We have a lot of good friends and mentors are retiring in the next few months. They've dedicated anywhere between 20 to 30 years to the Air Force and it's finally time for them to hang up the uniform. As they prepare for their transition to the civilian side of life, it makes me wonder; is the military selfish when it comes to their people?
We receive great benefits for serving our country-travel, health care, education, experience, job security... but does the military really care about their people? Sure, so long as you're doing your job and keep signing on that dotted line to give your life to Uncle Sam. BUT--when it's the end of the line, how much will Uncle Sam continue to take care of you? Does the military really show us how much they've appreciated what we've done during our tenure in the service and take care of us when we stop wearing the uniform?
Retirements can be a wonderful thing in the military being that the majority us joined right out of high school and because of that it that allows us to retire while we're still young (40s)... BUT now that the big boys up at capitol hill have started talking about messing around with our retirement benefits, it may not be as sweet later down the line for future military members if they have their way. Politicians, majority of them with no military background, take us for granted. We work for Uncle Sam (aka them, the government, the politicians) and they feel as if they can have their way with us and we'll go along with it with no complaints since we signed the dotted line, not realizing that their actions impact so much more than just saving a few dollars in the budget.
Medical care seems to go down when you no longer have the uniform on. True, civilians think that because we have free healthcare that it's awesome for us, but our healthcare system in the military isn't the best. "Vitamin M" bka Motrin 800 is usually the cure all for everything, long wait times for appointments to see specialists, and you aren't guaranteed to always see your "assigned" physician. In most cases when you find a great doc, it's difficult to keep going back to them because they're either booked right away because everyone else has discovered the awesome doc, they TDY or deploy, or even worse, they PCS. Let's not even start talking about dental care... I two words for active duty dental care- bloody painful. I haven't been to a base where the dental techs are gentle on their patients. No matter how great your dental hygiene is, you are destined to leave the dental office bleeding.
In no way am I trying to imply that our military doesn't appreciate what its veterans have done during their time in the service. I only wish that we could take better care of our military members once they obtain their "blue" card (retiree military ID cards are blue). Our members on the way to the civilian lifestyle could use more resources to help smooth the transition even more than what's already readily available to military members leaving for the other side, the civilian side.
My observation is that once you leave, the military doesn't watch you walk away, waving and smiling. It seems that they downgrade your membership, show you the door, and turn around to focus their efforts on convincing the young-ins to stay for a full 20 (who happen to be your replacements) so that they can make sure they get their money's worth that was paid to train them. I'm still proud to be a military member, but wish the military would show a little more gratitude and make it a give and take relationship. Or even better, I wish Uncle Sam would let the military be in control of the military.
08 October 2011
02 August 2011
Random Acts - Opening Doors
One Saturday morning, I went on base with both kids to let dan sleep in. Still sleepy-eyed and in sweats, we drove on base. We went to get breakfast at coffee place near the BX. Even though there's a Starbucks about 50 feet to the right, this coffee shop has the best breakfast sandwiches and has managed to stay open. Thank goodness, because it would be a shame to lose the one great place you can get a quick breakfast on base that isn't Burger King.
After we placed our order, we sat down and watched people come and go as we waited for our food. A group of Airmen came in, all young Senior Airmen (E-4 pay grade in the Air Force), ordered and took a seat at the table right next to the door. They were joking around, chit chatting about their upcoming shift for the day. I noticed from their badge that they were aircraft maintainers.
One of the baristas called out our sandwich orders and I went to go pick it up from the counter while Genie stood by her brother near the door. I walked over to my munchkins and asked Genevieve to carry the bag of breakfast sandwiches so that I could carry Sebastian in his car seat. We started to make our way towards the door and as I was about to open the door, Sebastian started kicking his legs and caused me to throw off my balance and grip. He's such a big baby that his slightest shift in weight in his carries, I'm totally thrown off! :) One of the Airmen at the table close to the door took notice since he was facing our direction. He looked at the guy sitting across from him who had his back to us and gave him a stern look. I heard the Airman say, "What?!" after he noticed he was getting the look from his friend.
