April 18, 2008 I took a plane ride. Not the usual commercial flight from point A to point B. It was on a National Guard KC-135 a Stratotanker, whose principal mission is air refueling. It also provides aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps aircraft as well as aircraft of allied nations. It is a big plane, based on the same basic design for the commercial 707 passenger plane.
I was honored to be one of the community members invited to participate in this experience, a Diversity Orientation Flight put on by the Air National Guard’s 183rd Fighter Wing. We attended a morning presentation led by Colonel Michael Meyer, Commander of the Fighter Wing, about the 183rd roles and missions in the Air National Guard. After the morning presentation and a brief tour we boarded a KC-135 from the 126th Air Refueling Wing to observe F-16 Fighting Falcons refueling in the air.
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a highly maneuverable, single pilot, compact, multi-role fighter aircraft used in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. Seeing one take off, get a few feet off the ground, hit its afterburner and disappear into the sky is an amazing sight. We had the chance to see the cockpit and walk around some parked F-16s. It is an electronic marvel. Electrical wires relay commands, replacing the usual cables and linkage controls. A side stick controller is used instead of the conventional center-mounted stick. Hand pressure on the side stick controller sends electrical signals to actuators of flight control surfaces such as ailerons and rudder. It is a tight fit for pilots. It was clear to me that a seven foot person could not fit in the cockpit. Also, it took a lot of skill to listen to the radio, watch the various instruments in front of you and fly the plane.
The KC-135 four turbofans, mounted under 35-degree swept wings made a smooth take off and climbing to it operational altitude quickly. The KC-135 is equipped with a flying boom for fuel transfer. The boom operator lies on his stomach peering out of small windows operating the boom with small joy sticks. I shared the view, lying next to the boom operator. All I can say is what a ride, what a view watching the F-16 come up to the boom. The jets come up to about 10 feet to the underbelly of the KC-135 and boom is extended, connecting to the jet and the fuel transfer begins. The KC-135 pilots maintain a speed of about 535 miles per hour during the refueling.
Back on the ground we had a chance to fly in an F-16 simulator where you could crash a couple of times and walk away to try again. The whole day was a great and different experience and I thank the Air National Guard’s 183rd Fighter Wing for it. Though I am an old Vietnam Veteran, I felt a common bond with these young military men and women who are now serving their country.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Aerial refueling flight
The Illinois National Guard has invited me on board a KC-135 Stratotanker while it refuels a F-16 Fighting Falcon. WOW. It promises to be an exciting mission and I am look forward to it.
As I read the orientation flight guidance sheet a few things caught my attention. Everyone receives a pre-flight briefing in order to fly on a military aircraft. When I was in the military I was on a lot of different planes, never had a pre-flight briefing. In order to experience a refueling, they say you will be lying on your stomach in the rear of the aircraft. The only time I laid down in an aircraft was on Choppers taking fire in Vietnam. The aircraft is very loud and they will provide earplugs. I found it interesting the under the section "What to leave behind" was the statement: Firearms are not permitted on Federal military installations or on military aircraft. I have found that when you see an statement like that it probably means someone tried to bring a gun on board. Wonder what they were thinking?
Under "Sickness/injury section" head cold or sinus problems could result in serious head injuries during pressurization of the aircraft (this is not a commercial aircraft designed for passenger comfort). I have never been on commercial plane that refueled another plane, fair is fair.
Under the section "Operation of equipment" in bold capital letters: YOU ARE PROHIBITED FROM OPERATING ANY MILITARY EQUIPMENT ON BOARD THE AIRCRAFT. Wonder why they had to state that so forcibly? I had visions of someone saying they always wanted to fly a really big plane or push the buttons to lower the fuel boom to refuel a F-16, even though they never had a flying lesson or plane refueling training. I am glad they will not let us because I know I would not have any idea of what to do. I only know for sure you can't stay in the sky forever and how you get back on the ground is very important.
Not everyone gets the chance to be apart of such an event I am looking forward to it and will share my experiences with you when I get back on the ground.
As I read the orientation flight guidance sheet a few things caught my attention. Everyone receives a pre-flight briefing in order to fly on a military aircraft. When I was in the military I was on a lot of different planes, never had a pre-flight briefing. In order to experience a refueling, they say you will be lying on your stomach in the rear of the aircraft. The only time I laid down in an aircraft was on Choppers taking fire in Vietnam. The aircraft is very loud and they will provide earplugs. I found it interesting the under the section "What to leave behind" was the statement: Firearms are not permitted on Federal military installations or on military aircraft. I have found that when you see an statement like that it probably means someone tried to bring a gun on board. Wonder what they were thinking?
