Fellow, BCP, SC.org Guys,

I posted in humor my mailing address here in Afghanistan on the "Where did you fly today" forum. To my surprise, a large envelope from Rod Hatcher (screen name?) shows up on my desk yesterday, about 6 days after the post. It contained 2 stacks of flying magazines, which were devoured by everyone in the office. Some, who have never even flown an airplane.

I didn't even check to see if they were current issues. Time/dates are a relative thing here. They're something to occupy your brain and escape to a grassy airstrip somewhere.

Does it get any closer of a community than to have a complete stranger send a care package of airplane stuff? That's why I didn't get into sailing!

Thanks Again,

Mike-

Mike, a lot of us here at home are thinking of you and your fellow soldiers. Take care and come home safe. Thank you for all you do for us. Best Regards...Rob

stearman4 wrote:Does it get any closer of a community than to have a complete stranger send a care package of airplane stuff? That's why I didn't get into sailing!

That and boats look really dorky sitting on a grass strip.

Take care of yourself out there and come home safe, as Rob said. If you happen to see that bearded Saudi that's been hiding out in the area, well... you know what to do.

Craig

Well, I wouldn't say it monotonous, I'd actually rather be bored, but it's not a grass strip or gravel bar either.

My Dad had a Stearman when I was growing up, the registration number which I now have on my Cub. My Father actually co-founded the National Stearman Fly-In at Galesburg, IL in 1971. I still make it back every couple of years. When he passed away we had his ashes spread on the grass strip by his Stearman. I do fly a Stearman now, as well as a T-6, PA-18 on floats and a couple of other fun airplanes by the grace of some good friends. Our J-3 Cub is plently for my two boys and I right now.

Thanks to all of ou for our sentiments,

Mike-

Mike,

I just attended Galesburg a couple of weeks ago with my father and his Stearman - what an awesome event! Closest thing I'll ever to see to a WWII era flight line, I can't think of many things cooler that watching a gaggle of Stearman taxing out of the line or a heavy division come into the break. Kudos to your father for getting it off the ground.

I did a stint bouncing between Bagram and Salerno and for the most part it was a good time. The occasional TIC kept it interesting though. Does KBR still do steak & lobster on friday nights?

Cheers, be safe,
Vick

Vick,

Galesburg is about a nice a grass airfield as you could want. I've actually flown my helicopter in there on a couple of cross country trips. It provided a little closure from when I was a kid. The Timmon's family that owns Jet Air have known me since I was 8. Wonderful family FBO.

Steak and lobster night (Fridays) still exists. Although I did happen to see the boxes unloaded into the chow hall marked "For Military and Prison use only."

Mike-

Mike,

I never served, was that age as we were extricating ourselves from Nam. I have had the privilege to haul troops from various locations in the US to staging points in Europe and then down to the Gulf. Also brought several loads of troops home. Without a doubt it was the most moving and personally rewarding flying I have ever done. I watched each and every one of them board my plane, most were the age of my son, knowing that some of them would not be making the return trip.

Very strange having them bring on all their weapons when I usually haul passengers that have had their fingernail clippers taken away by the TSA. They were the most well behaved and polite passengers I have ever flown.

Regardless of ones opinion of the jackass(s), lies and policies (guess you know where I stand on this issue) that got us into this current mess I hope all of you that are serving know that you have the respect, admiration and gratitude of myself and the vast majority of this country.

Hats off to you and your fellow soldiers! Thank you.