tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-132880302011-12-01T10:47:48.032-05:00Welcome to the new "Wild Blue Yonder": Increasing awareness through insightful analysis and a slight tilt of the flight cap.Funky Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292936207948028218noreply@blogger.comBlogger241100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13288030.post-1129731987574066702005-10-19T09:23:00.000-04:002005-10-19T12:43:40.546-04:00

Apologize to my once-loyal readers about the hiatus -- been busy taking care of loose ends at work and at home. Not too much time left to blog about Rita, DeLay, "staged" interviews with the President Bush or the drama that is the Supreme Court.I'm deploying to Mesopotamia.Haven't quite figured out what will become of this blog, but I suspect I'll get an idea when I get to my destination (which

Funky Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292936207948028218noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13288030.post-1126043274280063812005-09-06T17:18:00.000-04:002005-09-06T17:47:56.103-04:00

Well, well, well. Turns out the national media covering the Katrina response got tired of the intergovernmental finger pointing, and started a witch hunt of their own. The first trial: the crew of the USS Harry Truman.Granted, the Truman -- equipped with a huge hospital -- will likely not be much help at this point because the seriously injured evacuees have already been air transported to

Funky Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292936207948028218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13288030.post-1125685240482894942005-09-02T12:58:00.000-04:002005-09-03T17:54:47.306-04:00

Tho the biggest aid organizations have already collected millions and millions of dollars to finance the rescue/recovery efforts in the Gulf Coast, that support hasn't reached nearly enough people. Part of the problem is that not everyone is reachable, and another part is bureaucratic processes that only work in cubicle culture.So as we move into Day 5, the crosshairs move to FEMA and the

Funky Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292936207948028218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13288030.post-1125539880684076102005-08-31T20:57:00.000-04:002005-08-31T21:59:02.670-04:00

Hurricane Katrina came, conquered and devastated the lives of millions of Americans in a matter of hours. It has changed the region's topography forever. Even watching the coverage on television can be depressing. But, using history as a guide, those affected -- and dare I say the nation -- will ultimately prevail and return stronger.This disaster is the kind, like the Sept 11 attacks, that will

Funky Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292936207948028218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13288030.post-1124635793799716602005-08-21T09:33:00.000-04:002005-08-21T10:49:55.316-04:00

I recently received news that Air Force Personnel Center's computer database was hacked into and thousands of Airmen -- including yours truly -- may now be especially vulnerable to identity theft.On the face of it, it's ironic: I have trouble accessing my own account most of the time, often resorting to creating new passwords on every visit. Somehow, these yahoos figured out how pry open my

Funky Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292936207948028218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13288030.post-1122694917985945862005-07-29T23:08:00.000-04:002005-07-29T23:42:32.520-04:00

I'm extremely supportive of John Roberts being considered for a seat on the Supreme Court. Judge Roberts has led a distinguished legal career, and based on what I've read, is in agreement with the vast majority of Americans.That some would-be opponents are having a tough time finding skeletons in his closet is amusing, and probably the only reason I keep up with the issue at all. Even some

Funky Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292936207948028218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13288030.post-1122692851903747642005-07-29T22:37:00.000-04:002005-07-29T23:07:31.906-04:00

I've been procrastinating. I've been checking this site for the last week or so, hoping to miraculously see a new post that I intended to, but hadn't, written on the big topics that have dominated the mil-blog scene recently.While I don't intend to ever "compete" with my favorite bloggers, being in a different league -- and not having the audience or instant feedback -- somehow contradicts the

Funky Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292936207948028218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13288030.post-1121563023829434492005-07-16T19:30:00.000-04:002005-07-16T21:17:03.846-04:00

I finally buckled to temptation, and the wife seems to not mind one bit.I bought the Household Commander an iPod for her birthday.As an introduction, this is a huge step for a family who has hitherto prided itself in being responsible consumers and avoiding the hype of consumerism. Neither of us gets excited about electronic gadgets -- I don't even own a watch -- but I must confess that this

Funky Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292936207948028218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13288030.post-1121371107328934722005-07-14T15:33:00.000-04:002005-07-14T16:24:38.330-04:00

Fellow mil-blogger, Jarhead, from Red State Rant has made the monumental decision to join the Marine Corps, after a 10-year hiatus from his initial stint in "Uncle Sam's Big Green Gun Club."His post brilliantly captures what many proud servicemembers feel about the calling of military service. Further, Jarhead and his family epitomize the selflessness and patriotism that the nation needs right

Funky Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292936207948028218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13288030.post-1120960182394511282005-07-09T21:01:00.000-04:002005-07-09T21:59:38.900-04:00

With bombing details slowly emerging out of London, the mainstream media grabs what it can to fill the international page void. Fortunate for them, I'm open to play ball.Apparently, Nike's decided to give ol' Kobe Bryant another chance after a two-year timeout. I'm no fan of basketball, but I followed this case closely from a marketing/sponsorship perspective -- I suspect it'll become a staple "

Funky Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292936207948028218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13288030.post-1120766758609171082005-07-07T16:01:00.000-04:002005-07-07T16:13:14.630-04:00

If anything, today’s bombings in London are proof that the war on terror is far from over. Fellow milblogger BlackFive has a compelling perspective on the tragic event.