Under "Sickness/injury section" head cold or sinus problems could result in serious head injuries during pressurization of the aircraft (this is not a commercial aircraft designed for passenger comfort). I have never been on commercial plane that refueled another plane, fair is fair.
Under the section "Operation of equipment" in bold capital letters: YOU ARE PROHIBITED FROM OPERATING ANY MILITARY EQUIPMENT ON BOARD THE AIRCRAFT. Wonder why they had to state that so forcibly? I had visions of someone saying they always wanted to fly a really big plane or push the buttons to lower the fuel boom to refuel a F-16, even though they never had a flying lesson or plane refueling training. I am glad they will not let us because I know I would not have any idea of what to do. I only know for sure you can't stay in the sky forever and how you get back on the ground is very important.
Not everyone gets the chance to be apart of such an event I am looking forward to it and will share my experiences with you when I get back on the ground.
Peoria Illinois Book Signing
Peoria Heights, IL—Two authors, two wars, two perspectives. I Know You Like A Book presents two historical fiction authors for its next Local Author book signing event on Saturday, April 19th at 2:00 p.m. Brooks Carver of Canton and Thomas Jones of Springfield both explore the effects of war on the American soldier.
Carver’s first book, “The Angels’ Share” is set in the reconstruction period after the Civil War. The story follows Jack Grady, his son, and two other veterans as they make an epic journey across the war-torn South. The novel won the Bronze Medal for historical fiction in the ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year competition in 2004. Carver’s second novel, “Give My Love to Ivy Rose” tells the story of the grandchildren of “The Angels’ Share” hero. Both books will be available at the book signing.
Jones took his experiences as a Marine in the Vietnam War and crafted his novel, “Lost Survivor: The Novel of a Black Soldier’s Journey to Vietnam and Back”. The premise of the story is that one of the hardest lessons for a soldier is to realize that past experiences are not valid during combat, and what is lost, in order to survive, is what is needed to live. Tom and Lost Survivor have been featured by Illinois State Library Authors Book Fair and his book placed in the Illinois Authors Collection at the IL State Library, Gwendolyn Brooks Building
An articulate and engaging speaker, Tom shares his particular war experiences of the survival journey required by the return to civilian life plus anecdotes garnered from his work as a counselor to other veterans and their families. For Street-Wise, Newspaper of Chicago, he wrote a requested article entitled, “What does America owe its veterans?”
I Know You Like A Book, 4707 Prospect Road, Peoria Heights, IL hosts Local Author Book Signing Event, Saturday, April 19th, 2:00 to 6:00 pm. Mary Beth Nebel, Owner (309) 685-2665.
Carver’s first book, “The Angels’ Share” is set in the reconstruction period after the Civil War. The story follows Jack Grady, his son, and two other veterans as they make an epic journey across the war-torn South. The novel won the Bronze Medal for historical fiction in the ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year competition in 2004. Carver’s second novel, “Give My Love to Ivy Rose” tells the story of the grandchildren of “The Angels’ Share” hero. Both books will be available at the book signing.
Jones took his experiences as a Marine in the Vietnam War and crafted his novel, “Lost Survivor: The Novel of a Black Soldier’s Journey to Vietnam and Back”. The premise of the story is that one of the hardest lessons for a soldier is to realize that past experiences are not valid during combat, and what is lost, in order to survive, is what is needed to live. Tom and Lost Survivor have been featured by Illinois State Library Authors Book Fair and his book placed in the Illinois Authors Collection at the IL State Library, Gwendolyn Brooks Building
An articulate and engaging speaker, Tom shares his particular war experiences of the survival journey required by the return to civilian life plus anecdotes garnered from his work as a counselor to other veterans and their families. For Street-Wise, Newspaper of Chicago, he wrote a requested article entitled, “What does America owe its veterans?”
I Know You Like A Book, 4707 Prospect Road, Peoria Heights, IL hosts Local Author Book Signing Event, Saturday, April 19th, 2:00 to 6:00 pm. Mary Beth Nebel, Owner (309) 685-2665.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
National Guard/African American History Month 2008
I was invited to be a keynote guest speaker for the National Guard activities during African American History Month at the Joint Force Headquarters at Camp Lincoln in Springfield Illinois. Major General Enyart, The Adjutant General for both the Illinois Army and Air National Guard, introduced me. Following are some thoughts I shared with that group.
