Operation Arctic Care 2010

Here is a local article highlighting the operation that I'm helping support in Alaska this week. Click here.

932nd Airlift Wing's DV Mission

Take a look at this three-minute video explaining my Air Force unit's unique mission. HF1

Attention Parents: Memorial Weekend

Just a quick post before running off to church... I wanted to make any parents or interested young adults aware of a short article suggesting things to do to honor Memorial Day. Writer Myrna Blyth has a short piece that offers several options to honor those who gave their lives in defense of the country. Read about it below. Original URL: here.



Soldier On
Memorial Day ideas.

By Myrna Blyth - 23 May 2008

Let’s admit it. For most kids, Memorial Day means the pools are open and the end of school is near. At most, watching TV, they may catch a glimpse of the president or vice president placing a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington, or notice that there are more old war movies on. Though this year, even the History Channel seems more focused on Indiana Jones.

So how does a parent observe this holiday in a meaningful way? In our book, How to Raise an American, Chriss Winston and I came up with some practical suggestions. One D.C. resident we know takes his children to the Vietnam Memorial early in the morning. It has become a family tradition, and as his children grow, so does their understanding of this holiday.

Almost every community has a ceremony at the local memorial, and many have parades. Take part in these activities with the kids. In Roxbury, Conn., a small town where I have a home, the Memorial Day parade stops at two of the town’s cemeteries. In the past, the names of every soldier from Roxbury who has died in the service of his country since the Revolutionary War have been read aloud.

Or, invite a veteran over and ask him to talk about his experiences. Older kids —from junior high up — can even record such memories and submit their interviews to the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress.

Do something that supports a soldier on active duty. Send a letter or a care package. Make a donation to a soldiers’ fund. Visit Soldiers’ Angels, which has a variety of suggestions for you and the kids, including sending letters, packages, and phone cards to the troops, and ‘blankets of hope’ to the wounded.

There are lots of craft activities for younger kids that require no more than a computer and printer. They can print out and color flags of the Army, Air Force, Marines, and the Navy. They can print out God Bless America bookmarks, stationery and a symbol for their webpage if they would like to design one honoring our soldiers. You can also find a Medal of Honor coloring book., or a Silver or Bronze Star. Ask them what act of bravery they think would deserve such a medal.

In fact, just talking may be the most important thing patriotic parents can do. In turn, kids may ask the toughest question of all: “But is America really worth dying for?” Though you and I may believe the answer is yes, explaining why is never easy. Certainly we have to acknowledge that we all feel tremendous pain when we hear of a soldier dying. Let them share their feelings, no matter how cynical they may sound. And don’t be startled or dismayed if they find this a very, very frightening question to consider. Who doesn’t?

At the end of the movie Saving Private Ryan, the main character comes to the realization that many soldiers have died to save him, and he is confused by their sacrifice. As Captain Miller, the platoon leader, lies dying, he challenges Ryan to “Earn it.” On Memorial Day it is important to tell our children that we honor the fallen of the past in the best way we can, by living responsibly, loving our country, and being grateful that there are men and women willing to make the greatest sacrifice to protect us and our freedoms.

— Myrna Blyth, long-time editor of Ladies Home Journal and founding editor of More, is author of Spin Sisters: How the Women of the Media Sell Unhappiness — and Liberalism — to the Women of America. Blyth is also an NRO contributor.

“Lef! Rah! Lef’! Yo Lef! Rah! Lo! Dubba Tahm!”

Centcom commander, U.S. Navy Admiral Willam Fallon began a “Centcom Run” after he arrived in March. Once a month, the 1,000 or so Centcom uniformed military types snarl up the morning commute for the thousands of other MacDill Air Force Base tenants like Special Operations Command, NOAA Storm Chasers, the 6th Air Mobility Wing and a few Coasties & Navy Reserves floating around here. (For some reason the DoD civilians and contractors choose to stay away. Must be their union!) I happen to think it’s good fun. Some of the Army and Marine Corps guys assigned to Centcom have drill sergeant experience and sing the cadence. The mood is upbeat and we can certainly use that here. Public Affairs just posted a bunch of the May and July photos. I even made two of the May photos. So I have proof that I have run (at least once.) [You can click on any photo for a close-up, as it can be difficult to read at the original size.]

Here’s the commander’s “Special Staff” of which the History Office is part. While we certainly look “special” as we run, it’s just a term for us misfit toys they don’t how to categorize. Other areas get cool “Joint Staff Numbers.” For example, Personnel is “J1”; Intelligence = J2; Operations = J3; Logistics = J4; Plans & Programs = J5; Communications & Computers = J6; Exercises & Training = J7; and Force Structure/Resources/Assessment = J8. The Admiral will snarl, “Get my three and five together and knock this situation out!” I’m just “Special.”

Oo! There’s my back! HF1

This Day in History - August 2, 1990

After I graduated USAF basic training on July 3, 1990, I headed for Air Transportation Journeyman School at Sheppard AFB (near Wichita Falls), Texas. I arrived on July 5th, 1990 and departed on August 21, 1990. On the morning of August 2, 1990 as I made my bed, the news on my clock radio broke in to announce that Iraqi forces had overrun the oil rich emirate of Kuwait. Being something of a news and geography geek, I had heard of Saddam Hussein, Kuwait, and Riyadh. My roommate asked just how bad this news might be. I remember saying something to the effect that there was no way U.S. forces would not somehow get involved in this volatile situation. We young recruits didn't know enough to know that we didn't know about so many facets of the military. We thought we'd complete training, return home, and then ship out to Saudi asap. Little did we know about specific unit callups, adequate training and experience thresholds, etc. Ah, youth. HF1

Hail the 440th!

