Dillon's 13th Birthday and Selenite Crystal Digging

Yesterday we celebrated Dillon's 13th birthday by heading to the Great Salt Plains near Jet, Oklahoma.  We had a blast digging crystals and getting dirty during the day.   We capped the night off with a little hibachi dinner at our favorite restaurant in Stillwater, Nagoya.

The adventure has begun!  I did not realize I have less than 90 days until I arrive at the top of the world!  While it is not something I am going to truly enjoy since my wife will be in Oklahoma, I am ready for the challenge.  I cannot wait to take more pictures and share them with you all!   Stay tuned!

552 ACW Annual Awards Banquet

Tonight was the night I found out if my hard work and dedication for a grueling, yet rewarding year, would pay off with NCO of the Year honors for the 552d Air Control Wing. While I did not win, TC accompanied me and we had a fun time with 3 other nominees at our table, to include the Sampsell's. I have known Larry for years and his wife was there for SNCO of the Year. I digress...attached are some photos of TC (SHE IS BEAUTIFUL) and I.

The neatest thing I have done in a while...

The neatest and most fun time I have had recently was helping my nephew, Connor, with his Flat Stanley project. This is a neat concept and the adventure grew larger than I could have imagined. I have posted a few pictures to share with everyone along with a quick note I sent Connor.

Here is to hoping someone else does this while I am in Greenland!

--- NOTE TO CONNOR ---

Connor;

This was a great week for your ‘Flat Stanley’ as well as your cousin Dillon’s ‘Flat Stanley’. I arrived at work, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, on Tuesday and noticed they snuck into the backpack I take to work everyday. Once they were discovered I let them ride along with me for morning safety check I accomplish every morning in the maintenance compound. This is a neat tour for those who do not get to come beyond the security checkpoints because the ‘Stanley’s’ were able to get up close and personal with an Air Force E-3 Aircraft. Based on the smiles they had on their face I say they had a great time.

After we toured the compound and I filed my spot inspection findings, your Aunt Tracy surprised me for lunch and we toured the aircraft displays on Tinker Air Force Base and they were able to get a quick picture in front of the mighty B-52 ‘Stratofortress’ we have on display. They also had the privilege to read about other aircraft on display to include the B-1 bomber. That aircraft is very modern and has four F-16 jet engines and can reach a top speed of Mach 2.2 which is 1674 miles per hour!

After lunch and the tour of the air park we all had to go back to work. Outside of my office they were repairing the front landing of the AWACS and both ‘Flat Stanley’s’ were able to watch the maintenance being performed by some of the best aircraft mechanics in the world! While they watched the maintenance being performed the ‘Stanley’s met an Airman with the Security Forces Squadron that was stationed in the maintenance facility to guard the aircraft while it was being maintained. They begged me to assist the guard with his duties and I could not tell them no. They spent about 30 minutes on guard duty and even posed for a picture with the Airman.

The next morning I thought the ‘Flat Stanley’s’ were exhausted from their busy day but they begged me to let them attend my Supervisor Safety Training class I was teaching that morning. While I was apprehensive at first, their enthusiasm, positive attitude, and eagerness to learn was inspiring. They never dozed off or took their eyes off of me. ‘Flat Stanley’ also had his hand raised to answer all the questions and were some of the best and motivated students I have ever taught.

I wanted to thank you for letting me take both ‘Flat Stanley’s’ on a fun adventure at Tinker Air Force Base! Next time, you will need to come with ‘Flat Stanley’ so you can experience all the sights they enjoyed.

Respectfully,

Uncle Rob

December 27, 2011

December 27, 2011 will a day that I will never forget. I married the love of my life, and the only person I can drive crazy and will still love me for it. This blog will be a message board that TC and I can use to share events and news with everyone.

Stay tuned for the updates!