"Don't be a jerk, open the door for the lady!"
The Airmen that had his back to us finally caught on.
"Oh!"
He got up out of his seat and opened the door. Genie walked to the door, looked up at the Airman and thanked him. I thanked him as well and thanked his friend that insisted he help us.
31 July 2011
Dog tags...
Should not be used as an accessory. Before I came into the military I never thought much of them whenever I'd spot a girl wearing them. I knew that when I saw them, I knew it meant the girl's boyfriend was in the military. I did imagine that I would've done the same thing if I was dating a military member.
After my first deployment, my view about wearing dog tags changed completely.
If you don't know what dog tags are used for in the military, they are used for identification purposes. When we go out on deployments, they are mandatory for us to wear. They are very important for our brothers and sisters at arms that go out on the front lines. God forbid something terrible happens and the member's blouse is destroyed to where the name is unrecognizable, the dog tags are used to identify the body. We are issued two dog tags, one on a ball chain long enough to be worn as a necklace and the second one is on a smaller chain, connected to the first. Some units require the dog tag on the small chain be attached to the laces of one of their boots.
Now, after explaining the reason dog tags are issued and their intended purpose, I understand some girls may wear them thinking it might luck to their boyfriend on their deployment; if they wear it then they'll come back safely. I think most girls wear them as an accessory and to kind of show off. Their boyfriend or fiancé is deployed and dog tags are easily identified as belonging to someone in the military, thus making them a conversation piece. The meaning behind dog tags is very somber and females going around with them as an accessory just doesn't sit right with me. Not to mention the HUGE fact that all dog tags have social security numbers engraved on them right underneath the member's full name! With identity theft being a huge issue in this day and age, what would happen if the service member's girlfriend lost them?
You may not agree with my views on wearing dog tags as an every day necklace, But please respect the reason why we are issued them and why they are important.
02 June 2011
Random Acts - Caramel Frappachino
Lately there have been things, nothing too big, that have happened and make me smile or scratch my head. Either I'm in uniform and the act is from/by a civilian or I'm out of uniform and the act is from/by a military member.
I haven't decided if I will make this a weekly post like most bloggers to with "Wordless Wednesday," "Picture Friday," and so on, but I will post ones that stand out to me, both good and bad.
One day after work, I decided to go to Starbucks for a Frappachino. Sure, it was late in the day and I didn't need a pick me up, but it was just one of those warm days and I was simply in the mood for one. I drove to the one closest to our house that had a drive through since I had both kids with me. There was a gold Lexus in front of me, driven by a women who looked to be in her forties. I could see her in her side mirror and smiled even though I thought she probably couldn't see me.
I ordered my caramel Frappachino and waited until it was my turn to approach the window to pay. Genevieve was singing at the top of her lungs making Sebastian laugh. I finally pulled up to the window and the barista handed me the Frappachino. I held out my five dollar bill and he simply shook his head.
"Oh, it's free. The lady in front of you wanted to pay and also thank you for your service."
"Oh wow, thanks. Can you just put my $5 towards the person behind me then? Thank you."
I have experienced people paying for my drink order at Starbucks, but only around the holidays when people are more in the giving mood. When it happens to me, I automatically like to pay it forward to the person after me. I was shocked and proud at the same time. I've always been a proud military member and honored to wear the uniform; I was shocked because since we've moved to California, we don't really encounter people that are grateful for those of us in the military the way those in the South are.
Just hearing that she was thankful for my service was enough, but her random act of kindness definitely put a smile on my face.
I haven't decided if I will make this a weekly post like most bloggers to with "Wordless Wednesday," "Picture Friday," and so on, but I will post ones that stand out to me, both good and bad.
