As the master planner, I don't get involved with many individual projects. One that I did do - because it was supposed to be easy - was plan for the placement of a gate to what we call Deep South. Even an easy project - ain't so easy. It took nearly four months, but we finally got the approvals, money and construction completed - may not look like much, but at least it is finally something that is complete!
As a group we are continually trying to find ways to mix things up a little to keep going. One day last week my friend LtCol Dave Pollock came up with the idea to get a some stuff to go at the "Lux" (short for the Luxembourg DFAC - the closest but worst DFAC on KAF) and eat it out in the Drost Pavilion. The area between our offices has some chairs, a table and a parachute cover due primarily to the efforts of SMSgt Kevin Drost from team 2 and for whom the space is named. The weather was a little warm but bearable. It was actually a good idea. The man in the middle is Major Nick Lynch. He is an active duty Major who came in with the last group. He is a great officer, workmate and roommate - we are fortunate to have him around for all three. I reserve the right to bring him back in later posts.... Here is a picture of us at our little "picnic".
As part of the farewell tour, two of my best comrades from COMKAF (the NATO side of things) departed this week. They are both Brits. Squadron Leader Robin Nash was the real estate officer for COMKAF. I worked very closely with him as I played a role as the defacto real estate officer for the US. Robin was one of the first people I met when I arrived and was a friendly face. He took time with me in the beginning and was a reassuring force when I needed it in the beginning. He turned out to be a great friend and confidant throughout my time here so far. He has a great sense of humor and wit that mixed with the uniqueness of his accent (to me) made him really fun to be around. I will miss his personality around the camp. LtCol Frank Green was the COMKAF Chief Engineer. He served as the master of everything from infrastructure (water, sewer, power, drainage etc) to land development. He chaired the land allocation board which I was very much involved in from the US side. He was very smart with everything civil engineering, but what made him a great leader here was his personality, leadership, and management abilities. Frank was a master collaborative leader. He was able to give very sound and direct assessments and directives without being condescending, emotional or even offensive. His direction and leadership was directly responsible for the ability of KAF to meet the very vast and challenging needs of multiple surges and changes in mission. He was a great friend and mentor to me - he even took time to encourage me when I needed it. I attribute my ability to have survived the first four months to my relationship with these two fine officers. I wish them luck..
In the picture below, it goes LtCol Frank Green, Myself, Sr Chief Shea (who left a few weeks ago) and Squadron Leader Robin Nash. This picture was from a few weeks ago so my hair was shorter than it is now...
In case you are interested, you should be able to click on any of the pictures to view them in a bigger scale.
On the workout front, I did run a 10K Tues morning. It was on the treadmill, so not quite as valid to real runners, but I'm still scared to run outside for risk that the dusty, nasty air will make me sick again. I don't know if I have the patience or energy to deal with getting sick again.
Hope this post finds you well. I appreciate you following along. Thanks for your e-mails and continued support. Until next time...