Most of us are raised by families of mothers/ fathers, grandmothers/grandfather, uncles and aunts that look the same. We are taught to think and believe in what they do. It is the only world we know when we were children.
But you grow up, leave home and go out into the “world”, especially if you join the military. Then you find the world is a diverse place filled with people that have different cultural, color and beliefs. In the military, you learn to exist within that diversity.
Each one of you has your own reason why you join the National Guard. Many of you join because of the education benefits, extra money, and to serve your country. It used to be you stayed home except for a few weeks of the year. That has changed. Times are different as the world is different.
In the military you live and work in a diverse world and when you go into combat, there is a great possibility you will engage an enemy who does not look you, believe in what you do, nor think the same as you. Who live and fight by different rules.
The person serving with you may not look like you, be from a different culture, or have different personal beliefs than you. Yet, everyone wears the same uniform, trained together, go into battle with the same hopes and fears, these different people will lay their lives on the line with and for you.
Diversity at home and abroad is the way of our world today. Now does that mean you will like all this difference? No, because most of us did not grow up to like differences. It is something we discover when we find our own mind.
Our differences make this country great. It gives us the ability to drawn upon a bigger pool of skills and talents. What is great about diversity is that we can be different and have common purposes.
Most of us are raised by families of mothers/ fathers, grandmothers/grandfather, uncles and aunts that look the same. We are taught to think and believe in what they do. It is the only world we know when we were children.
But you grow up, leave home and go out into the “world”, especially if you join the military. Then you find the world is a diverse place filled with people that have different cultural, color and beliefs. In the military, you learn to exist within that diversity.
Each one of you has your own reason why you join the National Guard. Many of you join because of the education benefits, extra money, and to serve your country. It used to be you stayed home except for a few weeks of the year. That has changed. Times are different as the world is different.
In the military you live and work in a diverse world and when you go into combat, there is a great possibility you will engage an enemy who does not look you, believe in what you do, nor think the same as you. Who live and fight by different rules.
The person serving with you may not look like you, be from a different culture, or have different personal beliefs than you. Yet, everyone wears the same uniform, trained together, go into battle with the same hopes and fears, these different people will lay their lives on the line with and for you.
Diversity at home and abroad is the way of our world today. Now does that mean you will like all this difference? No, because most of us did not grow up to like differences. It is something we discover when we find our own mind.
Our differences make this country great. It gives us the ability to drawn upon a bigger pool of skills and talents. What is great about diversity is that we can be different and have common purposes.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Veterans’ Day
Why do we have a Veterans’ Day?
November 11 is officially veterans’ day. It started in November 1919 when President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day, based on the end of WWI “the war to end all wars”.
An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday - - a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans."
The Uniforms Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to insure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates.
The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
Veterans’ Day is a time for Americans to remember the commitment of men and women that served their country. To honor those that served and sacrifice for the common good. This is the day Americans collectively express the country’s appreciation for their veterans.
America is the country she is today because of her veterans. Every family has military veterans and any member of a family can be one. They are the men and women in our lives that gave us life and help us live it, like our fathers, brothers, sisters and mothers. Some are war heroes who faced unbelievable challenges to survive. Some sacrificed all for their country. So, on Veterans’ Day let us not let the jangle of our daily routines over shadow what we owe our veterans for their service. Let us not forget that Veterans’ Day is a day that honors people we love.
November 11 is officially veterans’ day. It started in November 1919 when President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day, based on the end of WWI “the war to end all wars”.
An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday - - a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans."
The Uniforms Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to insure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates.
The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
Veterans’ Day is a time for Americans to remember the commitment of men and women that served their country. To honor those that served and sacrifice for the common good. This is the day Americans collectively express the country’s appreciation for their veterans.
America is the country she is today because of her veterans. Every family has military veterans and any member of a family can be one. They are the men and women in our lives that gave us life and help us live it, like our fathers, brothers, sisters and mothers. Some are war heroes who faced unbelievable challenges to survive. Some sacrificed all for their country. So, on Veterans’ Day let us not let the jangle of our daily routines over shadow what we owe our veterans for their service. Let us not forget that Veterans’ Day is a day that honors people we love.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Wounds of War
As I have traveled doing book signings, radio and TV interviews, speaking engagements I am amazed how people have open up to tell their stories of survival, returning home and the adjustments of finding a life. All veterans of previous wars have faced these challenges and now the children and grandchildren of those veterans are walking those well worn roads. Every war is the same. Every war is different depending on how you look at it. A reflection of the confusing nature of combat in war. There are the common threads of war, death and destruction, men and women becoming veterans. How these things happen makes the difference.
