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Mary’s Musings
I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving break! I know we did. December is just around the corner and so is the flurry of activities the holiday season will bring. As schedules will quickly fill this next month, I wanted to make sure we got out the important OTS activity dates to our families – check out the OTS Holiday Happenings section.

I look forward to seeing you all out and about this month and a big thanks to TSgt H for being our guest columnist this month!

Mary

AETC Symposium and 60th Anniversary Ball
By Randall H, TSgt, USAF
I can’t say I’ve been one of your “Ate Up” AF members. Even as a recruiter, I didn’t work the angles or hang with the right crowds. I guess I just never thought it was my style but let me tell you, I was missing out.

Attending the AETC Symposium and 60th Anniversary Ball was a highlight of my career. I now know the meaning of “re-Blued”. First, the symposium was on the Riverwalk in downtown San Antonio, TX. The convention hall was full of booths but what was really cool for an ex recruiter, like myself, was all the toys the recruiters showed up with. They had the AF chopper built by Orange County Choppers, stars of Discovery Channel’s “American Choppers”. They also had a monster truck, a race car, a mini F-22 and an RV designed to attract health care professionals. I wish I had tools like that when I was beating the streets. Granted we need a lot to get the attention of future AF members but nothing beats word of mouth. Remember, “We are all recruiters.” Every time you complain to someone, not in the Air Force, you turn away future recruits.

The symposium was more than booths and displays. There were lectures by staff right here at Maxwell.
The first I attended was on Arab culture. I was fascinated when I learned AFOATS’ own Chief Lynn teaches the same lecture at OTS! The highlight was AF enlisted heritage presented by Chief McVicar from the AF Enlisted Heritage Hall at Gunter AFB. He really got everyone’s attention when he introduced one of the few remaining enlisted aviators. This gentleman proceeded to amaze us with stories of Chuck Yeager and Jimmie Stewart. I received a glimpse at the history that makes the Air Force what we are today. If I hadn’t been impressed enough, there was still the Ball. I can’t tell you how happy I was for this experience. The speaker was SECAF Michael W. Wynne who was followed up by AETC/CC General William Looney. If you never heard General Looney speak, well, let’s just say he’s a hard act to follow. He is probably the best public speaker I’ve heard and had so much pride for AETC I couldn’t help but be caught up in it as well.

I can sum up the AF Ball with a quote from Forest Gump. “The best thing about meeting the President is the FOOD.” Yep, the best thing about the AF Ball was the food. I couldn’t believe this country boy from Iowa was dining so well. I even kept the menu.

Young field greens & crisp arugula; Accented with port poached pears, candied walnuts and roquefort tossed with balsamic vinaigrette; served with a four cheese phillo twist.
Pan seared medallions of tenderloin with Madeira au jus & jumbo gulf shrimp, stuffed with jalapeno cream cheese and roasted pepper, wrapped in prosciutto with mornay sauce, served with baked potato stack, asparagus, baby carrots, and a wedge of grilled red tomato with chopped fresh herb.
Tri-Color Braided Rolls and Butter.
Key lime torte with tequila sauce.
House Chef Selected Chardonnay & Merlot.

I can’t pronounce a lot of that but I do know that I savored every bite. I had to ask myself if it was healthy to derive that much pleasure from a meal. Was it really that good or does the rest of my life suck that much? I got my answer when I looked next to me for a beautiful date, but was horrified to see our MTI Supt--MSgt P!

I have to say though that the AETC Symposium and Air Force 60th Anniversary Ball was more than great food, world class displays and an amazing location. It was a true privilege to be in the presence of some of the most influential and important names in our Air Force. It was like being at the academy awards of the AF. To have those influential people praise the work that we do everyday was an honor.

Birthdays
SSgt Jennifer S (Nov)
SSgt(s) Anthony W (Nov)
Lt Col Kurt K (Nov)
TSgt Gina H (Nov)
SSgt Monica W (Dec)
SrA Priscilla H (Dec)
SSgt Wes K (Dec)

Congratulations
SSgt Jeremy U, SSgt Veronica R, SSgt Chris D, SSgt Nicole H and TSgt W.

SSgt Mike R, 22 TRSS Hard Charger for September

SSgt Yanique T, 22 TRSS Hard Charger for October

Jenn C for getting selected to be a commissioned officer. 1st Lt(s) C will attend COT 08-02!

1st Lt(s) C, 2008 AFA Outstanding Civilian Of the Year, AFOATS winner!

Capt Anquenetta B, 2008 DoD African American History Month Recognition Award, AFOATS winner!

Major Brian G for selection to go to Air Command and Staff College in Aug ’08.

Hail and Farewell
Farewell
MSgt(s) Sas J moved to be 42 ABW Honor Guard Superintendent

TSgt Emilio G moved to Sheppard AFB

SrA Marcus P separated from the AF

Hail
SSgt Nicole C is now our Supply NCO. She came to us from Grand Forks AFB, ND.
SSgt Haley J is now in our Separations section. She came from Lackland AFB, Tx.