have only experienced a few of the above speakers, in real time. Many of the others I have read their speeches, listened to tapes, or watched them on TV or video. The true measure of a leader is their ability to drive optimism to the core and never take their eye off the ball.

Optimistically leading by example is often right in front of us. It can accidentally be taken for granted. I know that many of you don't take US Military Reservists for granted, but those outside the "true support circle" fall prey regularly. Sara Horn of Faith at the Front is one of the most optimistic bloggers I have encountered so far. She is building two very great sites, her own blog, and a website called A Greater Freedom. Ollie North is a featured columnist as well as a very positive and optimistic force at A Greater Freedom.com. I was reading her post on her personal blog about reservists and realized that sometimes folks in our own inner circle get tripped up:

"My husband is a Navy Seabee, a reservist with a construction battalion that's based out of Millington. He recently re-enlisted for another six years and it was interesting to see the reactions of people, even friends, when we told them.

Many of them immediately voiced the question "why would you want to do that? Don't you know you could get called up?"

Uh... yeah. But that's one of the points of serving as a reservist - you sign up with the understanding that you could be called to serve your country at any time."

Leading by example can be as simple as being ready through constant training, not whining, and if they call, answer. There are tears, there is separation, it's hard, and one questions the decision to go once in a while. In Sara's words it is clear, to me, that their family is always optimistic and committed to serve - and not just in Military Service. Her example keeps me on course and jazzed about getting the good stuff about the global war on terror out to the masses.

Finally, when I need a jolt of reality with some good stuff sprinkled around, I wander on over to visit Kit and Heidi of Euphoric Reality. They both keep each other going and even when the subject is dire, they keep up the optimism. We all have our down days, I mean I even went into the weeds when I posted "Open Mic Day" this Veteran's Day. Many bloggers out there can get kinda, testy, when they see something slipping by or misquoted to the detriment of the cause. Kit really reset my Nav System with a recent post about Conservative Milbloggers taking shots at one another. What she said really makes us realize we need to lead by example:

"Maybe I'll catch flak for "taking myself too seriously". Well, you know what? I do take blogging seriously. I know Heidi does too. I think we all should. It's a big responsibility. Sure, it's fun and sometimes exciting, and sometimes we talk about harmless, amusing topics. But when the guns come out, the bottom line is that we owe more to our readership than rampant immaturity and personal attacks on bloggers that in all actuality are allies. It's one thing to smack down trolls or take on liberals. But this kind of commenting is contradictory to everything we say we are for. How can we laugh at the libs eating their own over at DU when we're doing it ourselves? We're supposed to be the mature ones."

And, she's right! With all the derision and invectives being slung our way, the constant drain on our troops because of false statements and two-faced support, why are we lobbing grenades at one another? What sort of example is that setting for those out there watching on the sidelines, or peeking into our slice of the blogosphere? Shall we be destined to fall by the same ease at which pessimism, derision, and pacifism can take over? My blog in no way has the traffic or reach that many others do. And I'm not rocketing to the top of some BlogAwardThingee because I am not controversial or caustic. I don't begrudge my fellow Milbloggers their status, their success, or their conviction to take the fight to the real problem: ~~MSM OSM LAME~~ PMM (Prevaricating Media Machine)! It is harder to stay upbeat, positive, and optimistic.

I'm up for it, what about you?

Let's make this 14 Day Push Back! a success and lift up optimism, rally together in camaraderie and fidelity, and have a good ole "Celebrity Smack Down" on the evil forces of fear, derision, pessimism, and collusion!

Next up, tomorrow, Day 8, please be sure to check in on Carol of Planningblog.com! And, if you haven't already, please go back and read up from all the other folks involved in the 14 Day Push Back!:

Day 1 - Andi's World
Day 2 - Toni, Bear Creek Ledger
Day 3 - Doug Petch
Day 4 - Rightfielder
Day 5 - Gunn Nutt
Day 6 - Air Force Wife

These folks are pushing hard, let's all get behind them and help!

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

The Push is On! Day 6!

2005-11-29T19:25:00.000-08:00

Alrighty Then! It's now Day 6 of the 14 Day Push Back! We've been privy to all sorts of great posts that show just how much information is seldom, if never, reported by the ~~MSM OSM LAME~~ PMM (Prevaricating Media Machine). Andi started a great thing, and today, Air Force Wife's Air Force Guy (AKA, her husband) has guest posted - and oh what a post!

The information that Air Force Guy shares is, as he puts it, Lies My Congressman Told Me. As you wind through the labyrinth of untruths that have been heaped upon us all by the myriads of naysayers, there are always faint signs on the dark walls that belie the real truth. Within prevarication there is always some truth - why else would you believe? Yet when faced with the real truth, after having been beaten down so often, and left to fend for oneself in darkness, how to react?

Well, as I read the comments that were tacked over Air Force Guy's bare truth, you can see why this post will go into the dark, never to brighten the way to safety. Although, as I read his post, I remembered all those stories that seeped into public discourse over time. The memory of those little snippets kept me from focusing on the faint signs along the labyrinth walls. My path became all the more clear from the benefit of the light of truth. Before the truth becomes completely consumed in darkness, this post is brought to the fore - and should be told to more than just us, those who truly care. Please, to get a "refresher" on what did happen before the smears and jeers, go here for a little, light of day.

This being Day 6 of the 14 Day Push Back!, I am now a bit apprehensive. Why? 'Cause I'm tomorrow's post ... lions, and tigers, and bears, Oh My!

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

The Push is On! Day 5!

2005-11-28T19:44:00.000-08:00

If you weren't a Gunn Nutt fan then, you'll be one now. We are on Day 5 of the 14 Day Push Back! It is amazing how Andi was able to assemble such great folks for this effort, in short order, and get writing that turns the blogosphere on its ear!

Gunn Nutt has focused his posting on Protesting the Protesters, a much needed bit of support these days! Wow! The commitment everyone that has been protesting the protesters in front of Walter Reed Army Medical Center is just AWESOME! It is getting colder outside and those dedicated to the support of our wounded brave soldiers is astounding, and heart warming! It is good to see good people sacrificing when there are no cameras and media hounds in tow. In fact, Gunn Nutt's point is, well, no one cares!

To the point, when so many spend so much time bringing our Troops morale down, why is it those that bring it UP are maligned and ignored? In fact, it is more often the case where those protesting IN FAVOR of our troops are vilified because they are across the way from those that hate the U.S. Military, the Chain of Command, and all that is being protected! Let me just say, Gunn Nutt set his sight, took aim, inhaled then exhaled, squeezed slow and sure, and put it right on target!

Hey, don't change the channel now! The 14 Day Push Back! is in no way over, oh no! Going from Batting Cages (Rightfielder) to Second Amendment Rages (Gunn Nutt) means a shift to Guest Sages (Air Force Wife's Active Duty Guest Blogger)! I really can't wait to see what words grace the page tomorrow for Day 6 of the 14 Day Push Back!

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Optimism Trumps Fear #5

2005-11-27T13:20:00.000-08:00

The banner for this blog says it all, optimism ultimately defeats fear! Here's the fifth installment of the latest CENTCOM Press Releases. And again, solid progress this last week!

Two big things happened this last week: the palace in Tikrit handed over and al-Zarqawi loses some support. Most of us saw the short bit of "newsworthy" footage that took place during the ceremony to turn over the palace. Someone lobbed a mortar round over towards the folks in the ceremony - it was a dud. And, people thought that al-Zarqawi was dead during the raids earlier on, but, not so lucky. Good thing is that there was a close confidant that did get taken out - slow, steady progress.

And, more than 4,000 people have running water! Seems that on the 23rd of November a new water supply was completed to a small town of folks living in ad Diwaniyah suburbs. This small announcement is one of 21,000 other projects that have taken place over the last two years. In fact, over 500,000 folks' lives have been improved in such a short amount of time! A hearty THANK YOU goes out to the MDCSS (Multinational Division Central South Soldiers)!

Bad Lots
Tons of terrorists getting arrested and tons of weapons caches seized. Daaaang, nice to see that things are being cleaned up. In fact, it is even better to see that locals are turning in the Bad Lots, and the Iraqi Army is playing bigger and bigger roles as things progress! This just means that the situation is getting better and from this point onward missions will become quicker to execute, more frequent, and resulting in bigger gains. Momentum!

