capt4fans

OK I hate to be the one to call it, but this thread is being hijacked and totally taken off target. Most of the last posts can be directed to the thread "Leadership at the 'Deid". I realize not all of you are at the Deid, but that thread follows along with most of the last 6 or so posts in this thread. Rant off....back to your regular scheduled thread.

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MSgt Coleman, I'm sure the people that were invloved that day were satisfied with the job that they did and happy that they got to put their talents to good work. Not everyone has to be given a gold star everytime they do a good job, and just because you got left out of an article dosen't mean you need to take precious time out of your day to make sure that your people get recognized in a national publication. Next time, take the time out of your day to go shake the hands of the people who did their job expertly, give them a heartfelt thanks, and then forget to write this pathetic excuse of a letter to the editor that basiclly says, "Oh, oh, I was there too. Why wasn't I mentioned?"

Yep is was in the exact same issue that the retired MSgt from Randolph backed Melissa. I think even more highly of the Texas ANG now.

I know this article and the responses are old, but here's the second reply to Air Force Times that was posted right after the retired MSgt from Randolph. I'm currently a HERC pilot and will do my twenty (thanks to being late rated.) When I get done with the twenty, I hope to go to the Texas Guard, and I hope to God that there's still leadership there like the Colonel Bob Waters, Jr. Sir, If I ever have the pleasure of running into you in this lifetime, you drink free all night. "I bet your recent article showing Capt. Melinda Hammond wearing a FUBAR patch received a lot of attention! I’m also willing to bet the majority of the furor missed what really matters: What could possibly lead a highly experienced, sevencombat-deployment aircraft commander to display such a strong sentiment? To find the answer, just look at the rest of the magazine. Almost every picture describes Airmen as members of expeditionary squadrons. What happened to their home-station, combat-ready, status-ofresources- and-training system-reported and inspector general, staff assistance visit and aircrew standardization and evaluation visit-inspected squadrons? Oh, that’s right — under the current model, we just train and equip our folks then loan them out piece-meal to assemble “Frankenstein” squadrons in the combat zone. Our young Airmen are nurtured and mentored at home, then thrown together with supervisors and commanders who have no future responsibility or liability for their careers or professional development. These expeditionary units change and morph monthly, with little continuity or esprit de corps. Commanders must focus on operations, force protection and all the other hazards of war, while trying to build a team under fire. It’s like trying to play the New England Patriots with an all-star team that just started practicing last week. Sure, you’ve got some great players, but not a team. I have seen some commanders manage to function in this town is Archbald, not Archibald, but that is a common error. I would like to say thank you to all of our men and women in uniform, and also to those who report on them. But others revert to simple regulatory enforcement with the hopes of surviving the assignment without a major alcohol, sexual or war-crimes incident, getting a Bronze Star and returning to their “real” units. Why do we hamstring commanders with this concept when they have already constructed solid squadrons, groups and wings back at home? On top of this problem, you have the additional, M.A.S.H.-type comedy at Bagram Air Base of cipher locks on the bathroom doors to prevent Army troops from using Air Force facilities. Airmen ordered to not use open and available Army laundry facilities while waiting seven to 10 days for “KBRsupplied” [Kellogg, Brown and Root] services. Airmen who weren’t wearing white socks with their approved PT gear ordered out of the gym. Always better to sit in your “hooch,” rather than appear in a combat zone out of uniform. An evaluator, aircraft commander with more than a dozen Air Medals being grounded for 14 days for wearing an OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom) ball cap while jogging in PT gear; and an F-15 pilot grounded because his mustache was out of regs. Comeon leaders, think about what’s behind all this! Let’s employ the squadrons, groups and wings we already have to fight this war. Commander’s must lead their Airmen, and Airmen must follow their commanders, not just the leader de jour. Make both sides accountable, faithful, responsible and dedicated to each other’s success. It’s the way the military was designed to work from the days of the Roman legions. I protect the person to my left with my shield; they protect me with their sword. Let’s stop playing this war like some kind of “pick-up” basketball game and seriously rework the construct we use to deploy our most valuable asset — our Airmen. I think you’ll find a lot less FUBAR." Col. Bob Waters Jr. Texas Air National Guard

We got the "privilege" of wearing our reflective belts all week long in support of some other squadron that was on the hook for an ASEV, or some kind of inspection. I had to go over to finance on Monday, and found the entire section of them, inside, in the middle of the day, sitting at their cubicles wearing their reflective belt. I heard rumor that the entire MPF was doing the same thing. I really thought I was going to lose my lunch when I walked into finance. Talk about a bunch of tools.....

Which part about don't give them any ideas didn't you get.....don't you realize that the WG/CC's and OG/CC's troll this board after hours in order to figure out how to make our life even more miserable??

