The Air Force 732nd Expeditionary Mission Support Group Commander, Col Lawrence Jackson, paid a visit to local airmen stationed at FOB Diamondback and FOB Marez today. This was a short notice visit which, once again, required me (the ranking officer) to organize. Let's see, where did it all begin to go wrong?
No transportation was available from the Army. I had to escort and drive everywhere. The colonel's flight arrived at 1340 instead of 1240. I had plans for him to conduct his commander's call during lunch, at 1315, with the airmen. When we arrived at the chow hall it was closed and the airmen gone. I thought the other chow hall might be open longer, but that one was closed too. No commander's call and now I have a hungry full bird colonel.
We stopped at the PX for "lunch", if you can call tuna and potato chips to-go, a meal. After touring a few of the missions the airmen support I took him and his three staff to the airport at 1630. They weren't manifested on the last flight of the day. That would mean entertaining him the rest of the evening and arranging billeting for their overnight stay. The two-star general's visit went so much smoother.
There is a God! The airport representative read the wrong flight manifest. They are manifested, but the flight leaves in two and a half hours. I offered to pick up some carry out plates from the chow hall since they haven't ate a real meal since breakfast. They ate, I said good-bye, and I sent another Air Force distinguished visitor on his way.
I may not be home for Christmas, but I may be grey by Christmas! (my hair that is)
No transportation was available from the Army. I had to escort and drive everywhere. The colonel's flight arrived at 1340 instead of 1240. I had plans for him to conduct his commander's call during lunch, at 1315, with the airmen. When we arrived at the chow hall it was closed and the airmen gone. I thought the other chow hall might be open longer, but that one was closed too. No commander's call and now I have a hungry full bird colonel.
We stopped at the PX for "lunch", if you can call tuna and potato chips to-go, a meal. After touring a few of the missions the airmen support I took him and his three staff to the airport at 1630. They weren't manifested on the last flight of the day. That would mean entertaining him the rest of the evening and arranging billeting for their overnight stay. The two-star general's visit went so much smoother.
There is a God! The airport representative read the wrong flight manifest. They are manifested, but the flight leaves in two and a half hours. I offered to pick up some carry out plates from the chow hall since they haven't ate a real meal since breakfast. They ate, I said good-bye, and I sent another Air Force distinguished visitor on his way.
I may not be home for Christmas, but I may be grey by Christmas! (my hair that is)
1 comment:
Oh, poor Ben. Don't worry if he thought it was a terrible visit he won't remember you anyway. On the down side, if he thought you were awesome and arranged a perfect visit he probably already for got your name. At least the flight for tonight worked out.
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