Scattered Thoughts . . .

I've often mentioned in this blog about struggling with spinal pain every day.  I mention it often because it is a significant daily pain.  Some days are better than others, however, some days I use a cane.  Some days I can't stand any longer than necessary to move from one spot to another.  Even though the pain stops me in my tracks often or even drops me to my knees, the pain has become a 'normal' every day thing so I actually do think of it as 'normal'.  I understand that and I accept that.  It isn't until I actually see some imaging of my spine that I am reminded of the severity of these injuries and these occasional reminders bring anger to the forefront. Why anger?  I get angry because the Air Force dragged their feet while I was in such intense pain that I could not sleep or think clearly.  Worse yet, they were actually a bit obstinate in acknowledging even my first line-of-duty injury nevermind acknowledging my extensive injuries flaring up in a subs

We again headed toward the airport the other day to greet Adam as he arrived from his last assignment. He is on his way to his new assignment and will be staying with us for a short while before continuing on to his new duty station.  It was a big 4th of July Parade day in all the towns surrounding Burlington so we were a little late getting to the airport which meant we didn't have time to visit the tower to watch Adam's plane arrive from up there... Nan and Pop arrived at about the same time as we did but parked at the opposite end of the parking garage... Adam arrived only a few minutes after our own arrival... Liza and the kids arrived shortly after Adam's arrival and we found them on our way to the luggage carousel... Kenzie surprised us by making a sneaky and very determined, direct beeline toward Uncle Adam and jumped up into his arms... As usual, we headed out to a nearby restaurant for a nice lunch together... Lukey w

Adam is visiting for a short while as he travels from his previous assignment to his next assignment. It has been nice catching up with him about stuff at home as well as Air Force stuff.   Last night, Adam realized that he had an award to show us and went digging through one of his bags...   Adam was recently awarded his second Air Force Achievement Medal (hence the reference to an "oak leaf cluster" on the certificate). The citation (the narrative describing his particular accomplishment for this medal) cannot be shown here because it contains classified and sensitive information but I can say that this is definitely a noteworthy achievement relating to specific Air Force operations and missions on multiple continents. Congratulations, Adam!

When I shot a bunch of photos the other day of some of our Christmas decorations and ornaments, I purposely did not include one...  This particular ornament was sitting too low because its string was too long. Because it was hanging too low, the bottom of the ornament was not visible because it was behind some tree branches... all that was visible in that photo was the top of the ornament so you really couldn't see what the ornament represents. This is an "Air Force" ornament, not a "United States" ornament so I refused to do anything with that original photo but delete it. This "Air Force" ornament is one that Sheila picked up at The Christmas Loft while we visited there recently with the grandkids. It is a nice shiny metal ornament of the Air Force Seal.  For me, the Air Force is family. I have a lot of Christmas memories with my Air Force family. Sheila now is indirectly part of Air Force family as well... hence the Air Force ornament

Yesterday was an event we have made one of our annual Christmas traditions over the past seven years... Wreaths Across America. The Civil Air Patrol cadets of the Green Mountain Composite Squadron in South Burlington, Vermont lay wreaths at the graves of each of our fallen Veterans before participating in a dignified wreath-laying ceremony under old glory at the center of this garden of stone. Today, however, this garden of stone was decorated for Christmas. For me, this is an event filled with fond memories, visions, shadows and ghosts. Yesterday's event was no exception.  As I was shooting photos... kneeling in the snow... sitting in the snow... standing in snow up to my knees... soaking all my clothing in freezing water... I kept seeing shadows and visions of my own past as Team Chief of a special team of the Air Force Honor Guard.  I had participated in countless ceremonies and funerals in countless cemeteries just like this one all across the country. I've stood in

When I saw this photo that I shot of Sheila and Kenzie, it immediately reminded me of a line which was said to me more than thirty years ago... "A little culture never hurt anyone". Although it was said to me decades ago, it is a line which has always stuck in my mind and is a line which I believe in deeply. Also, it is memorable line from a time of my life I will never forget.  I certainly agree with this sentiment. Culture is a good thing. Learning about as much culture as possible is a good thing. Understanding culture is important simply to become an understanding, educated person. Being exposed to a varied culture at a young age is a very good thing. Seeing Kenzie excitedly looking at the jacket of Les Miserables left me feeling good about exposing the kids to culture in art, music, and life.  A little over thirty years ago, my squadron commander said these very words to me... "A little culture never hurt anyone" and these words made a very deep imp

Waiting outside the recruiter's office... Back a few weeks ago, Sheila and I accompanied Adam to his first visit to an active duty Air Force recruiter. Since that first visit, Adam has been going alone but we felt it would be best to introduce ourselves to the recruiter right at the beginning so the recruiter would know that the family is familiar with the Air Force family and way of life. Things moved very quickly in that first week or so but then we moved into a syrupy, frustratingly slow "wait mode". That first week involved completing a ridiculously long application (I think it was 120 pages long) and lining up references. After submitting his application, he was scheduled for his first visit to the Military Entrance Processing Station otherwise known as MEPS. While at MEPS he passed his physical, psychological profile, drug testing and written exam (others in his group were not as fortunate), and then he actually signed a contract putting him into the Delayed

This week a new chapter has begun in Adam's life journey.  Now 18 years old, a Cadet/Chief Master Sergeant in the Civil Air Patrol/Air Force Auxiliary, a student pilot, and a hardware store sales associate, Adam is now in the process of enlisting in the US Air Force.   Adam has had two meetings with the recruiter this week with another meeting scheduled for tomorrow. He has already submitted his 120 page application. Next week is a visit to MEPS. For those unfamiliar with military acronyms, MEPS is the Military Entrance Processing Station. He will spend a couple of busy days there on an active base for his medical exam, more interviews, a written exam and some psych and physical testing.  At this point things are progressing very quickly for Adam. This is the "hurry-up" stage which will probably last another week or so. This "hurry-up" stage is always followed by a grueling "wait" stage. This two-stage cycle will be the everyday mantra for his new

The official Air Force letter, signed by Sheila, notifying me that a 'Legacy Data Plate' in my name will be installed at the entrance to the National Museum of the Air Force. On Christmas morning, Sheila informed me that she had arranged for me to be honored at the National Museum of the Air Force in Dayton, Ohio!  How is that for a nice Christmas surprise? In the official Air Force notification letter, Sheila wrote, "...what better way of immortalizing and honoring the airman you are and the highlights of your impressive and proud, albeit short career, than in a place of honor and respect at the National Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio." Personally, I can think of no better place for this honor. A beautiful aviation-style stainless steel 'Legacy Data Plate' in my name will be mounted on the "Wall of Honor" at the entrance to the museum.  This Legacy Data Plate will include my name, my specialty, my branc