That LOOONG Arm!
A big part of the propaganda machine in Iraq has lost some momentum. Jaysh al-Mujahideen terrorist lieutenant and propaganda ch ief was captured throwing a wrench in the "machine" - oh, the long arm!

Well, for the CENTCOM posts, here ya go!

[Ending November 27th, 2005]

The GOOD = 26
Caches Found In Operation Tigers -- 11/27/2005
Citizen Tips, Soldier Diligence Take Terrorists Off Streets -- 11/27/2005
Busy Day For Iraqi, Coalition Forces -- 11/27/2005
Gatekeeper, Courier, Confidant Of al-Zarqawi Dead, Says Relative -- 11/26/2005
MND CS Completes Road In al Hillah -- 11/26/2005
Telecommunications Restored In al Anbar -- 11/26/2005
Iraqi, U.S. Forces Nab Terrorists, Stop Bomb Attacks -- 11/26/2005
Operation Tigers Kicked Off In Ramadi -- 11/26/2005
New Water Plant Opens In al Hasain -- 11/25/2005
Operation Lions Concludes -- 11/24/2005
Citizen's Tip Leads U.S. Soldiers To Weapons Cache -- 11/24/2005
Iraqi Homes Benefit From New Water And Sewer System -- 11/24/2005
Jaysh al-Mujahideen Terrorist Lieutenant And Propaganda Chief Captured -- 11/24/2005
U.S. Patrols Find Bombs Before They Can Detonate -- 11/24/2005
Water For 4,000 People -- 11/23/2005
Williams Assumes Command Of Task Force 58 -- 11/23/2005
Air Assault Mission Takes Down Terrorist Stronghold -- 11/23/2005
IED Attack Leads To Capture Of Nine Terrorists -- 11/23/2005
Iraqi Government Takes Control Of Coalition Base In Tikrit -- 11/23/2005
Operation Lion Begins In Southern Ramadi -- 11/23/2005
Detainees Released Following CRRB Review -- 11/23/2005
U.S. Seabees Adopt A Pakistani Village -- 11/23/2005
Operation Steel Curtain Concludes -- 11/22/2005
Operation Bruins Concludes -- 11/21/2005
Tips Lead Iraq Soldiers To Weapons Cache -- 11/21/2005
More Weapons Caches Turn Up In South Baghdad -- 11/21/2005

The SETBACKS = 1
Iraqi, U.S. Forces Respond To Car Bomb In Mahmudiyah -- 11/24/2005

The CORRECTIONS = 2
Coalition Releases Executive Summary Of Investigation Into Burning Of Taliban Bodies -- 11/27/2005
Coalition Releases Executive Summary Of Investigation Into Burning Of Taliban Bodies -- 11/26/2005

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

No Need to Click Here - I'm just claiming my feed at Feedster

The Push is On! Day 4!

2005-11-25T16:08:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone is rested, has had more than enough to eat, and needs a little "me time"! We are now on to Day 4 of the 14 Day Push Back!, and Rightfielder stepped to the plate and hit a homer (in my opinion!)

For all of us to grasp just how much is lacking in the writings of the ~~MSM OSM LAME~~ PMM (Prevaricating Media Machine), digging deeper is the best way to uncover hidden agendas and purposeful omissions. It is not always glaringly obvious that our friends who state they are for the troops are in actuality making overt assertions that in the end hurt the troops. This is why the 14 Day Push Back! has been started by Andi - to get the real news in print!

All too often these slights pass by us. But Rightfielder's posting provides such a clear example to the reader - and it's easy to follow! How is it that what was reported can actually pass for journalism if Rightfielder can make it look so easy?

We're not professionals here! But our attention to detail and ability to detect the nuances should be a stark warning to those who regularly consume from the larger media machine. So, for a non-professional journalist's take on the news of the day, go here, and get the real scoop!

And keep up! The 14 Day Push Back! is not over yet! We have a weekend break and then bright-tailed and bushy-eyed on Monday, November 28th, we get some wonderful words from Gunn Nutt! Ya just gotta keep with us!

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

The Push is On! Day 3!

2005-11-23T21:07:00.000-08:00

Doug Petch of DougPetch.com is the 14 Day Push Back! blogger in charge of Day 3. If you want to see just what gets missed by the ~~MSM OSM LAME~~ PMM (Prevaricating Media Machine), you are in for a big dose of reality! Doug spent some time compiling his offering for today's foray into [THE VOID].

As I read deeper and deeper into his posting, I really am struck at just how much misinformation is being spread. In fact, the lack of context and blatant lack of additional info is ... well, astonishing.

You really need to get Doug's posting, so go here, and learn something - maybe you already knew, but didn't see this clearly!

Oh, and check out Kit of EuphoricReality! She posted a great Thanksgiving wish for all defending our country, as well as for Andi whos husband is deployed right now. Please be sure to send out your prayers to Andi, her husband, their entire family, and all the troops out there "on that wall"!!!

Tomorrow is TURKEY DAY so no Push Back! posting, OK! Take a break, get lots of food and drink, 'cause right after Doug is Rightfielder, so you'll need some energy to keep up!

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

The Push is On! Day 2!

2005-11-22T23:57:00.000-08:00

Oh Yeah! Toni of Bear Creek Ledger has a great posting for Day 2! You just don't want to miss what she has to say ... the past is an eeeerie thing when overlayed on current context!

Gotta go here for her great post to support the 14 Day Push Back!

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

The Push is On! Day 1!

2005-11-21T23:53:00.000-08:00

For our first day of the 14 Day Pushback, Andi sets the stage with why we are all doing this right now. The fact that there are soooo many positive stories that come out of Iraq are never aired to the American people - or the WORLD, for that matter. When blowhards are smearing the lives that have been lost fighting the good fight on foreign soil, where is the story that our progress is being kicked under the rug and hidden from everyone.

Andi makes a great start, and we all need to keep it going! Spread the links, boys and girls, we gotta get the fire going!

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

The Push is On! Make it COUNT!

2005-11-20T23:21:00.000-08:00

Andi, from Andi's World, is in it for the long haul! She has recognized that there is a huge void out there being broadened by the MSM. Andi has asked a few of us to grab the nearest positive story that has been completely missed by the MSM and post for all to see. All the others on this mission will track back and link to the current blog in queue. I think that Andi has a great idea, and I volunteered to help.

First, let me give you all the schedule and links to these wonderful bloggers that are taking up arms against the MSM:

November 21 - Andi's World
November 22 - Toni, Bear Creek Ledger
November 23 - Doug Petch
November 24 - Thanksgiving (day off)
November 25 - Rightfielder
November 28 - Gunn Nutt
November 29 - Air Force Wife will host an active-duty guest blogger
November 30 - LinkedinUSAF
December 1 - Carol blogging from the UK!
December 2 - Andi's World will close with a surprise!

I think that since these fine folks are dedicating their time for positive stories missed by the media, and that is our side-job here at LinkedinUSAF, I'm blog-rollin' the lot of 'em! (you all know i'm light on the blogroll, but this is important!)

Check out everyone's blogs for their perspective on the great things missed by the PMM (Prevaricating Media Machine).

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

OPEN TRACKBACK LINKERS of LOVE!
Euphoric Reality

Optimism Trumps Fear #4

2005-11-20T20:17:00.000-08:00

In keeping with the banner for this blog, optimism ultimately defeats fear, here's the fourth installment of the latest CENTCOM Press Releases. Obviously we've had solid progress this last week, again!

The biggest news this week from CENTCOM is that the decadent Saddam Hussein Palace Complex is going to be turned back over to the Iraqi government! Even though there have been 28 other significant sites turned over to Iraqi control already, this be the big one.

A new operation, code named Bruins, begins this week. It is a series of disruption operations like Operation Panthers. About 150 Iraqi soldiers and 300 U.S. Marines are now puttin' down the hammer in the northern region of Ramadi. This entire operation intended to disrupt the operations of the terrorists operating in Iraq has shown a 60% decrease in attacks against Iraqi and U.S. Forces. HELLO! PMM (Prevaricating Media Machine)! Did you take note that is a SIXTY PERCENT DECREASE IN ATTACKS?!

I thought not ...

Lots and lots of Bad Lots have been captured this week! As you peruse these links you'll see that there are greater than 7 of them announce "buttheads captured", ya know, that sorta thing! Boneheads ... we're gonna get 'em, they should just turn themselves in ...

