Fighter/Bomber vs Tanker/Cargo Track
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Bullet
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Congrats to your son! Here's hoping to his continued success.
BTW, now that he's going to see the world in his new career, get used to getting gifts and trinkets from some rather unusual locations for the Holidays and your birthday. "Here, Mom! It's a good-luck medallion I picked up in some shop in Boreo last month. What? You don't like that it's shaped like a monkey with his thumb on his nose and he's sticking his tongue out at you? Well, you're going to HATE the matching ear-rings then! Merry Christmas!"
He'll have a blast in the heavy community, and he made the smart decision for him. What else could a parent ask for?
BTW, now that he's going to see the world in his new career, get used to getting gifts and trinkets from some rather unusual locations for the Holidays and your birthday. "Here, Mom! It's a good-luck medallion I picked up in some shop in Boreo last month. What? You don't like that it's shaped like a monkey with his thumb on his nose and he's sticking his tongue out at you? Well, you're going to HATE the matching ear-rings then! Merry Christmas!"
He'll have a blast in the heavy community, and he made the smart decision for him. What else could a parent ask for?
UPT Drop results
Update--UPT drop was last Friday--my son will be heading to Travis AFB, CA to fly a KC-10--He is thrilled with the outcome and is looking forward to starting his new assignment. We are thrilled since he is within driving distance of home!!
Update--UPT drop was last Friday--my son will be heading to Travis AFB, CA to fly a KC-10--He is thrilled with the outcome and is looking forward to starting his new assignment. We are thrilled since he is within driving distance of home!!
Bullet
10-Year Member
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First off, pass him our heart-felt congratulations!
As to you seeing him more often because he will be in driving distance? Well, yes and no. Yes, because getting together will be easier. No, because he's flying KC-10s, he won't BE at his home as much as you would like.
It's a great big world out there. Being a KC-10 driver, he'll get to see most of it! Often.
Calling Flieger. Calling Flieger. Sounds like you got another tanker guy out there just starting out. Some words of wisdom and experience may be in order. Via PM to AFAMOM08 if you prefer, but I think quite a few of us here may be interested. I'd probably start him off with some scary "there I was" story about a 4-ship tanker cell, at night, in the soup, with a bunch of clueless fighters trying to wreck everyone's day during their rejoin through the package...
As to you seeing him more often because he will be in driving distance? Well, yes and no. Yes, because getting together will be easier. No, because he's flying KC-10s, he won't BE at his home as much as you would like.
It's a great big world out there. Being a KC-10 driver, he'll get to see most of it! Often.
Calling Flieger. Calling Flieger. Sounds like you got another tanker guy out there just starting out. Some words of wisdom and experience may be in order. Via PM to AFAMOM08 if you prefer, but I think quite a few of us here may be interested. I'd probably start him off with some scary "there I was" story about a 4-ship tanker cell, at night, in the soup, with a bunch of clueless fighters trying to wreck everyone's day during their rejoin through the package...
Thanks for the kind words--I look forward to hearing all of the stories from Flieger--LOL
We are heading to Del Rio early next week prior to graduation to see the base and experience the flight simulators- should be fun!!! We haven't seen out son since last Christmas--It's been a good few days to say the least!
We are heading to Del Rio early next week prior to graduation to see the base and experience the flight simulators- should be fun!!! We haven't seen out son since last Christmas--It's been a good few days to say the least!
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Just remember what a famous F-16 driver, "Fifi" Malachowski (first female Thunderbird pilot) said on her "hero" plaque in the 63d FS (her F-16 training squadron) hall of fame...
(a picture of the TBirds in diamond formation four-ship in the center of the plaque)
When America wants the world to see unrivaled power, with four thundering engines and four razor sharp tails, moving in perfect combat formation, who does she send?
A 2-Ship of F-15s!
Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
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LOL!
Ahh...TDY stories...yep...there are more than a few. I'll "think some" tonight...see if I can "clean some up" a bit and post them...
Just tell the future tanker TOAD what TOAD means!
T-otally
O-utstanding
A-irplane
D-river
Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
NKAWTG
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The plaque is in the middle of the hallway, near the ready area...it's sorta large and also has the T-Bird #7? pilot (narrator) as he was in class with her and also an Eagle driver if I remember correctly.
It's really VERY well done!
(we hold our reserve meetings in the 63d)
As for the "One team" that's totally correct! Can't whip the badguys without the "pointy end" folks...and they can't get the mission done without the rest of the force!
Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
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Tanker Story
Okay...first "yes, really" story for our future TOAD...
Sometime during your young career you'll be tasked to do a "fighter drag" over the ocean either to some lovely European locale or a likewise nice place in the Pacific (I'm avoiding the trips to the AOR aka: Sandland). This trip will involve moving several fighters or attack aircraft (sorry that Eagle part of me just refuses to see the A-10 as a fighter, although once I was dumb enough to enter a furrball and a '10 was there in the process of learning all about BFM and he had the gall to point his nose at me )
BIG REALLY BIG GUN!!!
