Last week I had the honor of visiting Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, Louisiana. I was asked to deliver the keynote speech at the 2006 Eighth Air Force Outstanding Airmen of the Year Banquet by my good friend, Lt. General Kevin Chilton. Lt. General Chilton is an inspiring leader, a former astronaut and a great American whom I am proud to call my friend. It was a very special visit, as I had the opportunity to express my sincere gratitude, appreciation and respect to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, the people who wear the uniform of the greatest country in the world.
The banquet's theme was, Every Generation has its Heroes, and featured brave airmen from World War II, as well as today. Those people being honored are my heroes, as are the people who put their lives on the line to protect our country, who fight for the ideal of freedom, and who represent the citizens of our land, the American soldiers, airmen, marines and midshipmen.
I want them all to know that they have my appreciation and respect, as I am overwhelmed and inspired by their unwavering patriotism and unyielding commitment.
I had the unique opportunity to climb inside the cockpit of an A10, and fly in a B52 simulator (yes I landed safely). The banquet was a success and everyone had a great time. We were able to break bread and have a few laughs; laughter is the food for the soul. When you can laugh, you can forget any problems you may have in life. Those airmen made me laugh, and for that I thank them all from the bottom of my heart.
28 March 2006
27 March 2006
New Engineer!
SrA Kevin McGinnis and his wife Marlana just had a baby today.
His name is Cameron, Alexander, McGinnis, and he weighs 6 lbs, 2 ounces, and 20 inches.
Both parents are doing great!
His name is Cameron, Alexander, McGinnis, and he weighs 6 lbs, 2 ounces, and 20 inches.
Both parents are doing great!
24 March 2006
CE Chaplain's Musings: Expectations
To CES All:
Many years ago, I saw a bumpersticker which read: "Blessed are they who expect nothing, for they shall not be disappointed." I must admit that I laughed out loud. Although the saying may be somewhat suspect, life really is about what we expect.
Not that we will or even should always get what we expect. Rather, what we expect will determine how we look at an action or experience. Over 17 years ago, I enlisted in the Army. I expected to be ordered around, insulted, cursed at, and generally reprimanded for feeling that I had a right to breathe. Guess what, I got just about what I expected; and because I expected it, I didn't come unglued at the seams when it happened. About 16 months ago, I reported to Officer Training School at Maxwell AFB and didn't know what to expect. If I had to venture a guess, I figured that fellow officers would greet me with a smile, shake my hand, and offer to carry my golf clubs up to my room for me (okay, the last one was a stretch). Instead, they made us line up at position of attention, bark out "Yes, Sir!" to everything, and do about facing movements 'til my calves hurt and eyes crisscrossed. Mind you, not knowing what to expect, I found myself saying, "What in the world did I get into?" The good news is-- it did get better, not that it was really all that bad to begin with.
Expectations can make us or break us. They can deteremine whether we will come through a tough time either bitter or better. Life, at its core is hard. Those who think that it's supposed to be easy lose out. If you expect things to be tough and rise to the challenge, then good things will find their way to you. Its about a servanthood mentality, complete with important practices such as discipline, respect, compassion, and hard work. Those who are building blessed families, careers, and lives become more concerned with their responsibilities than their rights. Those who consistently produce do so because they plowed and sowed in the Spring. They expected winter to come, and they were ready--with a Fall harvest. So, to correct my lead off phrase, "Blessed are they who inspect what they expect, for they shall not be disappointed.
Press on,
Ch Mac
Read Chaplain McCafferty's blog at http://cechaplain.blogspot.com
Many years ago, I saw a bumpersticker which read: "Blessed are they who expect nothing, for they shall not be disappointed." I must admit that I laughed out loud. Although the saying may be somewhat suspect, life really is about what we expect.
Not that we will or even should always get what we expect. Rather, what we expect will determine how we look at an action or experience. Over 17 years ago, I enlisted in the Army. I expected to be ordered around, insulted, cursed at, and generally reprimanded for feeling that I had a right to breathe. Guess what, I got just about what I expected; and because I expected it, I didn't come unglued at the seams when it happened. About 16 months ago, I reported to Officer Training School at Maxwell AFB and didn't know what to expect. If I had to venture a guess, I figured that fellow officers would greet me with a smile, shake my hand, and offer to carry my golf clubs up to my room for me (okay, the last one was a stretch). Instead, they made us line up at position of attention, bark out "Yes, Sir!" to everything, and do about facing movements 'til my calves hurt and eyes crisscrossed. Mind you, not knowing what to expect, I found myself saying, "What in the world did I get into?" The good news is-- it did get better, not that it was really all that bad to begin with.
Expectations can make us or break us. They can deteremine whether we will come through a tough time either bitter or better. Life, at its core is hard. Those who think that it's supposed to be easy lose out. If you expect things to be tough and rise to the challenge, then good things will find their way to you. Its about a servanthood mentality, complete with important practices such as discipline, respect, compassion, and hard work. Those who are building blessed families, careers, and lives become more concerned with their responsibilities than their rights. Those who consistently produce do so because they plowed and sowed in the Spring. They expected winter to come, and they were ready--with a Fall harvest. So, to correct my lead off phrase, "Blessed are they who inspect what they expect, for they shall not be disappointed.