One day after work, I decided to go to Starbucks for a Frappachino. Sure, it was late in the day and I didn't need a pick me up, but it was just one of those warm days and I was simply in the mood for one. I drove to the one closest to our house that had a drive through since I had both kids with me. There was a gold Lexus in front of me, driven by a women who looked to be in her forties. I could see her in her side mirror and smiled even though I thought she probably couldn't see me.
I ordered my caramel Frappachino and waited until it was my turn to approach the window to pay. Genevieve was singing at the top of her lungs making Sebastian laugh. I finally pulled up to the window and the barista handed me the Frappachino. I held out my five dollar bill and he simply shook his head.
"Oh, it's free. The lady in front of you wanted to pay and also thank you for your service."
"Oh wow, thanks. Can you just put my $5 towards the person behind me then? Thank you."
I have experienced people paying for my drink order at Starbucks, but only around the holidays when people are more in the giving mood. When it happens to me, I automatically like to pay it forward to the person after me. I was shocked and proud at the same time. I've always been a proud military member and honored to wear the uniform; I was shocked because since we've moved to California, we don't really encounter people that are grateful for those of us in the military the way those in the South are.
Just hearing that she was thankful for my service was enough, but her random act of kindness definitely put a smile on my face.
09 April 2011
Is there a 'Supervising for Dummies'?
If you have never been a supervisor, you won't be able to follow this post.
If you're just starting out as a supervisor, you might be able to relate to this post.
If you are a supervisor that actually does what you're supposed to do as a supervisor, you'll probably nod your head agreeably while reading this post.
Since the start of the new year, the both of us have had some interesting situations pertaining to our subordinates. More so with Dan than myself, but it has definitely been quite the learning experience. Just when you think you have some kind of grasp on what it is to be a supervisor, got the hang of leading your troops (subordinates to use the "official" term), you're thrown a curve ball that you were not expecting.
As much as we would like to think that everyone has common sense and was raised to know right from wrong and make good choices, this is not always the case. The thing is, in the military, there is very little room for those that want to stray from the straight and narrow path. The Airmen that embody the image of the ideal Air Force member are recognized and rise up the ranks. Those that trip up and make a mistake and continue to make mistakes (whether on purpose or not) actually do receive help... help to exit the Air Force as fast as possible.
Now the role of a supervisor is kind of like being a parent; you train the way you would nurture a child, you give feedback and evaluate performance similar to praising your children when they do right or explaining why they did wrong. You are not obligated to really care about your subordinates, but generally a good supervisor does. While the similarities between supervisor and subordinate and parent and child are apparent, it is important to remember not to get too wrapped up with your subordinates. They work for you and are learning from the examples you set. If you allow them to get too close because you took it upon yourself to care for them too much, then the roles of boss and subordinate can be blurred and unrecognizable and the respect as the supervisor can be lost.
"Your Airman's actions are a direct reflection of your supervising skills."
That's a pretty damn bold statement. A perfect reason why lately it has been challenging for the both of us these past few months. As much as we strive to be at least decent supervisors, we know that we cannot make decisions for our airmen, let alone think for them. We do our best to inspire and keep our airmen on track in their careers and helping make the mission move.
Now think about that statement for a minute. When a young supervisor (and yes, we're still young supervisors even with 2-3 years under our belts) has a troop that gets into trouble, how do you think they feel? Especially a supervisor that genuinely cares about their troops and only wants them to succeed in the AF? Pretty shitty, if you could imagine. The thought process surrounds questions like Where did I go wrong? and What could I have done differently to prevent this? You feel like a failure when your airmen fail. Regardless of the fact that it was their decision and their actions alone that resulted into them getting into trouble, the feelings of disappointment in yourself still seep into your brain.
It will probably take a few years for either of us to be able to prevent those thoughts and feelings from occurring whenever we find ourselves with an airman that got into some deep doo-doo. It may take us a few more unpleasant instances for us to learn how to dedicate our time and focus not just on what our troops need, but the best interests of the Air Force. For now, we're doing what we know how to do best and taking notes from our bosses and mentors we look up to. If only there were an easier way...