Since when did flyers (read non-fighter types) start having to use the STS? It's about as gay as the day is long, and last I remembered from my previous airframe, was reserved for Weapons weenies who couldn't help but laugh every time someone said "69", or "put out."

I was at Salem last summer, and now having been at the Deid, I'd give it up in a heartbeat in order to go back to Salem. That being said, I have to relay a quote that one of my buddies that was there last summer said. Outside at the smoke pit and with our Cubans from Jordan, talking about how far that base had come, and he says, "You know if they make this base any nicer, they're going to kick out the Herc Guys and turn it over to the C-17's." After being there last summer and the changes to now, the miniscule number of Hercs that are there, I see just how right he was.

More info than the thread asked for, but figured it was worth it. Family has been at it since the Civil War, and maybe even before that. Third generation pilot in my family. Grandfather Mom's side--Flew in the Air Force during WWII mostly training other guys and ferry flights, then went on to several now defunct companies and flew for 20+ years. Grandfather Dad's side--Did ROTC at the same University I graduated from, but for the Army. Back when Calvalry actually had horses and pulled guns around. Changed serviecs during WWII and retired from the AF as an O-5. First one in the family to be stationed at Vance. Dad--Was in Class 70-02 at Vance (second on in the family and probably flew some of the same Tweets I did) and then went on to Fly BUFFS and on to Space Command after that. Retired after 20 years. Uncle--Retired as an O-5 in the Army. Uncle--Did a 4 year stint and got out as a Capt back in the early 70's. Uncle--Did almost 20 years on the Enlisted side and then got out. Mostly missles. Father-in-law--Did 20 years and retired as a Master Sergeant. (Did a long stint at Vance.....see a trend here???) Cousin--Graduated from USMA and did his 6 years. Sister-in-law--Did her time active as a nurse, moved to the reserves and then finally got out at the begining of this year. Brother-in-law--Did 20 years mostly as an AGE guy (Let's hear it for AGE!!!!) and then got out as well. Wife--BMT and medically discharged, which worked out great. We never would have met if that hadn't happened. Me--Went to JSUNT and then on to the mighty AWACS (lol) for a tour before heading back to JSUPT at Vance (third generation at that base) and then on to the Herc as a Pilot. I agree that the three generations of the same model are cool, but I have to say that having three generations all transit the same base (Vance AFB for me) was even cooler. Just wish my Grandfather could have been well enough to travel to my graduation at UPT. Dad made it and even he thought the base was so close to what he remembered. A small aside, even my Father-In-Law did a stint at the base. Kinda cool in this age of downsizing and base closure. Cheers.

Bump...for all of you coming to the Deid, better have at least 3 refelctive belts packed in your gear. Enjoy......I'm boycotting the policy until I get called out...then I'm going to pull the reflective belt out of my jacket pocket, and say, "Sorry, I forgot to put it back on after I left the chow hall." Let's see how well that one goes over with a Shirt or two.

Not exactly the funniest, but figured it was worth sharing. Out in the range at Red Flag, and as the AWACS, had to keep repostioning the orbit, it was dead as a doornail on freq since it was the middle of the night, and I guess Seattle center was tired of our last request. AWACS: Seattle Center, request to repositon to ........... Center: Roger Sir, and just in case you need to move again, cleared to maneuver anywhere in the Northwest United States Let me know if you want to change alltitude. AWACS: Roger.

Here's the latest and greatest from your Leadership at the 'Deid. Apparently the 500 lights in CC have all gone dark at the same time. Reflective belts must be worn during the hours of darkness no matter the uniform in CC. Doesn't matter if you're walking from your lodging to the smoke pit, you better be able to be seen. Let me tell you what I think of this policy.... Safety_Slides_____Reflective_Belts___Riding_in_Beds_of_Trucks.ppt

A few more that might get a thumbs up or two

Sorry, I got to this discssion late...let me point you to page 24 of AFI 36-2903 where it refers to "Figure 2.6. Men’s and Women’s Physical Fitness Gear (PT)." I could be wrong, but I think gear is different than Uniform. Rant off.

2, 2, a million times, 2. I can see just how much this 120 is going to suck. Any chance I can get my tour pushed back to Salem?

And another one.....

I refuse.... :flipoff: There's a reason the PT gear has reflective sh!t on it.

Are Crocs ok? And yeah 120 on 120 off 120 on 120 off is a great life. I'm ready to head to a MAJCOM just to get off the road a little. 180 every few years....I could go with that.

Heading that way soon for a 120. What's the latest on shoe wear back and forth from the showershousing for crews and the rest of the general questions. And should I leave my morale patch that says, "ADULT" at home? (Just kidding) No really I'm not.

Speaking of typos......

"2", "2", a million times over, "2"

And another one And another one

And no d!cks on the Crud table (seen at Randolph) by a GO's wife.....followed closely by an Article 15. (And he still made Major)