Press on,
Ch Mac
Read Chaplain McCafferty's blog at http://cechaplain.blogspot.com
Engineers At Work
Civil Engineers help rebuild Iraq
Senior Airmen Adam Chavera and Jason Brashar and Master Sgt. Kirk Kessler pour concrete into a crater on the edge of a bridge from the mobile concrete batch plant. The Airmen, with Detachment 10 of the 732nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, were on their first crater repair mission. (U.S. Air Force Photo)
23 March 2006
21 March 2006
Chaplain McCafferty's Thoughts
Our Squadron Chaplain, Chaplain (Capt) Randy McCafferty, has begun a blog of his own...good stuff, I encourage you to check it out!
http://cechaplain.blogspot.com/
http://cechaplain.blogspot.com/
20 March 2006
CE NEWS FLASH FROM IRAQ
SSgt Daniel Dalrymple was selected as NCO of the Month for 557 ERHS. And SrA Sarah Williamson was selected as Airman of the Month for 557 ERHS. Barksdale is being represented very well! Hope things are well there at home station and I look forward to getting back. I really, really look forward to getting back! Type atcha later. Take care and keep on keepin on!
MSgt John Elbert
MSgt John Elbert
16 March 2006
Military Personnel Flight Changes
In the coming months, we will all hear more about "Personnel Services Delivery Transformation"...many of the functions we used to do in person at the Military Personnel Flight will be done over the Internet, and via a Call Center in San Antonio.
The slide below describes how personnel service will soon be delivered. The AF will make announcements as these functions go online or at the Call Center...it's very important that we all pay close attention to the information on how to access these services, it'll be a change in how we do business!
The slide below describes how personnel service will soon be delivered. The AF will make announcements as these functions go online or at the Call Center...it's very important that we all pay close attention to the information on how to access these services, it'll be a change in how we do business!
13 March 2006
More News from the Front!
Today in AF News, some news about the RED HORSE squadron our 2 CES Engineer Airmen are serving with:
Engineers Support the Fight
No matter how small or large the projects, the Air Force engineers said they are proud to be supporting the Bastogne Soldiers of 1st Battalion, and enjoy the atmosphere on the FOB as well.
Engineers support the fight. Air Force engineers from the 557th Expeditionary Red Horse Squadron work to improve the quality of living for Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, stationed on Forward Operating Base McHenry, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo/Spc. Barbara Ospina)
Engineers Support the Fight
No matter how small or large the projects, the Air Force engineers said they are proud to be supporting the Bastogne Soldiers of 1st Battalion, and enjoy the atmosphere on the FOB as well.
Engineers support the fight. Air Force engineers from the 557th Expeditionary Red Horse Squadron work to improve the quality of living for Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, stationed on Forward Operating Base McHenry, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo/Spc. Barbara Ospina)
10 March 2006
2 CES Airman Deployed
Thought I'd share a picture of 1Lt Helgeson taken on a recent mission near one of Saddam's former palaces somewhere in Iraq. Keep him and all our deployed Airmen in your thoughts and prayers until they all come home.
Lead the Way!
Lead the Way!
New Family Support Center Public Website!
The Barksdale FSC now has a PUBLIC website! Check in and see why they're the Best in ACC...good stuff for Engineer Airmen and their families!
https://www.barksdale.af.mil/2bw/2msg/2mss/FSC_web/fscmain.htm
https://www.barksdale.af.mil/2bw/2msg/2mss/FSC_web/fscmain.htm
07 March 2006
02 March 2006
Do You Like FOOT Ball??
Shreveport Rugby Football Club Military Appreciation Day & Game – 2.00pm on 4 March at AC Steere, Youree Drive (across from Broadmoor Baptist Church).
On 4 March, SRFC will hold a Military Appreciation Day at AC Steere on Youree Drive. Military members/DoD Civilians & all guests are welcome to attend. Additionally, Fort Polk has around 200 personnel traveling including an Honor Guard. There will also be a cup game against Dallas Athletic Rugby Club (DARC) starting at 2.00pm, followed by refreshments at Mia’s Sports Bar on the corner of Stoner & Market. Please come support your local community team and learn more of this exciting new sport for “most” Americans.
On 4 March, SRFC will hold a Military Appreciation Day at AC Steere on Youree Drive. Military members/DoD Civilians & all guests are welcome to attend. Additionally, Fort Polk has around 200 personnel traveling including an Honor Guard. There will also be a cup game against Dallas Athletic Rugby Club (DARC) starting at 2.00pm, followed by refreshments at Mia’s Sports Bar on the corner of Stoner & Market. Please come support your local community team and learn more of this exciting new sport for “most” Americans.
01 March 2006
Award Winner in the AOR!
Congrats to 2 CES firefighter SSgt Rusty Thomason, selected as 332 EMSG NCO of the Month! Well done!!!
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