If you're just starting out as a supervisor, you might be able to relate to this post.
If you are a supervisor that actually does what you're supposed to do as a supervisor, you'll probably nod your head agreeably while reading this post.
Since the start of the new year, the both of us have had some interesting situations pertaining to our subordinates. More so with Dan than myself, but it has definitely been quite the learning experience. Just when you think you have some kind of grasp on what it is to be a supervisor, got the hang of leading your troops (subordinates to use the "official" term), you're thrown a curve ball that you were not expecting.
As much as we would like to think that everyone has common sense and was raised to know right from wrong and make good choices, this is not always the case. The thing is, in the military, there is very little room for those that want to stray from the straight and narrow path. The Airmen that embody the image of the ideal Air Force member are recognized and rise up the ranks. Those that trip up and make a mistake and continue to make mistakes (whether on purpose or not) actually do receive help... help to exit the Air Force as fast as possible.
Now the role of a supervisor is kind of like being a parent; you train the way you would nurture a child, you give feedback and evaluate performance similar to praising your children when they do right or explaining why they did wrong. You are not obligated to really care about your subordinates, but generally a good supervisor does. While the similarities between supervisor and subordinate and parent and child are apparent, it is important to remember not to get too wrapped up with your subordinates. They work for you and are learning from the examples you set. If you allow them to get too close because you took it upon yourself to care for them too much, then the roles of boss and subordinate can be blurred and unrecognizable and the respect as the supervisor can be lost.
"Your Airman's actions are a direct reflection of your supervising skills."
That's a pretty damn bold statement. A perfect reason why lately it has been challenging for the both of us these past few months. As much as we strive to be at least decent supervisors, we know that we cannot make decisions for our airmen, let alone think for them. We do our best to inspire and keep our airmen on track in their careers and helping make the mission move.
Now think about that statement for a minute. When a young supervisor (and yes, we're still young supervisors even with 2-3 years under our belts) has a troop that gets into trouble, how do you think they feel? Especially a supervisor that genuinely cares about their troops and only wants them to succeed in the AF? Pretty shitty, if you could imagine. The thought process surrounds questions like Where did I go wrong? and What could I have done differently to prevent this? You feel like a failure when your airmen fail. Regardless of the fact that it was their decision and their actions alone that resulted into them getting into trouble, the feelings of disappointment in yourself still seep into your brain.
It will probably take a few years for either of us to be able to prevent those thoughts and feelings from occurring whenever we find ourselves with an airman that got into some deep doo-doo. It may take us a few more unpleasant instances for us to learn how to dedicate our time and focus not just on what our troops need, but the best interests of the Air Force. For now, we're doing what we know how to do best and taking notes from our bosses and mentors we look up to. If only there were an easier way...
05 January 2011
2011 is here...
A new year is upon us and already the both of us have been busy with work. This time of year is always busy for me with aircrew training and Dan has tons of inspections to finish in his shop. Even more important than our work is promotion-we both received our test dates for E-6 and are beyond nervous. I test Feb 4th and Dan is on Feb 9th. Yea, so much for having a late test date. We don't have much time left to study.
This testing cycle will be #3 for me and Dan's first time testing for Tech*. I knew there was no shot for me last year being that most of my study time was spent either puking or trying to sleep off nausea (I was plagued with morning sickness), but this year I actually care about making it or missing it by 10 instead of 30. Having Sebastian makes it difficult to focus because I just want to spend every waking moment with him while he's awake and sometimes try to sleep with him while he's napping. Either way, Dan and I both need to buckle down and really start studying hard core. Dan is being ambitious and hoping that he makes it his first time. While I am supporting his goal, I secretly hope he doesn't make it this year. We are competitive when it comes to achievements and promotions. ;) I've managed to have a leg up being that I have 2 years TIS* on him, but since I haven't made Tech yet, he has a fighting chance to outrank me. :p
Besides the obvious military change we'll be experiencing this year(the repel of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" means that the transition has begun), we also have a chance at orders. We've been overseas eligible since last year but due to my pregnancy there was no real chance we'd be selected. Hopefully we'll be picked up for an assignment in Europe, but of course nothing is certain in the assignment game. Our dream sheets are up to date and all we can do now is sit back and wait for the assignment cycles to open up (there are 4 a year). The both of us really want to be stationed in the UK, especially after our visits there with the herk community. Sure people have told us that the weather there isn't exactly ideal, but why focus on the weather? The fact that I can shop in London, catch a short flight to Paris, and sight-see all around Europe when I'm not working is a huge incentive to living there!