Funky Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292936207948028218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13288030.post-1120185745627878582005-06-30T22:38:00.000-04:002005-07-01T11:00:33.810-04:00

For the next few days, there’ll be no shortage of commentators willing to wax poetic about the Declaration of Independence or the abstract concepts of freedom and oppression. Dust off last year’s speech notes, change a few dates and insert a few Chinas and North Koreas.But we too often gloss over the double-edge sword that was the Declaration of 1776. The intent, of course, was to guarantee

Funky Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292936207948028218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13288030.post-1119887563172090922005-06-27T11:36:00.000-04:002005-06-27T17:10:28.813-04:00

The House of Representative's passing of an amendment that would prohibit flag burning has (surprise, surprise) "sparked" new debate on both sides of the isle. I'll cover the neutral ground.I proudly serve my country. I'll even confess to being a staunch advocate of conservative values, and for that matter, helping freedom sweep the world. I appreciate the American way of life -- as difficult as

Funky Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292936207948028218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13288030.post-1119878504708703072005-06-27T09:18:00.000-04:002005-06-27T09:24:04.826-04:00

A great Little Green Footballs piece showcasing patriotic organizers of a Columbia, Mo., airshow, and how they exercised their freedom of expression, to the chagrin of wily protestors.Definitely a "must read" for anyone who may have to plan a military air show or open house in the future ...a clever and legal way to demonstrate the power of the First Amendment and generate some publicity for the

Funky Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292936207948028218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13288030.post-1119330684098721832005-06-20T22:00:00.000-04:002005-06-21T01:14:35.260-04:00

Much ado about how the U.S. military plans to withdrawal forces from Iraq.I'm all for it, but the Administration is in a sticky situation.During the last campaign, President Bush skillfully -- and respectfully, I might add -- used the war issue to his advantage. He was adamant about the resolve and sacrifice that would be required of us while Iraqis navigated their way toward democracy. America

Funky Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292936207948028218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13288030.post-1119182295027087482005-06-19T05:54:00.000-04:002005-06-19T09:05:39.806-04:00

Today we honor America's 66 million fathers.For many, it will be a morning celebration, over a hearty breakfast of (real) bacon and eggs with (white) toast and (black) coffee. And colorful ties. For others, there will be less fanfare but nevertheless be relaxing.Regardless of how you'll celebrate Fathers Day, remember that many dads today are stationed in places like Kabul, Djubuti, Karabilah and

Funky Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292936207948028218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13288030.post-1118804789333421582005-06-14T22:35:00.000-04:002005-06-16T19:44:05.280-04:00

Fellow milblogger Cool Blue Blog has a compelling take on the military recruiting challenge, based on a historical perspective and American idealism.

Funky Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292936207948028218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13288030.post-1118448710085043752005-06-10T19:55:00.000-04:002005-06-10T20:16:33.036-04:00

Excerpt from a farewell note sent by a prior-enlisted captain who's folding his flight cap after 23 years:"You do important work everyday and the American people appreciate it. How do I know? I went to my nephew's high school graduation Tuesday where 64 honors students recieved more than $2.3 million in scholarships, and one world-class athlete was recognized for breaking six state records in

Funky Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292936207948028218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13288030.post-1118441531613111722005-06-10T16:26:00.000-04:002005-06-10T19:49:45.476-04:00

More Americans should know about the truly odd game that an energetic group of New Yorkers played in the streets of Brooklyn recently. Not because "Manhunt" is the next Macarena, but because the event is a clear sign that at least some Americans are enjoying their freedom.That a group of twenty-somethings planned this gathering in advance, publicized it to the world, welcomed folks of all shapes/

Funky Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292936207948028218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13288030.post-1118373998599424632005-06-09T22:04:00.000-04:002005-06-12T09:12:20.806-04:00

Big talk about the president's recent push to renew key provisions of the Patriot Act, which was Congress' offering to the Justice Department in the wake of the 2001 terror attacks. The act essentially closed the major loopholes that the Sept. 11th hijackers exploited, and has undoubtedly given U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies the teeth to stop would-be attackers before they strike

Funky Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292936207948028218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13288030.post-1118289901944963282005-06-08T20:33:00.000-04:002005-06-10T07:05:47.050-04:00

Articles on the Army's recruiting forecast (like this one and this one) should concern military folk -- how the Army handles this may very well set a precedent for how the other services will be expected to cope with any recruiting problems in the future. And if you've been around long enough, you know all this is cyclical.Some solutions that have been kicked around are throwing more money at

Funky Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292936207948028218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13288030.post-1118242989570243752005-06-08T10:01:00.000-04:002005-06-08T11:09:29.276-04:00

NY Times today fronts a real snoozer on the Pentagon's bureaucratic acquisition process. It's the final piece in the "Arsenal of the Future" series; NYTimes.com members can check it out here.For everyone else: The story is hardly front-page material -- even its newsworthiness is suspect: Must be a slow news day for an editor to accept "Nine years ago, ..." as the lede for an above-the-fold story.

Funky Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292936207948028218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13288030.post-1118172809788550772005-06-07T13:47:00.000-04:002005-06-07T17:44:45.756-04:00

The saga has ended, finally. The Pentagon's Inspector General released its report today on whether there was anything fishy about how Air Force leaders approached a proposed lease with Boeing for aerial tankers.Report summary: The IG found that some Defense/Air Force policymakers were more focused on getting a tanker deal through the wickets than developing an objective acquisition strategy.

Funky Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292936207948028218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13288030.post-1118103455466464462005-06-06T20:11:00.000-04:002005-06-06T20:17:35.470-04:00

Complacency has stealth characteristics. What was looking like another good day at the office ended in anger and frustration. The conundrum? I accidentally "saved over" a report that I had been working on for months.Yes, sports fans, while my brothers and sisters in arms are fighting violent extremists in austere conditions, I blew a gasket, so to speak, because I'll have to redo a Word document.

Funky Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02292936207948028218noreply@blogger.com0