Every veteran who has survived combat has a physically, mentally, or emotionally wound covered by a scar. All physical wounds carry lingering mental and emotional memories of what caused the wound. The bright flash of an explosion from touching a doll turns a momentary memory of home into months and years of pain. In the Iraq war, the kinds of wounds reflect the military’s attempt to save lives. Body armor has increased survivability, yet at the same time increased disabilities and head injuries. Which means more loss of limbs and head injuries that translates into more complex therapies that take more recovery time.
These types of wounds put a greater burden on the family because only certain medical facilities can handle the greater demand of medical care needed. Wounds, which take long recovery times, that has to take place in special medical facilities. Was the VA set up to response to such a demand? Where families have to travel long distances many times to see and be with their love ones adds another dimension that should be considered during the recovery time?
I know families that are experiencing the pain of seeing their love ones struggle with these types of injuries. Watching the blinking of eyes that signals a giant leap of accomplishment and a smile brings remembrances of normal.
Every veteran who has survived combat has a physically, mentally, or emotionally wound covered by a scar. All physical wounds carry lingering mental and emotional memories of what caused the wound. The bright flash of an explosion from touching a doll turns a momentary memory of home into months and years of pain. In the Iraq war, the kinds of wounds reflect the military’s attempt to save lives. Body armor has increased survivability, yet at the same time increased disabilities and head injuries. Which means more loss of limbs and head injuries that translates into more complex therapies that take more recovery time.
These types of wounds put a greater burden on the family because only certain medical facilities can handle the greater demand of medical care needed. Wounds, which take long recovery times, that has to take place in special medical facilities. Was the VA set up to response to such a demand? Where families have to travel long distances many times to see and be with their love ones adds another dimension that should be considered during the recovery time?
I know families that are experiencing the pain of seeing their love ones struggle with these types of injuries. Watching the blinking of eyes that signals a giant leap of accomplishment and a smile brings remembrances of normal.
Monday, May 7, 2007
Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial Vigil - 2007
This weekend I attended the Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial Vigil in Springfield, Illinois. This was the 19th year for the vigil. The closing ceremony included a remembrance cermony for Wesley A. Stiverson whose name recently was added to the black marble wall. It brought home to me the reality how the effects of the Vietnam War still lingers in our lives.
I was one of the original Vietnam veterans that started the movement to build the Illinois memorial. During the vigil I had a chance to see and hug most of the other veterans who were apart of that small group. Men who I have not seen for over twenty years. Yet the glow in my heart was just as warm as the excitement in my chest when we were together many years ago with a fire in our bellies this was something that should be done. An idea must start somewhere, it is usually within one mind. It was out of Mike Ferguson's mind that the idea for a Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial was conceived. In fact during those early years only the idea was clear. We didn't know where it should be built, what it should look like, and most important how to get it built. The hearts were true, but the lack of knowledge of how to do it was vast.
At that time I was Assistant Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, a member of Governor Thompson cabinet. I took the idea to the Governor. He loved the idea and threw his support behind building the memorial. Of course, when the Governor's office gets involved things happen, people and money show up. Different ideas show up. The simple brother love that inspired the original idea becomes a project that draws government and politics. The idea becomes more than just a thought, it becomes an expression of the people. The original small band of believers provided the idea and spirit that are captured in stone. I am glad my name is not on the memorial, proud and honored to be part of the spirit that energized the creation of it.
I was one of the original Vietnam veterans that started the movement to build the Illinois memorial. During the vigil I had a chance to see and hug most of the other veterans who were apart of that small group. Men who I have not seen for over twenty years. Yet the glow in my heart was just as warm as the excitement in my chest when we were together many years ago with a fire in our bellies this was something that should be done. An idea must start somewhere, it is usually within one mind. It was out of Mike Ferguson's mind that the idea for a Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial was conceived. In fact during those early years only the idea was clear. We didn't know where it should be built, what it should look like, and most important how to get it built. The hearts were true, but the lack of knowledge of how to do it was vast.
At that time I was Assistant Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, a member of Governor Thompson cabinet. I took the idea to the Governor. He loved the idea and threw his support behind building the memorial. Of course, when the Governor's office gets involved things happen, people and money show up. Different ideas show up. The simple brother love that inspired the original idea becomes a project that draws government and politics. The idea becomes more than just a thought, it becomes an expression of the people. The original small band of believers provided the idea and spirit that are captured in stone. I am glad my name is not on the memorial, proud and honored to be part of the spirit that energized the creation of it.
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