With all of that, I hope that 2011 is even more prosperous for us than last year was!
Happy New Year!
*Tech- short for Technical Sergeant
*TIS- Time In Service
This testing cycle will be #3 for me and Dan's first time testing for Tech*. I knew there was no shot for me last year being that most of my study time was spent either puking or trying to sleep off nausea (I was plagued with morning sickness), but this year I actually care about making it or missing it by 10 instead of 30. Having Sebastian makes it difficult to focus because I just want to spend every waking moment with him while he's awake and sometimes try to sleep with him while he's napping. Either way, Dan and I both need to buckle down and really start studying hard core. Dan is being ambitious and hoping that he makes it his first time. While I am supporting his goal, I secretly hope he doesn't make it this year. We are competitive when it comes to achievements and promotions. ;) I've managed to have a leg up being that I have 2 years TIS* on him, but since I haven't made Tech yet, he has a fighting chance to outrank me. :p
Besides the obvious military change we'll be experiencing this year(the repel of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" means that the transition has begun), we also have a chance at orders. We've been overseas eligible since last year but due to my pregnancy there was no real chance we'd be selected. Hopefully we'll be picked up for an assignment in Europe, but of course nothing is certain in the assignment game. Our dream sheets are up to date and all we can do now is sit back and wait for the assignment cycles to open up (there are 4 a year). The both of us really want to be stationed in the UK, especially after our visits there with the herk community. Sure people have told us that the weather there isn't exactly ideal, but why focus on the weather? The fact that I can shop in London, catch a short flight to Paris, and sight-see all around Europe when I'm not working is a huge incentive to living there!
With all of that, I hope that 2011 is even more prosperous for us than last year was!
Happy New Year!
*Tech- short for Technical Sergeant
*TIS- Time In Service
18 December 2010
Finally, one full year....
Today marks the first full year that Dan and I have been at home together. I actually never thought we'd have this until next year or the year after.
Our relationship started off long distance. In 2006 we met at Pope AFB and after one month together, we knew we wanted to be with each other forever and vowed to make it work. I PCS'd to Travis and he was off on his second deployment. We made our best efforts to visit each other whenever we could. By the time we got married in June 2008, we had spent a cumulative total of 3 months and 5 days together, in the flesh. With what we went through and survived during the first 2 years of our relationship, we know first hand that long distance relationships can work. We both loved each other so much that it helped us get through the loneliness of being apart.
Dan moved here to California September 2008 and we thought we'd finally be able to just be together and not worry about deployments. Back at Pope working with herks, we worried about rotations every 4 months. Here we don't have to worry about deployments that often unless we volunteer since the planes we work with don't deploy. We were foolish to be so naive. 8 months on station and they chose Dan to go on a high profile TDY for almost 3 weeks. OK, no big deal. He was still stateside, just 3 hours ahead. He returned in June and after being home for almost a month, he gets the news that they need him to deploy... the very next month.
Oy. August of last year, he deployed back to the desert that he thought he'd never have to see again (unless we went back to herks). It was the roughest deployment we'd ever endured being that before he left we were finally living together, seeing each other every single day. When we didn't have the luxury it was easier for him to deploy because to me, it meant that instead of being 3 hours behind that I'd be 11 or 12 hours behind. This time it meant sleeping alone, our routines being way off, and back to just being a single mom. When he returned, it was the absolute best day that year.