Anyway...these missions are typically as short as 6 hours and as long as 8 hours. While they're usually BORING...think airline droning all that time with the boom cycling jets on and off taking small fuel loads about every 30-45 minutes. Somewhere along that trip there will come a desire, and its fiendish, to make some "snippy" comment to the fighter guy that is SOOOOO bored he does something like flip his jet inverted, or roll around your jet, or something similar. Something like a comment about: "Wow, that was impressive...think I'll get up now and get a coke, hit the head, pop some popcorn, etc...YOU WANT ANY?"
Now...while there's a rivalry amongst all airplane drivers and WSO's...this is the ONE time it's not really nice to spank the "pointy nose" folks. Why?
Because they're locked in their jets, on a boom seat, in a poopy suit, with ALL their survival gear, etc...etc...and OH YES, they get hungry too! So they typically have box lunches, bags of trail mix, etc., and some type of liquid beverage (water, fruit juice, etc...) to stave off dehydration.
BUT...they have no way to get up, stretch, or go to the head (remember that hydration need)! Well, that last part isn't totally true...but its better left unsaid here. And the OTHER toilet option??? DO NOT even go there!
So around hour 4+, it's nice to remember that while you're enjoying your iPOD, or a movie, that they're sitting there trying VERY HARD not to fall asleep (that will be another story)...engage them in a conversation...make arrangements for a visit to the bar/beach/etc., upon arrival, if possible...you can make some great friends! (Got tossed out of the O'Club at Lajes AB, Azores once with a bunch of A-10 guys after a long overwater...but that's another story!)
FYI...if anyone wants to know what its like to fly a "pointy nose" on an overwater deployment mission...without wearing all the gear (Helmet, mask, g-suit, poopy suit, water survival gear, tight parachute harness, etc...etc...), simply go to your dinner table...put a once-folded towel on the table, climb up and sit upon it.
Now stay there for 5-8 hours.
Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
Okay...first "yes, really" story for our future TOAD...
Sometime during your young career you'll be tasked to do a "fighter drag" over the ocean either to some lovely European locale or a likewise nice place in the Pacific (I'm avoiding the trips to the AOR aka: Sandland). This trip will involve moving several fighters or attack aircraft (sorry that Eagle part of me just refuses to see the A-10 as a fighter, although once I was dumb enough to enter a furrball and a '10 was there in the process of learning all about BFM and he had the gall to point his nose at me
) BIG REALLY BIG GUN!!! Anyway...these missions are typically as short as 6 hours and as long as 8 hours. While they're usually BORING...think airline droning all that time with the boom cycling jets on and off taking small fuel loads about every 30-45 minutes. Somewhere along that trip there will come a desire, and its fiendish, to make some "snippy" comment to the fighter guy that is SOOOOO bored he does something like flip his jet inverted, or roll around your jet, or something similar. Something like a comment about: "Wow, that was impressive...think I'll get up now and get a coke, hit the head, pop some popcorn, etc...YOU WANT ANY?"
Now...while there's a rivalry amongst all airplane drivers and WSO's...this is the ONE time it's not really nice to spank the "pointy nose" folks. Why?
Because they're locked in their jets, on a boom seat, in a poopy suit, with ALL their survival gear, etc...etc...and OH YES, they get hungry too! So they typically have box lunches, bags of trail mix, etc., and some type of liquid beverage (water, fruit juice, etc...) to stave off dehydration.
BUT...they have no way to get up, stretch, or go to the head (remember that hydration need)! Well, that last part isn't totally true...but its better left unsaid here. And the OTHER toilet option??? DO NOT even go there!
So around hour 4+, it's nice to remember that while you're enjoying your iPOD, or a movie, that they're sitting there trying VERY HARD not to fall asleep (that will be another story)...engage them in a conversation...make arrangements for a visit to the bar/beach/etc., upon arrival, if possible...you can make some great friends! (Got tossed out of the O'Club at Lajes AB, Azores once with a bunch of A-10 guys after a long overwater...but that's another story!
)FYI...if anyone wants to know what its like to fly a "pointy nose" on an overwater deployment mission...without wearing all the gear (Helmet, mask, g-suit, poopy suit, water survival gear, tight parachute harness, etc...etc...), simply go to your dinner table...put a once-folded towel on the table, climb up and sit upon it.
Now stay there for 5-8 hours.
Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
Thanks Flieger, passed this on to DS. I'm sure he will love hearing more stories now that he has the time to actually picture what his future will be--
We are heading to Laughlin AFB early next week for graduation-(graduation is Nov 20)-Haven't found much information regarding traditions or events for the graduation, any advice or insight would be appreciated. I did get the silver pilot wings for him and have ordered the Johnny Walker Blue labels--any other ideas?
