We started the day much the usual with a 6 'ish roll out and then our quiet moments before a breakfast of fruit and cereal. We were geared up for a hot sunny day, but it turned out to be anything but that. Seldom do we have this type of weather this time of the year we faced on the tarmac at the base as it became quite cool with the dampness from the couple of hours of steady rain which cleared up around 2 ish. By the time we left there around 5'ish the wind was very strong making it feel even cooler.
We headed out around 10'ish with a cooler of cold water and a box of donuts and everyone was loaded up with sunscreen but suddenly the skies darken and the rain fell with an occasional streak of lightning in the clouds. It rained steadily as we approached the air base but the gates were closed not letting anyone in because of the weather. We sat in an along side the road in a traffic backup for hours not knowing the base was close because of the threat of the lightning. Finally we managed to find a McDonald's which was crowed with folks also waiting to get on the base when we learned of the closure. We had a lite lunch and sat inside until we saw the roads open and the rain stop. Well there were thousands upon thousands of other cars as well waiting to get in and the backup was miles long. Finally we got onto the base and the line of cars was long as well but the airmen were very good at moving lots of cars in and parking them.They even noticed we had kids in the car and moved us closer to the entry point which was very thoughtful as well.
Well I hadn't been around a tarmac(where airplanes park on a flight line) since I left the service in '73 and it was great to be up close to these huge aircraft. There were no C-141's which I was a loadmaster/air crew member on for 7 years but the newer aircraft resemble them in shape, but these newer ones were much larger. The C5A and C-17 all resemble and look like my old bird with swept wings, T-tail and the back tail ramp for loading. The C5A also opens from the front with the cockpit hinging and opening skyward. It's massive in size. I spoke with a few of the crew who remember the C-141 and one airman actually few it for a couple of years before it was taken out of the inventory. It felt good to be back inside a cargo bird after so many years and the improvements were awesome.
We toured the C-130 which I flew on a couple times while deadheading back from across the states while on leave as well as visited the many fighter jets and bombers. The B-1 bomber is huge and carries a larger payload than the B-52 which was also on display and is much faster. I'm surprised the B-52 is still in operation as it started flying during the Korean War. I use to watch them take off when we were flying into Guam where many were stationed during Vietnam. Well America's might was on display with the arsenal of aircrafts and I wonder why we don't use them to their full extend now and then back during the Vietnam era. When you let politicians become involved with fighting your enemy things become murky and the goal is not clear. The Thunderbirds pilots were awesome and their flying ability was unbelievable. They put on an awesome show of the F16's power and performance while in close formations at very high speeds. Wow, were they ever precise as they entertained this huge crowd despite the low ceilings. Many times they were not visible to us on the ground until they came roaring in from the clouds as they passed overhead. What a display of piloting.
We saw a huge gathering of FHP vehicles and Troopers on the tarmac as well. I saw a former trooper I helped to break in when he was a rookie. It was could to speak with them and I was proud to have been a small part of such a professional organization that did a service to the community. It really made me feel proud to also have been a part of the USAF as I mentioned my role with these who are still serving their country on these various aircraft. I stopped by a Vietnam exhibit and mentioned to a couple of the men that I had flown "in country" on a C-141 for 7 years while serving the 44th MAS Squadron while stationed at Travis AFB in California and he awarded me a 50 year anniversary pin of my service. That was really nice and I felt honored. Well Macdill AFB is huge and well maintained on the banks of Tampa Bay and everyone who we spoke with was very courteous and professional in their manner and dress. I was especially proud as an airman and a trooper as I showed my grandchildren off to those who now represent my earlier professions and sacrifice to this country that I love, GOD BLESS THE USA, LATER
Don't forget to worship today Sunday at a gathering of many and pray for these who keep us safe despite the inept leadership of this government. Pray for our men and women who put on the uniform of law enforcement as they get no respect from this potus and his minions as well as those who guard the nation from foreign adversaries in our military.