Being pregnant this year did have an advantage when it came to keeping him home. His boss at work every now and then would talk about needing Dan to deploy again but of course would be quick to say he was joking (ha ha). There were a couple TDYs that were close calls but someone would volunteer last minute and my stress levels would lower again knowing that Dan wouldn't miss anything during the pregnancy.
I am just so damn grateful that we finally have one full year side by side.
Our relationship started off long distance. In 2006 we met at Pope AFB and after one month together, we knew we wanted to be with each other forever and vowed to make it work. I PCS'd to Travis and he was off on his second deployment. We made our best efforts to visit each other whenever we could. By the time we got married in June 2008, we had spent a cumulative total of 3 months and 5 days together, in the flesh. With what we went through and survived during the first 2 years of our relationship, we know first hand that long distance relationships can work. We both loved each other so much that it helped us get through the loneliness of being apart.
Dan moved here to California September 2008 and we thought we'd finally be able to just be together and not worry about deployments. Back at Pope working with herks, we worried about rotations every 4 months. Here we don't have to worry about deployments that often unless we volunteer since the planes we work with don't deploy. We were foolish to be so naive. 8 months on station and they chose Dan to go on a high profile TDY for almost 3 weeks. OK, no big deal. He was still stateside, just 3 hours ahead. He returned in June and after being home for almost a month, he gets the news that they need him to deploy... the very next month.
Oy. August of last year, he deployed back to the desert that he thought he'd never have to see again (unless we went back to herks). It was the roughest deployment we'd ever endured being that before he left we were finally living together, seeing each other every single day. When we didn't have the luxury it was easier for him to deploy because to me, it meant that instead of being 3 hours behind that I'd be 11 or 12 hours behind. This time it meant sleeping alone, our routines being way off, and back to just being a single mom. When he returned, it was the absolute best day that year.
Being pregnant this year did have an advantage when it came to keeping him home. His boss at work every now and then would talk about needing Dan to deploy again but of course would be quick to say he was joking (ha ha). There were a couple TDYs that were close calls but someone would volunteer last minute and my stress levels would lower again knowing that Dan wouldn't miss anything during the pregnancy.
I am just so damn grateful that we finally have one full year side by side.
*Greeting Dan at the airport gate this day last year
12 December 2010
I'll still take it.
1.4
Not a big number by any means, but it is still a number. For those that don't follow news concerning the military, the Obama administration has approved a 1.4% pay raise for us next year. This is the lowest raise since 1962. As much as this is a pretty shitty raise, I'll still take it.
Those of us that don the military uniform every day are part of a population that is under appreciated and definitely does not receive the respect or recognition deserved. Anyone that volunteers to sign their life away to Uncle Sam, whether it is for four years or 20 years, should be applauded and praised for the sacrifices they make or have already made. Even though the military still faces ridicule and people protesting what we do, those serving our country are proud to wear the uniform and protect those that don't support our mission.
Sure, the pay raise we're getting January 1st is pretty shitty compared to the past, but I'll still take it. I know that there is still a gap between military pay and civilian pay, but I will gladly take what I can get. In a time when the economy is still struggling and people that were laid off are still scratching their heads because no one will hire them, I am fortunate to be where I am. The military will still take care of me and my family by guaranteeing my paycheck every 1st and 15th of every month, provide health care (even though it isn't as top notch as most civilians think), and make sure that I have a roof over my head and food in my stomach by providing me an allowance for both.
It would be nice to get another 3.4% pay raise like last year, or even the 2.7% raise from 2007. Yes, 1.4 is a low number, but it is still a number and a raise is guaranteed. We should all be thankful that we are at least getting one.
Not a big number by any means, but it is still a number. For those that don't follow news concerning the military, the Obama administration has approved a 1.4% pay raise for us next year. This is the lowest raise since 1962. As much as this is a pretty shitty raise, I'll still take it.