Oh, oh yeah, and we have a new feature called, "That LOOONG Arm!" We're gonna feature the big news related to the "long arm of the law" reaching out and yanking the guilty back to justice. This weeks is pretty chock-full of captured terrorists but the big news is the extradition request for Saddam Hussein's Nephew and the arrest warrants out for two leaders of the ~~insurgents~~ bands of terrorist scum. This should be a hoot in the news this week (not).

Operation Steel Curtain has been a success, and continues to drive a solid wall of protection. In fact, F-15s and F-16s were called in to support an effort that pinned some slimy-worms in a tree line. Then, to top it off, they also used a Predator with AGMs to "nullify" a few stragglers - hiding wasn't their best idea that day.

[Ending October 20th, 2005]

The GOOD = 29
FOB Danger To Be Turned Over To Iraqi Government -- 11/20/2005
Operation Bruins Begins In Northern Ramadi -- 11/20/2005
Afghan Police Visit Fort Drum, U.S. Police Departments -- 11/20/2005
Search Of Cache Turns Up More Weapons, Munitions -- 11/20/2005
Coalition Forces Identify Captured Terrorist -- 11/20/2005
Nine Terrorists Detained In Joint Missions -- 11/19/2005
Iraqi, U.S. Forces Disrupt Terrorist Operations -- 11/19/2005
Task Force Soldiers Respond To Khanaqin Bombings -- 11/18/2005
Successful Raid Nets Terrorist And IED Making Materials -- 11/18/2005
Afghan And CJTF76 Forces Attack North Of Kandahar -- 11/18/2005
U.S. CENTAF Provides Pakistan Aid -- 11/18/2005
Iraqi, U.S. Forces Respond To Car Bomb Attack -- 11/18/2005
101st Soldiers Find Weapons Cache West Of Baghdad -- 11/18/2005
Search Nets Terrorist Suspects -- 11/17/2005
Iraqi, U.S. Forces Make Clean Sweep Of South Baghdad -- 11/17/2005
Extradition Request Submitted To Bring Saddam Hussein Nephew And Terrorist Leader To Justice -- 11/17/2005
ESG-1 Conducts Maritime Security Operations In Arabian Sea -- 11/16/2005
Air Force Fighters Strike Insurgents -- 11/16/2005
U.S. Soldiers Continue To Detect And Prevent IED Attacks -- 11/16/2005
Iraqi And Band Of Brothers Soldiers Seize Weapons -- 11/16/2005
al Qaeda In Iraq, Emir Of Sadah Bagged -- 11/16/2005
U.S. Military Rapid Refueling Point Opens -- 11/16/2005
Arrest Warrants Issued For Two Leaders In The Insurgency; One Has Ties To al Zarqawi -- 11/15/2005
Coalition Forces Capture High Level Ba'ath Party Leader -- 11/15/2005
Steel Curtain Continues In Ubaydi -- 11/15/2005
Terrorists Caught With IED Materials -- 11/14/2005
Operation Steel Curtain Continues -- 11/14/2005
Coalition Keeps Pressure On Terrorists -- 11/14/2005
New Phase Of Steel Curtain Begins -- 11/14/2005

The SETBACKS = 2
Charges Against Detainee Assault Defendants Referred To General Court-Martial -- 11/17/2005
Car Bomb Detonates In Kandahar -- 11/16/2005

The CORRECTIONS = 2
Operation Steel Curtain Update -- 11/17/2005
Operation Steel Curtain Update -- 11/16/2005

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Optimism Trumps Fear #3

2005-11-13T23:14:00.000-08:00

In keeping with the banner for this blog, optimism ultimately defeats fear, here's the third installment of the latest CENTCOM Press Releases. We're finally on a regular Sunday evening schedule! Solid progress this last week, so here we go!

You may not have heard about Operation al Hajip Elfulathi (Steel Curtain). The primary goal is to restore Iraqi sovereign control along the Iraqi-Syrian border - oh, and to whack al Qaeda in Iraq along with terrorists squirreled away in the al Qaim region. The most recent update focuses on how Iraqi Army Soldiers shot and killed three terrorists dressed in women's clothing near the entrance to the safety zone. Oh, and this safety zone was originally established for all the people that had been displaced! Turns out these scum were foreign fighters, dressing up as women to gain an advantage over our soldiers. It seems when they started to raise their weapons at the checkpoint, they didn't get very far. The Iraqi soldiers were on the ball and dispatched the "wolves in sheep's clothing" without hesitation. Sure, we're dealing with real opposition - dressing up as women?

This wasn't the first time this had been tried in the region. Some sleazy terrorists used this same tactic at a police checkpoint on November 5th, 2005, in the town of Buhriz, 35 miles north of Baghdad! The slimes succeeded in killing six police officers - oh, and at the same time incurred multiple civilian injuries and casualties. Pig-Faced-Gits! What's up with this term "insurgents"? I say terrorists dress up as women to kill people expecting order in combat.

Check out this quote about Husaybah residents who have sought safety from the fighting:

"In addition to urban combat operations, the Iraqi Army Soldiers are supporting humanitarian assistance operations in the western part of the city providing food and relief supplies for some 800 displaced civilians," said Lt. Col. Christopher C. Starling, operations officer, Regimental Combat Team - 2. "At a checkpoint yesterday, outside the city, residents offered information to Iraqi Army Soldiers leading to the capture of individuals and weapons caches."

Oh, and yeah, these terrorists are just "insurgents" ... read on:

"Iraqi Soldiers and Marines clearing the city continue to be attacked by small groups of terrorists. This morning the body of a dead terrorist was found in a school. The corpse was booby trapped with a hand grenade and set to explode when the body was moved. Also, a fully armed and functional rocket-propelled grenade launcher was found in the same classroom."

"There have been four incidents of al Qaeda in Iraq-led terrorists using mosques and at least one school to launch attacks on Iraqi Army Soldiers and Marines. Terrorists are using sensitive and critical infrastructure as protection from Coalition and Iraqi Army counterattacks."

Uh-huh. Hiding in places of worship because they know we respect their religious symbols and places of Holy Worship. Ahhh, but, we aren't totally beaten:

"Though, Marines use proportionate force in responding to attacks it does not diminish their right to self defense from any attacks."

Said a better way, "Hide? We'll find you once you come out to play again."

On the lighter side, there is a field hospital in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan. This field hospital is setup to treat the simple and complex procedures many regular hospitals face every day. It is the 212th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital deployed from its base in Germany. They began seeing patients October 25th, 2005, in support of the earthquake in Pakistan. They have 24 ICU beds and 60 less critical care beds, a lab, X-ray, pharmacy, and many other functions that mirror our hospital system - just mobile. On November 8th, 2005, they treated their 1,000th patient! An amazing accomplishment - this is a mobile field hospital, folks!!! Just amazing ...

For you CENTAF followers, I am sure that you have seen that to date, the U.S. Air Force has airlifted more than six million pounds of relief supplies to Pakistan! Yeah, that's a sight more toilet paper than used in the airman's barracks for one weekend - or that was dropped on a particular cruiser, some time ago, by the USAF Special Ops folks ... another story ... another time ... on to the highlights!

[Ending October 13th, 2005]

The GOOD = 23
Weapons Caches Discovered -- 11/13/2005
Terrorists Mortar Team Captured -- 11/12/2005
Major Road Improvement Projects Near Completion -- 11/11/2005
Baghdad Suicide Bombing Cell Blown -- 11/11/2005
Operation Steel Curtain Moves To Karabilah -- 11/10/2005
Afghan, U.S. Patrol Kills Four Enemy During Ambush Near Deh Rahwod -- 11/10/2005
Five Terrorists Detained -- 11/10/2005
Iraqi, U.S. Forces Capture Dozens Of Terror Suspects -- 11/10/2005
al Qaeda In Iraq Forger Captured In Baghdad -- 11/10/2005
Improvised Explosive Devices Destroyed -- 11/10/2005
Killed Terrorist Leaders Identified -- 11/10/2005
Weapons Cache Seized -- 11/09/2005
Central-South Troops Seize Weapons And Ammunition -- 11/09/2005
Soldiers Find Large Weapons Cache During Patrol -- 11/09/2005
Nichols Returns To U.S. Central Command -- 11/08/2005
3Rd Mlg Doctors Deploy To Shinkiari -- 11/08/2005
U.S. Military Hospital Treats 1,000th Patient -- 11/08/2005
Weapons Cache Discovered Near Lsa Anaconda -- 11/08/2005
Smith Pins On 4 Stars -- 11/07/2005
U.S. Navy EOD Team Removes Inert RPG Remnant From Cruise Liner -- 11/07/2005
Two Terrorists Killed In Recent Air Strikes Identified -- 11/07/2005
101st Airborne Soldiers Find Large Weapons Cache -- 11/07/2005
U.S. Air Force Pakistan Relief Summary -- 11/07/2005

The SETBACKS = 1
U.S. Soldier Charged With Abuse -- 11/07/2005

The CORRECTIONS = 3
Operation Steel Curtain Update -- 11/12/2005
Operation Steel Curtain Update -- 11/08/2005
Operation Steel Curtain Update -- 11/07/2005

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

When Good Things Go, Good #1

2005-11-10T00:13:00.000-08:00

It is always so interesting to me how some of the smallest things are lost in the biggest places. Not a needle in a haystack, but a positive outcome in a huge country. Right now I bet you are starting to assume just which positive outcome and which big country. The clicking in your head from the gears a whirlin' away is so loud I can hear it from here!

