Today started out as a normally slow day in the AOR.  Early morning report, planes flying, quiet afternoon.  Then I received a call that the KC-135 that was bringing in astronauts was having trouble getting cleared into my airfield.  I made a quick call and they were approved to get in.  The day ended with a panel discussion, Q&A, and photos with 5 greats in aviation:  Neil Armstrong, Jim Lovell, and Gene Cernan from the Apollo program, Gen Richard Ritchie, Vietnam Fight Ace, and Bob Gilliland, test pilot for the SR-71 and all narrated by Mr. David Hartman from Good Morning America.  They were a great group and talked about all kinds of things.  The crowd had good questions and we all had chances to take some pictures.

I’m sure you’re wondering what the food is like at an austere base.  Well, it’s not so austere here.  The Chow Halls are now called DFAC (dining hall facility) and they are run by contractors.  We have 1 main dining facility and 1 satellite office.  The main hall has a quick order line and a large meal line.  So for dinner, the quick line has hamburgers, grilled cheese, fries, etc.  The large meal line has pasta or Mexican food, or Chinese, etc.  The variety is pretty good and there’s plenty of it.  Quality is pretty bland, but can’t complain.  There’s also a Panini machine, a salad bar, and several other dry good stands that are always filled.  Water is the main drink here, but you can get Gatorade, soft drinks, or whatever else you like.  It’s mainly cafeteria seating with some TVs spread around.

On the flightline, there is a small place called the “Silver Bullet” that has smaller portions of the main food of the day.  Breakfast is usually omelets and bacon or cereal.  On Friday, they make fresh Belgian waffles with cream.

If you don’t like the free food, there are several small restaurants around the camp to chose from.  You have to pay, but it’s the real deal.  They include a pizza inn, subway, avian food, and a Chinese restaurant.  There is also an Army camp here and they have their own DFAC and a McDonalds.

So that’s what it’s like to eat here.  You can get fat here if you don’t watch it, so I try to keep at the gym every day.

More to follow.

18 Feb 2010

First Day Digs Written by Paul Cobb |

Well I arrived at my location just fine after a long day and a half of flying and waiting, flying, and waiting again.  I checked on to the base this morning at 3:00 am local time, got to my room, and woke up at 8:30 for my first of 2 meetings today. 

My room is one of four in a large trailer home type building.  The 4 duty commanders of the other groups are all here, so it’s a good gathering.  My personal room is about 10 x 10 with a private bath and shower.  Pretty nice digs compared to my past experiences.  I even have a TV and small fridge along with wireless internet.  The construction is pretty typical with thin walls and modular furniture.

Well the days start early, so I’ll leave with only these few words today.  Perhaps I’ll have more when I’m more rested and get out to see more of the base.

16 Feb 2010

T Minus 1 Day Written by Paul Cobb |

I’m sitting here enjoying my last day with the family before my 6 month deployment.  The day started with Miranda making breakfast for all of us; delicious French toast.  I also had a great time playing in the snow with the girls.  It snowed about 4 inches the night before and we threw snowballs and made snow angels.  I then had the opportunity to watch Jordan and Miranda practice lacrosse.  Finally, my last family meal with everyone.  It’s been a great few weeks relaxing with the family culminating in a great Valentine’s Day.  I’m looking forward to the next challenge and the deployment.  Stay tuned for more.

This year the family celebrated Easter with Grandma Dot and Grandpa.  Miranda and Jordan enjoyed spring break while playing with the grandparents.  We played games, watched movies, and shopped.  Miranda even invited a boy over for dinner, with all of us.  On Easter Sunday, we all got dressed up in our finest and went to church.   For lunch, Dawn arranged brunch reservations at the Missouri Botanical Gardens.   It was cold, but all the tulips were out and we enjoyed a trip around the grounds before lunch.  Finally, Monday came and we all went back home, work, and school with sweet memories.  Check out some of the pictures as well.