Those of us that don the military uniform every day are part of a population that is under appreciated and definitely does not receive the respect or recognition deserved. Anyone that volunteers to sign their life away to Uncle Sam, whether it is for four years or 20 years, should be applauded and praised for the sacrifices they make or have already made. Even though the military still faces ridicule and people protesting what we do, those serving our country are proud to wear the uniform and protect those that don't support our mission.
Sure, the pay raise we're getting January 1st is pretty shitty compared to the past, but I'll still take it. I know that there is still a gap between military pay and civilian pay, but I will gladly take what I can get. In a time when the economy is still struggling and people that were laid off are still scratching their heads because no one will hire them, I am fortunate to be where I am. The military will still take care of me and my family by guaranteeing my paycheck every 1st and 15th of every month, provide health care (even though it isn't as top notch as most civilians think), and make sure that I have a roof over my head and food in my stomach by providing me an allowance for both.
It would be nice to get another 3.4% pay raise like last year, or even the 2.7% raise from 2007. Yes, 1.4 is a low number, but it is still a number and a raise is guaranteed. We should all be thankful that we are at least getting one.
11 November 2010
Thank you.
Have you ever been out somewhere and spotted someone in a military uniform? Whether it be in a restaurant or a grocery store? Have you thought about going up to them and thanking them for their service?
I cannot begin to express just how good it feels to hear a total stranger thank me for what I am doing on a day-to-day basis. When I was stationed in North Carolina, I heard it at least once a week. Since I've been here in California since October 2006, I've heard it twice. I understand that this state is very liberal and that northern California has even made headlines about their feelings towards the military, but damn. Where would you be if 1.3% of the American population didn't volunteer to serve you?
Yes, the military has steered away from calling us service men and women and we are no longer joining "the service" but rather the military and the specific branch that we have chosen to sign up for, but the majority of us that did sign up to join the military are proud to be serving our country.
Whether you support the war or just support the troops, if you see someone in uniform, it doesn't hurt to simply say thank you.
This veteran's day, I'd like to share with you what POW/MIA bracelets are.
They started off in the 1970s by a group of college students that wanted to remember the POW/MIA soldiers during the Vietnam War. People wear them now to keep the memory of those POW/MIA alive and the hope that their bodies may soon be recovered and returned to their families all these years after. Servicemen from WWI, WWII, and the Vietnam War, the name, rank, and date MIA is engraved on a bracelet and usually worn until they return.
Army SGT Gregory A. Antunano was an observer on an OH6A "Loach" observer helicopter. On July 24, 1971, his helicopter was shot down in Cambodia by enemy fire while they were on a recon mission. The other two crewmembers on the plane were still alive when the helicopter went down. SGT Antunano was already believed to be dead. A rescue team came in to help the crew evacuate the area. The gunner, SP4 Dalton stopped breathing and was pronounced dead. That left the pilot as the sole survivor of the helicopter crash. Enemy soldiers started to enter the area and the rescue team and the pilot left the area, leaving Antunano's and Dalton's bodies behind. They were never recovered and are still missing today. Because their remains were left on enemy soil and not found, they are listed as MIA.
SGT Gregory Antunano was only 22 years old when he died. His home of record was San Francisco, CA. He was a member of Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 17th Calvary (Air Calvary), 12th Aviation Group. I wear his bracelet in memory and in honor of him and his service.
Happy veteran's day. I leave you with a painting that touches my heart and always brings me to tears when I see it.
I cannot begin to express just how good it feels to hear a total stranger thank me for what I am doing on a day-to-day basis. When I was stationed in North Carolina, I heard it at least once a week. Since I've been here in California since October 2006, I've heard it twice. I understand that this state is very liberal and that northern California has even made headlines about their feelings towards the military, but damn. Where would you be if 1.3% of the American population didn't volunteer to serve you?
Yes, the military has steered away from calling us service men and women and we are no longer joining "the service" but rather the military and the specific branch that we have chosen to sign up for, but the majority of us that did sign up to join the military are proud to be serving our country.
Whether you support the war or just support the troops, if you see someone in uniform, it doesn't hurt to simply say thank you.