Done guessing? Have you had just about enough of my tricks?

If your first thought was a good day for some people torn apart by a conflict of epic proportions, you're right. And if you immediately jumped to the conclusion I was talking about people helping people in Iraq - you're not quite right either (ok, you're close). I'm actually referring to wonderful stories, too small to entice the media, being missed by our fellow Americans in our own very large country, the United States of America.

The Prevaricating Media Machine strips away the good things because it doesn't "sell". These stories don't grip the viewer or reader and make them, "come back for more". Therefore, I submit that this torch is best left to those who know, and love, the U.S. Military and every bit of positive they bring - day by day.

I love to cruise the Air Force Link site for photos and good stories. I check CENTCOM to see what is happening every day 'cause I just love reading about everything that goes on "in theater". It's great to stay connected to these brave men and women who serve, their successes, and the overall progress they bring to our world. As I was checking up on the U.S. Air Force news, I came across a great Air Force Link article about some airmen from Bagram AFB taking a few moments to say, "Hi!" to the people in a small town near by.

[U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Marcus McDonald]

People that take time out of their busy day to spread some cheer and make people feel good always amaze me. These very small deeds have an overall impact that is very, very huge. Staff Sergeant Marcus McDonald, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs, writes about the adopt-a-village visit that took place on November 3rd, 2005 in a small village in the Parwan Province, Afghanistan.

[U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Marcus McDonald]

Master Sergeant Edgar Langdon, Bagram's adopt-a-village coordinator said,

"These airmen distributed more than 1,200 pounds of winter clothes, blankets, school supplies and toys."

"During this visit, we focused our efforts on items that'll hopefully come into good use as the temperature drops in coming months."

What is even better is that airmen from different responsibility and rank get a chance to participate as well. Sure, you can have the U.S. Air Force Public Relations command do all this contact work. But the power in this program is that all sorts of airmen get an experience that will live in them forever. As Sergeant Greene from Wright-Patterson AFB said,

"Seeing everyone's excitement and the smiles on the children's faces was definitely the highlight for me."

"Hopefully programs like this can continue so more Afghan children will get to see the kindness in the hearts of the American people."

Hmmm. You think that this is bigger than an occupying force? Why can't everyone see that there is more to this effort? Do you think this young man hasn't had a lasting impression too?

[U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Marcus McDonald]

I gotta say, if everyone would just take a moment, and deep breath, and stop trying to satisfy their own "ends" and see what is really going on ... but, I digress. How about you get it, right from the mouth, mind, and heart of Airman 1st Class Raul Tellez, of the 41st Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron,

"I really loved seeing the small children's faces after they received the things we had for them. Once the trip's over, you're really proud of what you've done and of the country you serve."

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Optimism Trumps Fear #2

2005-11-06T23:52:00.000-08:00

In keeping with the banner for this blog, optimism ultimately defeats fear, let's keep the pace going and post the latest CENTCOM Press Releases. I know that it has only been a few days since the first installment. The goal is to get on a regular Sunday evening schedule - Wednesday and Sunday is too much.

Solid progress this last week. The only setback is an elderly male security detainee died of natural causes. While in intensive care he suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away. Our prayers go out to the family for their loss.

[Ending October 6th, 2005]

The GOOD = 13
Weapons Cache Found -- 11/06/2005
Local Iraqis Visit Shrine At Forward Operating Base Warrior -- 11/06/2005
Afghan Lawyers Test To Fill Military Judge Positions -- 11/05/2005
U.S. And Iraqi Forces Launch Operation Steel Curtain -- 11/05/2005
U.S. Forces Find, Destroy Several Large Weapons Caches -- 11/05/2005
French Finish Coalition Flying Mission -- 11/04/2005
U.S. Helicopter Relief Flights Top 1000 In Pakistan -- 11/04/2005
Terrorists Killed In Husaybah Air Strike Identified -- 11/04/2005
Cache Seized, Terrorists Killed Near Ramadi -- 11/03/2005
Vice Adm. Nichols Is Relieved By Vice Adm. Walsh -- 11/03/2005
Two Terrorists Self-Destruct While Building Car Bomb -- 11/03/2005
U.S. Air Force Pakistan Relief Summary -- 11/03/2005
Nine Terrorists Detained After Attacking Iraqi Army -- 11/03/2005

The SETBACKS = 1
Detainee Dies At Camp Bucca -- 11/05/2005

The CORRECTIONS = 1
Operation Steel Curtain Update -- 11/05/2005

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Secure Airspace Violation!

2005-11-04T00:09:00.000-08:00

Personnel at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., were stunned when their airspace was penetrated on October 25th, 2005. As reported by 1st Lt. Devin Robinson of the 4th Fighter Wing in Air Force Link News, the landing area was first secured, the flyer was taken into custody, interrogated, and then detained in an adequate holding area on base. The interrogation lasted as long as possible, yet very little information was obtained requiring a completely different approach.

The article goes on to say:

"Before everyone jumps to their feet to report cruel and unethical treatment of a prisoner, one should know that if the flyer had been able to speak, he would have no doubt requested the very treatment he received."

Wow! When on earth did Seymour Johnson AFB personnel ever surpass the level of interrogation one would think to be, inhuman?

Well, when the detainee is NOT HUMAN and actually a HOMING PIGEON!!!

Bwah-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!

This story caught me off guard at first. Once I read it I just had to get it here for all of you to read. Well, and I had to stretch the story a bit too - duh!

As it so happens, it seems that during a race there was a significant amount of fog that the pigeon became lost. These well trained pigeons can only fly, on one tank of seed and water, for no more than 18 hours without a refueling. Therefore, being domesticated, the first thing she did was land so that someone can fill her tank. The Seymour Johnson AFB Fire Department looked to be the best place!

Here's just a little more from the story:

"The ancestors of today’s Iraqis used homing pigeons in Baghdad as early as the 12th century A.D., and Mongolian ruler Genghis Khan not very much later used them in his conquest of the Eurasian continent. Paul Reuters, who founded Reuters News agency, used a fleet of more than 45 homing pigeons to carry news and stock prices between Brussels, Belgium and Germany in the mid-1800s."

"Homing pigeons are no strangers to the military environment. In World War I, the U.S. Army Signal Corps used more than 600 pigeons in France. In World War II, the British had more than 250,000 pigeons they used for message traffic, many of which were awarded the Dickin Medal -- the most prestigious British medal for animal valor."

It seems that the Base Fire Department was in a maintenance cycle for one of the vehicles. When the time came to take the vehicle to the shop, there they found the pigeon.

"I was taking a fire truck over for the mechanic to take a look at it, and when I got inside, the guy was on his hands and knees trying to coax this pigeon into his hand,” said Bryan Bauman, the 4th Civil Engineer Squadron lead firefighter. “I was able to get within about 5 inches of the bird, and that’s when I saw the little tag with IF ACC 4857 printed on it. I thought maybe the bird belonged to Air Combat Command, and so we wanted to try and catch it to see. We eventually managed to catch it using popcorn."

Shelley Good, base wildlife biologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, located the person who owned the homing pigeon.

