As for me, I know that this is the Lord's plan for us, and though we might not see the blessing yet. I know there is a big one to come. I just hope a tornado doesn't take us away before we can see our blessing :-)
Ok, but on a lighter note. Everybody at drop night got called out and had to stand up in front of everyone while getting picked on by one of the instructors. It was kind of like getting "Roasted". they pretty much cracked on how many kids we had (considering we were the only ones with kids in his flight) and how cocky Anthony is. It was funny. (Video coming soon)
Here is a picture of what a KC-135 Stratotanker looks like (Its the one on top), and some info about them. They have been in operation since 1957 (51 yrs), it is used primarily to re-fuel aircraft during flight. Modified KC-135s, however, serve as flying command posts, pure transport, electronic reconnaissance, and photo mapping craft. It takes 4 crew members (pilot, co-pilot, navigator, boom operator) to fly the plane and costs $39.6 millionI do want to say that the only thing that I am really worried about is the deployment. I was talking to a guy that flies KC-135s and who was stationed in Kansas, and he said that when he was stationed there he flew 290 days out of the year. This means that Anthony will only be home like 2-3 months out of the whole year. He did say that he did a lot of volunteer work and took every assignment he could so he would move up in command faster, but still. I don't know what the average deployment rate is on the KC-135s but if he is going to be gone that much I don't think I can handle it. We will be finding a way out ASAP. I don't care how good the money is. I need my hubby home with me!
9 comments:
Hey Liz Ann- I hope he starts feeling better soon. I think he's done a really great job through training and has held his own so he should be proud for all that he's accomplished! I think you guys are such a wonderful family and the people in KS are lucky to be getting you guys!
You know, the 135 is a great plane, and McConnel's not a bad base, I mean heck, you're coming from Laughlin!!! Pretty much you can ONLY go up as far as bases go. With the 135 you have SO MANY options too, of where to go next. It'll only be 3-4 years that you're there and then you can go to England, or Japan, or so many other cool places!!!! You have so many more bases than we do with the C-17. As for deployments, it totally depends on the base you're at AND the times. Deployments fluctuate with the war and other current events. I'm sure the next President will have a huge effect on deployments, one way or the other, so you can't go by what someone did even a year ago. Things change, and you'll just have to get there and see. As you said, this is the Lord's plan for you, and whatever you are given I know you will make the best of it. You are so positive about everything, and you will be blessed for that attitude. We love you guys and wish you were coming to Dover ;) but I think there are some overlapping bases (can't think right now, my brain's not on all the way!) and if you get to Altus before July 20th or so, we'll see you here!!!! Take care, and honestly, CONGRATS!! He could have gotten an AWACs (no offense to anyone who flies that) or a C-130 and with the C-130 you would NEVER have seen him!!! Plus there more dangerous than most heavies because of their slow, low-flying missions. Kind of like that new heavy in the drop that I don't know what it's called that Anthony wanted. Anyway, we'll talk to you soon!!!
Oh, and the "rummor" has been for a while that when the new "super tanker" comes out, KC-135 guys are going to be the first to get to fly it. Some thoughts for the future....
One more thing ;) Peter just told me that McConnell is really good for 135 pilots career-wise and it's the ONLY place that they have 135 special ops, so it would be the only place Anthony would have the chance he wants to go that route, or the test-pilot route. So, that's a blessing, isn't it? You could have gotten 135's to England and that's a way cool place, but no special ops....
Frankie wanted me to tell you that KS is an awesome base. (He hears about it all the time bc his supervisor just came from there.) She loved it and said it has been her favorite base so far and she's been in almost 20 yrs. The housing is SUPER cheap. You can have a gorgeous home for almost nothing. (End of message from Frankie)
From me: You're welcome. I love y'all. I know it'll all work out. And, the last couple of comments show that you're going to have great opportunities there. I'm excited to see what happens.
Hey Lizzy! I was definitely a little disappointed to hear that you are going to KS-only because I'm selfish and wanted yall to come to Charleston. =) But I know you can handle ANYTHING! And Anthony too. You guys have an amazing way of adapting! I miss all of you! I'm addicted to your blog now- you'll hear from me soon.
love u!!!
Sorry he didn't get what he had hoped for, but I hope he finds that he really likes the plane!! There are some awesome bases, and the pilots we've met who fly them are just awesome (like Shane Rogers, and Josh Evan's brother just to name a few). I hope you guys like the experience!! :)
I am sorry Anthony didn't get the plane he wanted. I hope he likes the kc-135 I heard the new ones coming out that will be cool. just another thought if he doesn't like it he's not stuck with it he can change after his first tour.Larissa
Just a funny side note...the plane that the KC is refueling is Caleb's RC-135 that he's flying!! And guess what!? Wichita is only about 5 hours from us, maybe we'll come see you sometime!!
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