I had the opportunity to brief BG McMahon about the KAF plan. I had given the brief twice the past week to the satisfaction of the Col’s I work for. Between technical problems that did not allow me to show or talk to the dancing animated slides – only the paper slides - and the fact the VTC was scrambled and the voice communication was only good for broken sentences - it did not go very well. It did cause enough confusion and consternation that the General is making a personal visit here in the near future to see the problems for himself – I guess that is something. I'm not sure what the score is for the week, but as the wise philosopher Meatloaf once said – “two out of three ain’t bad”.
Col Bittick came to KAF for a visit and the change ( or assumption) of command of our 777th Expeditionary Prime Beef Squadron ( 777th EPBS ). Below are pictures that show the traditional passing of the guide-on from the current Commander LtCol Sloop to the new Commander LtCol Dujak. This is a very traditional ceremony performed at most change of commands. It was performed on the site of the future home of the squadron – team 4, it should be ready to work out of when you get here.
As I am working through the deployment, I am now beginning to see people that I have worked closely with leave for home. This is actually good for the psyche because it reminds you that someday that will be you. Even though you only know these folks for a few months, you work so many long hours with them, that you feel like you have known them for much longer. We said good-bye to Capt Altman and Capt Lukawski a few weeks ago – they were great officers all around great guys to be around – I wish them luck.
This week we say good-bye to LtCol Rick Sloop and Maj J.B. Byrnes (Picture Below). LtCol Sloop assumed the command of what would become the 777th EPBS back in July. He provided energetic leadership and direction that allowed a successful transition to occur. I appreciate the fact that his leadership style provided mentoring and encouragement through my steep learning curve the first few weeks and he was a great support throughout the rest of his time. Maj JB Byrnes was my roommate – sort of. He worked some strange hours and I sometimes only saw him in passing during the day. He worked very hard to develop a structure that we will follow through the rest of my time here. As I got to know him, he is smart and witty and provided some much needed humor for me over the last 2 weeks. I will miss them both around the spaces and wish them the best.
Things are moving along. Appreciate all the e-mail and continued support for me and my family. Until next time……