"After a little research, I discovered that the information on the band stood for International Federation Banding Number Atlantic Coast Club. A few phone calls later, I was talking to a disabled veteran from Wilmington who had served in Vietnam with the 82nd Airborne Division and arranging a time for him to come and collect the bird."

[Images thanks to the IF AHPFI and Aero Training Products]

Now, being an Inertial and Doppler Navigation Systems Specialist, I started to wonder, what can the U.S. Air Force do for homing pigeons in these sorts of situations? When heavy fog or reduced visibility impairs a flyers ability to maintain heading all our aircraft are equipped with INS/Doppler Nav. And, when aircraft are scheduled for longer than normal mission profiles, tankers are called in for air refueling missions.

Dang! There is a cottage industry just waiting to be plucked here! Micro-INS Systems and In-Flight Feed-N-Water Air Delivery opportunities. Oh, to succeed at such a lofty goal! Down and Birdseed could issue me a "DNB Number" for the company so that we can establish credit.

Hmmm, I might want to rethink this - I could get fleeced!

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Optimism Trumps Fear - Installment #1

2005-11-03T01:18:00.000-08:00

As the quote says in the banner for this blog, optimism ultimately defeats fear. In browsing the web and blogs for great stories to bring back to everyone here I stumbled on a reality: where is the optimism out there? Well, CENTCOM has a great utility I just discovered can dispense untold amounts of optimism: their press releases search utility! It's time to bring everyone else into the fold.

Have you taken the time to search CENTCOM Press Releases? I am flat out amazed at the number of positive headlines I found. I only searched back 15 days. Oh yeah, I said 15 DAYS! Over the last 15 days we, the US Military, have had 56 successes, 3 setbacks, and 2 corrections to previous items. Again, 56 successes in 15 days! When all you read out there is about milestones without true context, I felt it was about time we started to spread the beam of optimism into the darkest corners of the fear-riddled internet.

[2 weeks ending October 2nd, 2005]

The GOOD = 56
Three Terrorists Detained In Ad Duluiyah -- 11/02/2005
Eleven Detained In Mosul Cordon And Search -- 11/02/2005
Ana, Coalition Soldiers Find Caches In Easter Afghanistan -- 11/02/2005
Task Force Band Of Brothers Assumes Mission In North Central Iraq -- 11/02/2005
U.S. Air Force Pakistan Relief Summary -- 11/02/2005
Husaybah Terrorists Hit -- 11/02/2005
Baghdad Raid Nets Al Qaeda Suspects -- 11/02/2005
Iraqi, U.S. Dragnet Scoops Up 12 Terrorists After Attack -- 11/02/2005
U.S. Soldiers Locate Source Of Deadly Rocket Attack -- 11/02/2005
Investigating Officer Recommends General Court-Martial -- 11/01/2005
Disaster Assistance Center Helicopter Incident -- 11/01/2005
Terrorists Caught After Firing At U.S. Soldiers -- 11/01/2005
500 Security Detainees Released From Abu Ghraib -- 11/01/2005
Uss Pearl Harbor Makes Third Pakistani Relief Delivery -- 11/01/2005
Security Forces Take More Weapons And Terrorists Off The Streets In Northern Iraq -- 11/01/2005
Task Force Baghdad Patrols Stop Bomb Attacks -- 11/01/2005
10th Mountain Brings PVC Pipe, Iraqi Citizens Do The Rest -- 11/01/2005
U.S. Soldiers Clear Junkyard Of Bomb-Making Ammo -- 11/01/2005
Iraqi Contractors Go From Dollars To Dinar -- 11/01/2005
Al Qaeda Foreign Fighter Facilitator Killed -- 10/31/2005
U.S. Soldiers Stop Terrorist Planting Bomb -- 10/31/2005
U.S., Iraqi Forces Sweep Up 49 Terror Suspects -- 10/31/2005
Flight Crews Air Drop Humanitarian Aid Into Pakistan -- 10/30/2005
Pakistan Aid Relief Summary -- 10/30/2005
Coalition Forces Disrupt Terrorist Ambush -- 10/30/2005
U.S. Soldiers Evacuate Victims Of Mortar Attack -- 10/30/2005
Security Force In The North Continue To Put Down Terrorist Activities -- 10/30/2005
Foreign-Fighter Leader Targeted -- 10/29/2005
Husaybah Terrorist Strongholds Destroyed -- 10/29/2005
U.S. Central Command Air Forces Support Pakistan Aid -- 10/29/2005
U.S. Soldiers Stop Potential Ied Attacks -- 10/28/2005
Afghan, U.S. Forces Conduct Offensive Operations In Oruzgan Province -- 10/28/2005
Terrorists Killed In Bombing -- 10/28/2005
III MEF Marines And Sailors Prepared To Deploy To Pakistan For Relief Efforts -- 10/28/2005
Terrorists Fleeing Attack Scenes Nabbed By U.S. Soldiers -- 10/28/2005
Uss Cleveland Provides 280 Tons Of International Relief Supplies -- 10/28/2005
Late-Night Explosion Leads To Early Morning Arrests -- 10/28/2005
Insurgents Killed, Weapons Seized In Ramadi -- 10/27/2005
CFLCC Quake Aid Continues At Port -- 10/27/2005
Mosul Terrorists Cell Leader Killed -- 10/26/2005
Task Force Baghdad Soldiers Uncover Weapons Cache -- 10/26/2005
More Helicopters Enroute To Pakistan -- 10/25/2005
Terrorist Stronghold Raided -- 10/25/2005
U.S. Soldiers Find, Destroy Roadside Bombs -- 10/25/2005
Car Bomb Attacks Fail; Soldier Fires On Cement Truck -- 10/24/2005
Stryker Brigade Unearths Another Large Weapons Cache Near Rawah -- 10/24/2005
Explosions At Baghdad Hotels, Soldiers And Iraqi Forces Secure Area -- 10/24/2005
Iraqi, U.S. Forces Catch Terrorists In The Act -- 10/23/2005
Uss Cleveland, Seabees To Take Relief Equipment To Pakistan -- 10/23/2005
Significant Strides Made In Operation Restoring Rights -- 10/22/2005
Stryker Brigade Uncovers Huge Weapon Caches Near Euphrates River -- 10/22/2005
Coalition Forces Raid Husaybah Foreign Fighter Safe Houses -- 10/22/2005
Task Force Liberty Soldiers Find Cache, Detain Suspects In Bayji -- 10/21/2005
Coalition Forces Destroy Terrorist Safe House -- 10/21/2005
Female Detainee Released -- 10/21/2005
Ramadi-Based Zarqawi Lieutenant Killed -- 10/20/2005

The SETBACKS = 3
Charges Filed Against Two U.S. Soldiers For Alleged Assault -- 10/30/2005
U.S. Soldier Dies Of Non-Combat Wounds -- 10/26/2005
UPDATE: Alleged Misconduct By U.S. Forces -- 10/20/2005

The CORRECTIONS = 2
Press Statement: Recent Reports On Bargram Detainee Escape Misleading -- 11/02/2005
Points Of Clarifications - Media Reporting That Helicopters Will Stop Flying -- 10/31/2005

Every week I am going to post the good, the setbacks, and corrections here at PCS to LinkedInUSAF. Look for an installment every Wednesday night or Thursday morning and get your weekly dose of optimism.

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Protection from above - EC-130H Compass Call

2005-10-28T00:41:00.000-07:00

Shivers all over, that's the least I can say right now! Check this out!

[U.S. Air Force Photo by Capt. James H. Cunningham]

I have supported this "archangel" when I was stationed at Rhein Main AFB, Germany. Knowing that she patrols the skies, blanketing our troops below, kept me in a very restful sleep when I was active duty. I cannot say enough about the role our C-130 hardware has done for the US Military. Coupling the EC-130 with the MC-130 Talon and Talon II birds makes for a bad day - if you are the enemy!

Capt. James H. Cunningham, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, published an article today in Air Force Link News about Compass Call and how she keeps soldiers on the ground, in theater and elsewhere, very safe. Let's just drop a few facts on you from this story. Like, what the platform is most successful at doing:

"The Compass Call essentially provides an electronic shield around ground forces. The shield gives friendly forces freedom to do their job, while denying the enemy the ability to use many of their technological assets. It is a mission that has garnered customer respect."