This veteran's day, I'd like to share with you what POW/MIA bracelets are.
They started off in the 1970s by a group of college students that wanted to remember the POW/MIA soldiers during the Vietnam War. People wear them now to keep the memory of those POW/MIA alive and the hope that their bodies may soon be recovered and returned to their families all these years after. Servicemen from WWI, WWII, and the Vietnam War, the name, rank, and date MIA is engraved on a bracelet and usually worn until they return.
Army SGT Gregory A. Antunano was an observer on an OH6A "Loach" observer helicopter. On July 24, 1971, his helicopter was shot down in Cambodia by enemy fire while they were on a recon mission. The other two crewmembers on the plane were still alive when the helicopter went down. SGT Antunano was already believed to be dead. A rescue team came in to help the crew evacuate the area. The gunner, SP4 Dalton stopped breathing and was pronounced dead. That left the pilot as the sole survivor of the helicopter crash. Enemy soldiers started to enter the area and the rescue team and the pilot left the area, leaving Antunano's and Dalton's bodies behind. They were never recovered and are still missing today. Because their remains were left on enemy soil and not found, they are listed as MIA.SGT Gregory Antunano was only 22 years old when he died. His home of record was San Francisco, CA. He was a member of Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 17th Calvary (Air Calvary), 12th Aviation Group. I wear his bracelet in memory and in honor of him and his service.
Happy veteran's day. I leave you with a painting that touches my heart and always brings me to tears when I see it.
Reflections by Lee Teter
06 November 2010
Enough to make me...
want to switch occupations. Sebastian is finally here. He made his debut a whole 9 days passed his due date on October 18th at 1741. It was a semi-difficult labor that ended with a last minute c-section since his huge head wouldn't come down any further down the birth canal.
I haven't worked since the end of September and I'm on maternity leave until December. I plan on taking additional time off after a couple weeks of work to help accommodate my troops to take time off during Christmas. With our baby boy finally here, I wish that I was saying that I wasn't going back to work. I've mentioned before that I have changed my main goal in life and will hopefully be able to separate from the military. Boy, do I wish I had pushed the button with this pregnancy.
Having Sebastian here has only confirmed my feelings about being a SAHM or a WAHM. It's funny because if anyone told me in high school or as I was starting out in Air Force that my views would change by the time I hit twenty-five and that I'd want to be a SAHM to take care of my family and household and have a big family (more than two kids), I would say you were crazy. Here I am, twenty-seven years old, and I am content with not working another day-outside of our home. Gone are my desires to retire after 20 years or more in the military, I no longer want to strive to go as far as I can up the ranks, and I wish even more that cost of living in this state was reasonable enough that I didn't have to put the uniform back on and worry about pumping at work.
I haven't worked since the end of September and I'm on maternity leave until December. I plan on taking additional time off after a couple weeks of work to help accommodate my troops to take time off during Christmas. With our baby boy finally here, I wish that I was saying that I wasn't going back to work. I've mentioned before that I have changed my main goal in life and will hopefully be able to separate from the military. Boy, do I wish I had pushed the button with this pregnancy.
Having Sebastian here has only confirmed my feelings about being a SAHM or a WAHM. It's funny because if anyone told me in high school or as I was starting out in Air Force that my views would change by the time I hit twenty-five and that I'd want to be a SAHM to take care of my family and household and have a big family (more than two kids), I would say you were crazy. Here I am, twenty-seven years old, and I am content with not working another day-outside of our home. Gone are my desires to retire after 20 years or more in the military, I no longer want to strive to go as far as I can up the ranks, and I wish even more that cost of living in this state was reasonable enough that I didn't have to put the uniform back on and worry about pumping at work.
Alas, I'll enjoy my time off with my son while it lasts. When I go back to work and he has to go to daycare, I will suck it up and put on my uniform and put my 100% into my job while missing him. Hopefully soon, in the not-so-distant future, I'll be able to push the button and just stay at home.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)