A former colleague at GMIAP sent me this image of a 440th C-130 on the tarmac at Truax Field in Madison during the Rhythm & Booms show last month. Savvy photographer, since the fireworks were several miles away. HF1

Farewell, General Ghormley

My friend Ray Cleveland will often send a fascinating bio or obituary from a newspaper that makes you consider that person's remarkable achievements. Take a look at the vita of retiring Central Command Chief of Staff Major General (Two Stars) Timothy Ghormley, USMC. This man went to Vietnam in 1967 as an E-4 (corporal equivalent) and fought alongside native villagers his unit was embedded with. He went on to a commission, piloting F-4s and F/A-18s all the way up to senior assignments in the Marine Corps and joint tasks like CENTCOM. Yet in person this man is very gracious and a lion in meetings that need a leader. His official bio is here. Here's to Gen. Ghormley and a Marine's unique life. HF1

Power Lunch

Lt. Gen. Gary North, commander of "CENTAF" or simply put, the Air Forces under CENTCOM, needed to meet with some of the leadership here in Tampa. So, he and his executive officer did what any USAF general officer pilot might do: Take a couple of F-16s from Shaw AFB, SC to Tampa. Knock out some meetings and flight hour requirements. As part of their several hour visit, they invited some us AF cogs in the machine to dine at the O'Club. Sounds like a braggy message, but it's more of a message of great respect for the work the military and civilian folks are doing in service of their country every day. He asked us about our individual situations and then took some Q & A before taking off and enjoying the scenery over the eastern seaboard. He relayed the measured success we're having with this "surge" and acknowledged that we have some political hurdles to clear. He urged us to keep plugging away and keep our eyes on the job. It's when I turn the TV off and hang out with the folks here from O-9s to E-4s to Coalition partners that I get filled up for another day. Among many interesting subjects, the general expressed the huge appetite for more Intel troops. So tell those prospective people in your life that if they'd like to get schooled for free and do very interesting work with a lucrative post-mil-career, they should pursue what's commonly called "J2" in their service of choice. (of course AF is best..) Have a good week and I'll get some more posts with weekend photos up soon. HF1

One Year Ago in Georgia...

I had the high honor of accompanying two very talented media guys in the quest to provide 440th commander Colonel Merle Hart with a tribute video to present everyone in the wing. I decided to try my hand at this new Comic Life software. I had a great time guys. Here's to the memories! HF1

440th Airlift Wing HQ Officially In NC

It's official. The headquarters element of the 440th Airlift Wing, my former Air Force home, has moved to Pope Air Force Base in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Take a look at this tribute on Milwaukee's Channel 12 website. A small group, known as Detachment 2, will stay behind at Mitchell Field, clean things up, and lock the gates no later than February. Sad, but known since 2005. Farewell friends.

HF1

My Stab at Diversity

I was asked recently to write a diversity column from an educator's point of view for a publication I'm involved with. Tired of the same eduindustry touchy-feely junk, I took the opportunity to share my thoughts. I hope it stands clear of that sort of stuff.

"As a middle school teacher my administration expects me to celebrate diversity. But what does that mean? Is it a special series of posters? Is it a worksheet downloaded from the Internet or special recipes at the cultural fair? I can assure you, teenagers possess a sixth sense that sees right through that sort of approach.

I returned to Webster's Dictionary which defines diversity as "the quality of being made up of distinct characteristics, qualities or elements." My students, by their mere attendance demonstrate diversityevery day. Twenty-five percent of them are classified as learning disabled; 10 percent are gifted; 20 percent receive speech and language services. They play sports and help in the school play. They are the children of doctors, judges, cashiers or the unemployed. But they have one all-important thread in common. They are Americans.

After the year is finished and we've nailed the objectives and mailed the report cards, if I have made at least of few of them contemplate their unique gift as Americans, I will have succeeded. Success comes in building our own conscious worldview and then trying our imperfect best to
honor it. So I celebrate the commonality of our diverse young Americans.

For it is their respect, responsibility and shared sense of country that we're absolutely dependent on for our future."

Farewell General Mitchell Air Reserve Station

Personal Connection: I'm a member of the 440th Airlift Wing of the US Air Force Reserve. On 28 August a federal commission allowed the Pentagon to close Gen. Mitchell Air Reserve Station for good. The actual closure will happen in the next couple years. The 440th is scheduled to move to North Carolina. I could be bitter, but that will help nothing. Many lives of workers will be affected and that is very sad. But we need to get the 440th safely through its remaining responsibilities in this war and home safely. I'd ask that Wisconsinites say a simple prayer of thanks for the 50+ years of the 440th in Milwaukee and that those displaced persons find success in their next chapter in life. It's only going to get more surreal as we get closer to the end. Thanks all for the rewarding times and the support in challenges in the near future.