OK, geek speak, she blankets the field with friendly signals, stripping the enemies use of the airwaves. It is a matter of simple radio signal ... OK, I'll stop now. Look, just try running your old 1.5 Cubic foot microwave, WiFi LAN, and talk on your 2.4GHz telephone all at once! Get the picture! Oh yeah, that's the ticket.

This is not her only function. When I was transitioning from USAFE (Rhein Main AFB) to SAC (Offutt AFB) we were going whole-hog into JTIDS (Joint Tactical Information Distribution System). Compass Call's new, not so new but heightened, role makes JTIDS a small Fisher-Price Walkie Talkie! We're so connected now, as Mr. T used to say, "I pity the fool!" if they mess with us. Sheesh, USAF alone, put GlobalHawk and Predators in the air, the FA-22, U-2, E-3 Sentry, AC-130H Spectres and AC-130U U-Boat/Spooky IIs, MC-130 Talon IIs, and EC-130 Compass Calls ... stand back 'cause the US Air Force is coming - you just can't see us.

Now, link all this support up with the US Army and US Marine Corps battlefield command systems and COMMS! Which, in turn, links to MH-53s and MH-60s, Cobras, Blackhawks, M1-A1/2 Abrams, UAVs ... oh, man ... I need not go on, you get the picture.

One more thing from Capt. Cunningham's article:

"Providing an umbrella of electronic protection over ground forces has become the role of EC-130H Compass Call aircraft here."

"But since November 2004, the 41st Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron has taken that role to the next level by supporting more than 1,500 air support requests, or ASRs."

And as Lt. Col. Dean “Clean” Worley, the squadron commander says in this article:

“We are essentially providing electronic close-air support”

You might see a C-130 one day, on the tarmac, and you just might give her a pass. I mean, let's be honest, she's old! But the C-130 4-prop has been the mainstay of US Air Force hardware. You cannot deny that in the role she plays as the EC-130, there is no substitute - and a serious threat if she no longer played that role. Her closest sibling is the new C-130J - a 6-prop airframe (uh-huh, I said 6-prop). Herc enthusiasts love the pre-J model because she has carried them from place to place, and way back when, to safety. Their love is very deep and you can experience some of that love at the C-130 Hercules HQ Message Board. And, teams still using her like the 7th SOS know just how important, and loved, this "archangel" is to them.

She may be slow, she may be old, but she watches over you and gets you there safe. Gotta love her!

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

100 Years of Flight - USAF Then and Now

2005-10-17T23:52:00.000-07:00

On October 5th, 1905, Orville and Wilbur Wright propelled (no pun intended - OK, pun intended) the world into a new and wondrous era: FLIGHT. There is no mistaking that without this day in history, and the tireless (oh boy, another pun - these won't stop!) research, planning, and execution of these two men, there would be no United States Air Force.

[U.S. Air Force photo]

Well, OK, maybe it would have happened, but these two are "Heartlanders"!!!

Hello! Dayton Ohio!! Wright-Patt AFB!!! Heartland, there is no doubt!

'Nothin' better than some down home ingenuity and American drive to succeed!

And, what's even scarier? ONE HUNDRED YEARS AND TEN DAYS later, October 15th, 2005, the Air Force deployed the first F/A-22 RAPTOR to Hill AFB, Utah. Training, shmaining ... this bird's real!!!

[U.S. Air Force photo by Judson Brohmer]

The Raptor is one of the most impressive engineering success stories, next to my favorite the SR-71! Let's be honest, my friends, the leaps and bounds the invention of the airplane has taken the US Air Force in 100 years is astonishing! After WWII and the Army Air Corps becoming the USAF, our proud day, September 18th, 1947, the US Air Force has been "burning up the JP4" in an amazing display of commitment, pride, and love of flight. Our great-great-great-Grandfathers, Orville and Wilbur, I am sure are most certainly proud of our achievements.

To keep these planes in the air, and always on target, there are thousands upon thousands of airmen, commissioned and noncommissioned, giving their all. As General Myers said last year, on our birthday,

"Today’s Air Force inherits a tremendous legacy: A century of flight and a history of boundless accomplishments. That legacy is in very good hands. On behalf of the Joint Chiefs, to all the men and women in the U.S. Air Force who serve, and have served, I thank you. Happy birthday U.S. Air Force!"

And there is a feeling between us all that not many can explain. We don't really have a great nickname like "Jarhead", "Grunt", "Squid", "SeaBee", or "Seal". Maybe some call us "Zoomie", but, huh? "Flyboy" ... just not gritty enough, wouldn't you say?

Do airmen actually need a gritty nickname? Do we need a movie named "Zoomie" to make us feel good? Is it important that our history, solid USAF history, only goes back 58 years? I mean, the history of the US Navy goes waaaay back, as does the US Army and United States Marine Corps. Air Force history, they ask?

Uh-huh, history, in a short extremely powerful burst! ABs ON FULL!!!

Should we be defined by our 58 years of service? Our service being that of AIR SUPERIORITY, SECURITY OF SPACE, MULTIPLE DELIVERY MECHANISMS, IMMEDIATE AND SEAMLESS DEPLOYMENT, CONSTANT READINESS, INSTANTANEOUS INFORMATION DISSEMINATION, and AIR FOCUSED THREAT COVERAGE for our fellow service members holding the line on the ground.

Once again, as General Myers so aptly stated,

"The war on terrorism is a war we must win to preserve our freedoms and protect our way of life. The U.S. Air Force has a crucial role in this war, accomplishing vital expeditionary and long-range combat missions, along with dozens of other missions critical to our national security: flying satellites, controlling airfields, maintaining our ballistic missile fleet, training technicians and leaders, and many more. Preserving our liberties takes determination, hard work and talent. The task is huge, but I stand completely confident that America’s Airmen are up to the challenge."

Are we to be defined by all this, and an ever changing future?

Well, yes, we should. And we should be damn proud of what we have accomplished in these very short 58 years, I must add!

Oh, and the one thing that General Myers is not able to say, out loud, is God Bless the United States Air Force, and her retired, separated and active duty airmen. I am sure he feels it, but in these times he is not able to say it.

Therefore, I say God Bless General Myers for being there for all of us. Thank you for protecting us and our families, and may you have continued success!

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

The Trek, Waypoints, Bridges - LinkedInUSAF

2005-10-09T23:39:00.000-07:00

I was reading Sara Horton's sites Faith at the Front and A Greater Freedom yesterday. I just love the way she, and the other writers, communicate. I hope some day to get as expressive and clear. I'm still working on keeping my paragraphs from getting blown out of shape! Sara's writing got me thinking: who, and what, out there gets me to write to all you LinkedInUSAF folks?

On the right-hand sidebar of the LinkedInUSAF blog there are some links and then a "Noteworthy Blogs" blogroll. You could hop around and read, at any point and time, any one of these blogs and come away with something informative, inspirational, or flat out funny. You're not being forced to read the sites and blogs that I do. Maybe a few questions have come to the fore in your mind, which is only natural.

Do you ever wonder why I go to read these sites? Do you think that these sites influence what is written here? Do you think this is what our site is all about and you don't agree with the position from this other blog? Do you think I should take down a link, 'cause that person or position is counter to what you believe, feel, or want to hear? Do you wonder why it is your blog is not up on the list, 'cause other people have you in their blogroll?! I have no idea if these, or any other questions, are on your mind because I cannot read your mind.

Poignant, eh?

To be honest, every site on the list has some piece of information that ties in to what I am trying to do here at PCS to LinkedInUSAF. Be sure to internalize what I said just now: "every site" not "everyone". If you think that the sites and blogs listed are a person, since they are of a personal nature, you are already off the mark. The fact that there is someone behind Hooah.net, Dude, Where's the Beach, I Love Jet Noise, Little Green Footballs, does not mean that I like that person - I want their information to be available to you. I hope to build a relationship between you, my reader, and those other writers out there with an open heart and care for their neighbor.

OK, life changing point being made there, d'ya catch it? I am an info-greedy-writer connecting folks in a network. I intend no umbrage or fulfill some conspiracy related to some crass delight in stealing from other sites. I'm not stealing, but building something far greater.

Social Networking is a powerful, structured, and expansive way of providing support to those in need. The only way someone in need, say your neighbor, can benefit from your help is if you know that person. By using Social Networking to build connections between neighbors, help can come at any time from many directions. Even pay it forward becomes capable, in fact simple. Yet Social Networking is limited in that one person (or node) often becomes a hub. The true power is realized when successful connections are made between hubs.