We are heading to Laughlin AFB early next week for graduation-(graduation is Nov 20)-Haven't found much information regarding traditions or events for the graduation, any advice or insight would be appreciated. I did get the silver pilot wings for him and have ordered the Johnny Walker Blue labels--any other ideas?
Pima
10-Year Member
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- 13,900
If you go on the Johnny Walker site, you can actually join and make a special label to put on it...we did that for our friends when they retired, with the dates.
(You are probably too late to get that label, but just keep it in your mind for when he graduates from the KC school)
I know when Bullet graduated, I actually placed his wings on. It is an amazing moment (21 yrs later and I can tell you the weather and what I wore)...you will cry and make sure you have kleenex, because through the ceremony you will learn a lot more, regardless of how close you are! You will be shocked in awe what he did for a yr and how he beat the odds! It is a moment to recognize him, but at the same time realize that you were his soft landing spot when it was bad and you too are an important factor in his success! That being said...here's the thing, the very best thing you can do is to let him run and cut your apron strings...HE MADE IT...now is the time to realize that he is amazing and the AF has entrusted him with multi-million dollar equipment. He is flat out amazing!
For graduation, I hope you got the AF reg wings. There are 2 types. Does he own a mess dress? If not buy him one, if so, the wings for the mess dress and blues are different, so that might be an option. Of course a pair of cool Oakleys would always be appreciated! If not that, then how about some blues, because in the AF now, if you aren't flying on Monday you must wear the blues.
Finally, my last suggestion would be to give a late present, take a shot at his ceremony and frame it, tell him it will be a late gift, and ask for his scarves and patches in addition to his UPT certificate, make a shadow box out of it for his "I Love Me"...trust me when he sees that he will love it and proudly display it for the rest of his life.
(You are probably too late to get that label, but just keep it in your mind for when he graduates from the KC school)
I know when Bullet graduated, I actually placed his wings on. It is an amazing moment (21 yrs later and I can tell you the weather and what I wore)...you will cry and make sure you have kleenex, because through the ceremony you will learn a lot more, regardless of how close you are! You will be shocked in awe what he did for a yr and how he beat the odds! It is a moment to recognize him, but at the same time realize that you were his soft landing spot when it was bad and you too are an important factor in his success! That being said...here's the thing, the very best thing you can do is to let him run and cut your apron strings...HE MADE IT...now is the time to realize that he is amazing and the AF has entrusted him with multi-million dollar equipment. He is flat out amazing!
For graduation, I hope you got the AF reg wings. There are 2 types. Does he own a mess dress? If not buy him one, if so, the wings for the mess dress and blues are different, so that might be an option. Of course a pair of cool Oakleys would always be appreciated! If not that, then how about some blues, because in the AF now, if you aren't flying on Monday you must wear the blues.
Finally, my last suggestion would be to give a late present, take a shot at his ceremony and frame it, tell him it will be a late gift, and ask for his scarves and patches in addition to his UPT certificate, make a shadow box out of it for his "I Love Me"...trust me when he sees that he will love it and proudly display it for the rest of his life.
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Thanks for the ideas Pima--
One of the benefits of the AF Academy was that senior year they received all of the required uniforms, so he has mess dress and the dress blues. I ordered the wings from the Travis AFB base exchange so I hope they are the right ones--guess we'll see. I love the idea of the shadow box and the Oakleys!
I ordered the Johnny Walker labels right after his drop night, but they won't be here in time for graduation so that will be a house warming gift when he gets to Travis! The nice thing is that he is actually within driving distance of us so we will be able to help him move in and get settled. (If he wants us to), we are very respectful of his "space" LOL.
One of the benefits of the AF Academy was that senior year they received all of the required uniforms, so he has mess dress and the dress blues. I ordered the wings from the Travis AFB base exchange so I hope they are the right ones--guess we'll see. I love the idea of the shadow box and the Oakleys!
I ordered the Johnny Walker labels right after his drop night, but they won't be here in time for graduation so that will be a house warming gift when he gets to Travis! The nice thing is that he is actually within driving distance of us so we will be able to help him move in and get settled. (If he wants us to), we are very respectful of his "space" LOL.
Update on KC10 Pilot
Just reread this thread and thought that I would update you all on my son's progress. He has served 5 deployments and has 1,200+ flight hours. He is currently in the AC upgrade process and hopes to be an AC well before he becomes a Captain on May28. Still loves what he is doing and still living his dream! We have another bottle of Johnny Walker Blue waiting for the special label when he becomes an AC. Time is going by at warp speed!
Just reread this thread and thought that I would update you all on my son's progress. He has served 5 deployments and has 1,200+ flight hours. He is currently in the AC upgrade process and hopes to be an AC well before he becomes a Captain on May28. Still loves what he is doing and still living his dream! We have another bottle of Johnny Walker Blue waiting for the special label when he becomes an AC. Time is going by at warp speed!
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THAT is what its all about!
LOVE hearing the "...rest of the story..."
Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83