LinkedIn^TM is a professional Social Networking tool. I have been using their product for quite some time - and I love it! I also love the United States Air Force. I am motivated to help any of my former, present, and future brethren in arms serving in the US Air Force. I have a sizeable professional network available through my association and use of LinkedIn^TM. Several of my connections love the USAF, LinkedIn^TM, and have multiple-fold larger professional networks. Once we connect our respective networks, the troubled waters our neighbors encounter are no more than a beautiful stream, far beneath us - an obstacle or heartache no more.

Bridging.

In navigating through this great life, each person is a waypoint along the way. And each waypoint is a bridge across life's obstacles - those great and turbulent waters. Your information is key to the success of the journey. Think of our using your information and support as one more segment in an even greater bridge.

Some day, I might ask you to be a part of this great bridge. You may not see your blog or favorite site called out in the sidebar. Rest assured you are an integral part of this journey and I'll make sure everyone knows. Most importantly, those that you help along our trek know that you made their lives just a tad bit easier.

Thanks for all your help, yesterday, today, and yes, tomorrow.

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

The Pentagon, Branding, and LinkedInUSAF Launches

2005-10-05T20:53:00.000-07:00

OK, holding back the need to just type like a madman!

Earlier this week I spoke with the Pentagon - yep, for real, no more Phone-Tag for both Captain Halfhill and I. My schedule has been so busy that it has been hard for the both of us to connect. Now that we have, I better understand why I cannot use the USAF Hap Arnold Wings:

in our LinkedInUSAF group badge on LinkedIn^TM. One concern that the Air Force has is they are unable to regulate the speech and content being communicated via blogs, Yahoo! Groups like our LinkedInUSAF Yahoo Group, and other personal websites. Even though I continue to keep the rhetoric and flaming to nil, I can understand exactly the orders that Capt. Halfhill must execute.

Still a bummer. So, I created a new one:

A huge THANK YOU to Captain Halfhill for taking the time out of her day to clarify with me, person to person, the situation. Dedication to her mission, and desire to keep me informed, is very much appreciated. Branding and messaging is very important for any organization, and I can respect the decision the Department of the Air Force has made.

And, then ...

While hopping around on the MilBlogs and messing with JP's new Milblogging.com site, I checked in with the LinkedIn^TM Groups folks. I was wondering when I would get my group activated. I sent an e-mail to the person in charge of my account - 10 minutes later I get a response! Yeah, 10 MINUTES LATER! That was flippin' fast, I'm A Tellin' You!

Net-Net, LinkedIn^TM is going to activate the LinkedInUSAF group on MONDAY! Yeah!!!

So, if you are a LinkedIn^TM member, active duty or ex-USAF, get "Linked" to me or Derek Kottke. The instructions on how to get the LinkedInUSAF badge on your LinkedIn profile will be distributed within the LinkedInUSAF Yahoo Group. Link to us, then get in the group!

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Deep Respect, Deep Sorrow, Deep Feelings

2005-10-04T00:52:00.000-07:00

*-*-*-- UPDATE --*-*-*

On October 7th, 2005, Air Force Link provided a great piece in regards to A1C Jacobson's memorial. I've included the pieces that spoke the most to me, here. Please visit the Air Force Link article to see the entire story, and accompanying photo.

FROM SSGT HUNT, 386TH ESFS - BEING A FRIEND

“She was my troop, my friend and a person only few have been lucky enough to know,” said Staff Sgt. Katrina Hunt, of the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron.

FROM COL TIMOTHY HALE, WING COMMANDER - COURAGE AND DEDICATION

“Of course, we don’t have any of those answers. But because we have the questions, we clearly have a responsibility to stand in the breach for her,” he said. “We are not just the beneficiaries of her bravery; we are the stewards of her sacrifice.”

LT COL DAVID BRIAR, 586TH ESFS COMMANDER - HER DAD

“I spoke to her dad the day after. We both grieved and then he told me how she was excited to be (deployed) and working on convoys,” he said.

HER ESFS FLIGHT - THE CEREMONY

As the ceremony continued, a small flight of her security forces comrades stood at parade rest until all the remarks were complete. Then NCO in charge of the flight called them to attention and began a roll call. Each name was called and each Airman responded with “here,” until Airman Jacobson’s name was called out.

“Airman Jacobson,” the Sergeant said.

No reply.

“Airman 1st Class Jacobson,” he said again.

No reply.

“A1C Elizabeth Jacobson,” he said finally.

No reply.

Then as bag pipes softly played “Amazing Grace” over the chapel speakers, a solitary security forces Airman slowly carried a folded flag forward and placed it in a memorial display near the inverted M-16, helmet and boots.

Through the open chapel doors, the voice of a firing squad team leader gave commands. Following each series of commands, the crack of synchronized rifles firing single shots echoed through the doors. Then, from a distance, a single bugler played “Taps.”

THE LETTER - OPTIMISM

The final ceremonial tribute came from a letter Airman Jacobson had written for family and friends which was read aloud by Sergeant Hunt. The short letter ended with, “I also believe in love and here is my quote. We’re only on Earth for a little while, so live life to the fullest and carry a smile.”

=== ORIGINAL POST -- 4 October, 2005 ===
Yesterday I posted regarding the passing of Rhein Main AFB. Rhein Main closed September 30th, 2005. And now, it seems that there was more afoot than just a base being closed on that ill fated day - death has darkened the doorstep of the U.S. Air Force.

We have lost an airman, an airman in arms protecting others, an airman that shall not be forgotten.

Air Force Link provides specifics regarding the tragic death of one member of the U.S. Air Force Security Forces. A1C Elizabeth Jacobson was killed while protecting her convoy - yes her convoy. I submit that anyone placing their life in harms way, in a security role (protecting a convoy), has ownership and stewardship privilege. When that stewardship has been snatched away, by force or treason, the debt those under protection incur is enormous. This is not guilt, I say, but debt of gratitude. I was not under her stewardship, but I offer my gratitude for her protecting my family and I from a very long distance.

My first true interaction with the SPs, ironically, took place at of all bases Rhein Main AFB. I maintained my marksman ribbon for some time, and was asked to assist the Security Police as an augmentee. Now, you SPs out there know how scary it can be to give a "toolbox jockey" a fully loaded M-16! But, you guys also gave me a TRUCK! After my first day, no less ... sheesh, I'm still not sure why? I mean, when I jumped on the back of the bus, rifle (secure, I assure you), rounds, an 'FMS' cap (the avionics shop was in FMS on Rhein Main, not AMS), reflector lens sun glasses, and an easy going attitude, I felt a cold shudder resound throughout that bus!

OK, no one was scared, I'm exaggerating a bit here!

After a few days on the flightline, blocking a C-130 that jumped the red line, jacking up a maintenance truck FULL of guys from my shop, and working with dedicated teams of SPs, I can say that my respect for the flightline and its safety grew one hundred fold. I knew it was hard work, and I respected what SPs and the Security Teams on the perimeter were doing. But until I lived it, even a little, I really did not know the depth.

In war, Defensor Fortis is placed in harms way more often. Therefore, I am saddened today by the death of A1C Jacobson. Even though I do not know her, I knew SPs only by working the flightline, and I have been away from the flightline for many, many, years. My prayers go out to Airman First Class Elizabeth Jacobson, her family, her friends, her fellow airmen still in harms way, and all the past and present U.S. Air Force Security Teams.

Thanks to SlagleRock for getting me fired up. If you too have a blog, please link back to SlagleRock's piece - let's get some prayers and warmth going to A1C Jacobson's family and friends!

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

A Sad Note from the Air Force Association

2005-10-02T23:12:00.000-07:00

September 30th, 2005, Rhein Main AFB is no more. It is a sad day for me, many others that have been stationed there, and countless hundreds of thousands that have processed through to get to their duty station. In fact, there are so many memories associated with Rhein Main AFB I think there are tons and tons of content that can fill numerous books!

For me there are several events that mark my days at Rhein Main AFB:

A major fire on the first floor rotunda area that resulted in major damage - new furniture being stored is torched by a pyromaniac destroying everything and causing evacuation of the BAQ
A Flying Tigers cargo plane has a pallet get loose on take-off, does a wheelie and slides off the runway into some mud - runway is down for about two days (I have photos I'll put here some day)
242 Marines (may they rest) are killed in Beirut, Lebanon and are processed by Rhein Main personnel - the whole base was shaken that day and there were some very mad US Military personnel for quite a long time (ok, I'm still pissed off!)
During the Rhein Main AFB Air Show in May of 1983 a Canadian F-104 loses all hydraulics and crashes 10 miles from downtown Frankfurt, destroying a parking lot near an active soccer field, hitting one car killing the six occupants - the pilot stayed with it ALL THE WAY TO THE LAST 100 FT!!! to keep away from Frankfurt, punched out, and survived!
More and more opportunity to work closely with the 7th SOS - a huge step up in mission and the beginnings of my contact with AWESOME (aircraft with extraordinary security ops mission expectations)

There are so many more events of which I cannot comment. Not to be flip - I just cannot.

Rhein Main AFB is where I had the opportunity to live on the German economy. I rented an apartment in Langen with two other guys (they were both in the Radar Shop). Two of us bought our first car - a Mercedes 180 with a sunroof. We drove that car into the ground. When that car died I bought a Motobecane 10-Speed and rode to work - even in the freezing rain - through the forest or along the roads near the "pits". I then rented a place on my own in Heusenstamm. I bought a Spitfire 1500 from one of the SSgts in my shop. That convertible that took me all over Germany, until I upgraded to a Dodge Charger 2.2 (sweet). My Charger took me all the way to West Berlin, Luxembourg, Netherlands, France, Switzerland, and all over Frankfurt. The autobahn ... yeah!!!

I remember the chow hall on Mids. I remember being able to ride my bike under the runway approach and watch 747s fly right over. I remember going to the "pits" to recuperate after a huge night in Sachsenhausen. I remember riding the "Troop Train" to Berlin to play soccer when I was a member of the USAFE Base Soccer League. The game was Rhein Main AFB Soccer Team -vs- Templehauf Air Station Soccer Team (USAF). We lost 'cause Opah (our coach) would not get NEAR East Germany even to get to West Berlin! I remember sleeping on my A-Bag on the flightline after coming back from Flintlock. I remember the base being closed because devices were found on the railroad tracks coming onto the base. I remember driving through the forest to get to the "hangars at the end". I remember Sheet Metal hating me 'cause I found greater than 70% of the Doppler Radome fasteners were out of tolerance (I am sure they wish I never knew what a speed-handle was!). I remember laying under a C-130 on "Charlie" row, in the pouring rain, sealing a radome after an R-Square on the Doppler antenna - and then falling asleep waiting for the OpsCheck to finish with half my body out the cockpit window 'cause the heater was on so HOT that I couldn't feel my arm for 10 minutes!!!

Farewell, Rhein Main AFB. Maybe someday I'll get to visit, as a civilian.

[HT back to Sisyphean Musings - he bought his wedding rings at the BX on Rhein Main AFB - they're still married CONGRATS!!!]

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Eye on your privacy - "Book Sellers" You Out

2005-09-30T00:20:00.000-07:00

That is a bit difficult to read, wouldn't you say? But what would you say if someone told you that one of the nation's largest book printers and sellers was doing just that - to you?

As I was perusing my blogger list, I stumbled on this headline, "McGraw Hill: Publisher to Avoid -- Spammer!". Now that really caught my attention! Especially when the blogger is a fellow plane lover and avid reader. I didn't suspect HogLog would be outing a spammer, so I just had to read the posting. I was shocked!

It seems that there is a whole lot of spammin' goin' on out there, and the spammer is McGraw Hill! Take this little warning from your glideslope system: PULL UP, GLIDESLOPE!

"But today, I found out that the company has been and continues to sell all its contact lists to subscribers. This includes lists they get from booksellers (such as Borders), lists they get from people returning comment cards, and even lists they get from the editorial side of the house."

Huh? The "continues to sell" was the big miscalculation of altitude. I didn't know it was that bad. Then, even after a slight correction, warning bells again: PULL UP, GLIDESLOPE!

"What's worse, McGraw-Hill has its spamming done by an outside Spam house, EDITH ROMAN HOLDINGS, which probably commingles the McGraw-Hill addresses with those it uses to push Herbal V1AggRA and GENUINE FAKE ROLEX. (There appears to be a connection to some kind of spam gang based in Egypt, as well)."

SHEESH!!! Buying a book is no longer safe anymore. What the heck has happened?

What's even more HILARIOUS is that McGraw Hill is selling an anti-spam toolkit book!

Thanks for the warning, HogLog!

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

OK, I can honestly say, JP Made Me Do It!!!!

2005-09-29T00:11:00.000-07:00

There is no way that I would be doing this for any sort of return. I do not, and will not, take anything in return for doing this blog entry to help JP over at Hooah.Net. He is working on building enough internet momentum to provide superb traction for SoldierFoto - I want to do my part. If you are reading this, please do your part as well by writing a small blog item and then direct a "Trackback" to JP and SoldierFoto.

Now you ask, what am I going to do with my "Thank You" from JP if I win (picture Tiara atop my camo-covered-helmet)? I am donating the photo offer made if I win to another soldier, their direct family, or one of their close friends. I want my free offer to go to one of the people in his photos. It is my way of giving back to those that have served or are serving now. Why not let that person that was with JP give a little something of their sacrifice to someone they love?

This isn't huge, just something I thought might bring a smile to someone out there. Someone that would enjoy a snapshot of their son or daughter, nephew or niece, cousin, uncle or aunt, dad or mom, grampa or gramma (or gran and grandad, whichever term you hold dear!).

Yes, I served, and so did JP. I am not serving now. There are many fine men and women that are serving now to keep me, my wife, my two daughters, and my family safe.

So, TRACKBACK you slackers! Sheesh, do these slow moving CRACKHEADS need a SWIFT kick once in a great while. OK, maybe more than a great while, it feels like every twenty dang minutes!

(I feel like saying in Gollum/Smeagol's voice, "My Precious" right about now - JP was in my head there for a moment, sorry)

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Military.com: Officials Warn of Donation Scams

2005-09-27T01:43:00.000-07:00

!!! LinkedInUSAF WARNING !!!

Military.com posted a warning today about scammers and donations for hurricane relief. In short, they are warning everyone to ensure that the organization is legitimate. An article sent to me as an e-mail update dated today from Military.com stated the following:

"The fraudulent activities are not restricted to web pages. E-mail solicitations for donations are also prevalent. There are several avenues people can take to ensure any donation they want to make goes toward the charity of their choice. One is through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The agency released a list of registered, legitimate charitable organizations ... which includes contact information for each organization..."

"Another avenue available to people is the USA Freedom Corps, a coordinating council housed at the White House ... through its website at www.usafreedomcorps.gov. Also, Air Force Aid Society officials announced the establishment of a hurricane relief fund where the organization can track contributions being made specifically for the purpose of helping Airmen affected by the hurricane. People can find information about this program through the AFAS Website. People who receive suspicious e-mails or who are directed to suspicious Websites should report the activity to the Federal Trade Commission at www.consumer.gov/sentinel or call them at (877) 382-4357."

So, help your neighbor and airman, just keep a wary eye out for scum!

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF

Postcards from the edge of LinkedInUSAF

2005-09-25T23:51:00.000-07:00

Word came in from the Pentagon and I cannot use the "Hap Arnold Wings" in my image for this group. It's too bad, 'cause I think the flow between all the objects seemed just right. And, the colors were too dang cool, ya know?!

Oh well, I have built another one. This time, ya can't play celebrity smack-down on this one. I mixed up a couple of things, plus a photo I found a billion years ago from a friend and whacked these images into one badge for the group. I hope everyone that is a member likes the new badge! Leave a comment so I can close this out later this week.

On another note, a few more people have joined the Yahoo Group. Welcome! We are growing slowly, but for ex-USAF folks to join I believe that there may be a misunderstanding. I figured I'd jot down what the group is all about to clear things up.

The LinkedInUSAF Yahoo Group is:

For retired, separated, and active duty USAF personnel. ONLY. This blog is open to anyone, so have fun!!!
There are no dues or duties - joining the group is free!
You can turn messages to either digest or off to keep the chatter down.
Log in whenever you want to check out the information we have available.
Put your connection information up if you want folks to contact you.
Add your LinkedIn profile information so that others may connect with you too!

As for this blog, it is open to everyone, no restrictions, so have fun and add comments as you go.

Stay Tuned to ... LinkedInUSAF