Category: Uncategorized

Once again it’s been a while. Since my last post I have finished the Springs ranch PTO website. I’ve been checking but it still has not been posted yet… Oh well.

“The Boy” had his first Flag Football game out at Ft. Carson on Saturday. It was quite a sight to see, but I am sure those kids have a good time. For those family members who wish to come up and see a game the schedule can be found here.

I had to format my computer and start all over with all the software. Just having way too many problems with things not working. Even though everything is “new”, I still don’t think it’s working right. I guess that’s why computer rapair people get so much money.

Anyway that’s it for now. By the way happy Birthday to Jeff!

Well it’s been a while since I’ve updated this Blog. I don’t see how folks keep up on one of theses things daily. Lets see what’s been happening…

First of all Happy Birthday to Ida (Today). We hope she had a good day with all that’s been happening with Vic. Vic recently visited the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. They couldn’t find anything really wrong with him and they predict he’ll be felling much better within six months.

Second… What’s been going on… The boy has been doing well in school. He has started playing football for the base, and seems to be really be enjoying it. Once again I have been roped into being the coach, but I don’t really mind.

Went to San Antonio again for a class… Not a lot of excitement there, but still learned a lot.

I have been working diligently on a new website for the Springs Ranch Elementary School Parent-Teacher Association , it has been a long drawn out process, but it seems to finally be coming to an end.

Besides work, I guess that’s it for now. Currently on “vacation” so I don’t know how much I will have to write over the next few days.

(Personal Note: Just saw this 3/29/2004 story… I had the pleasure to serve with SMSgt Parsons back in the late 90’s. I was a SSgt and he was a TSgt at that time… I wish him well during his recovery)

BAGHDAD, Iraq — During an Iraqi insurgent attack on an American convoy north of here in March, time seemed to stand still, said Tech. Sgt. George Stewart.

“It seemed like forever,” the 447th Air Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Airman said. Squadron members credited Sergeant Stewart, their independent-duty medical technician, with stabilizing and preparing three wounded service members for an aeromedical evacuation during the attack.

One Soldier was killed and three service members were wounded, while three Iraqi insurgents were killed and another wounded in the attack that started quickly.

“The vehicles in front of us stopped. Then we heard weapons fire,” said Senior Master Sgt. Richard Parsons, the Air Force convoy commander.

Several service members were lying wounded in front of the Air Force portion of the convoy as attention turned to muzzle flashes along a roadside tree line. That’s when Airman 1st Class Shina Watkins opened fire, said 1st Lt. Leo Baustian, the convoy’s intelligence officer.

Airman Watkins, a squadron fire team member, was manning one of the turret guns. She provided cover fire as the remainder of the security forces darted into position, he said. Toward the head of the convoy, Airman 1st Class Raul Mexicano also returned fire from a turret.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Baustian and Staff Sgt. Kurt McNeely, a civil engineer readiness noncommissioned officer assigned to the squadron, fired on the muzzle flashes as the rest of the Airmen maneuvered into place.

During the firefight, Sergeant Parsons directed Sergeant Stewart toward the wounded members. The medic wasted no time as he tended the wounded.

“He just jumped out of the vehicle and got busy,” said Tech. Sgt. Ed James, assistant convoy commander.

Sergeant Parsons and the other wounded were taken by helicopter to a nearby Army medical treatment facility while Sergeant James rallied the Air Force portion of the convoy and safely left the area.
“It’s kind of funny, but after it was all over with, I sat there in the helicopter and simply felt like I did my day’s work,” Sergeant Parsons said.

— Master Sgt. Sean E. Cobb
447th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs

Well it’s been nearly two weeks since my last entry. Too be honest I have been way to busy to keep up with this. Let’s see what has happened since my last entry on 7 Aug. We’ll we have had three Birthdays, I finished the AF SNCO Academy Correspondence course, had a surprise inspection at work (at least a surprise to me, and spent one horrific week in San Antonio, TX (I love San Antonio, just job there was horrible). I’ll try to keep up on this at least weekly , but I make no promises.

Well for a Saturday not much to report. Spent time looking for cheap airline tickets for the “in-laws”. Father-in-law still having trouble after surgery last Dec. He is heading of to the Mayo clinic in Scottsdale, AZ to see if they can figure out what’s going on.

Well today was the boys first full day at school. I think he had a great time. He didn’t even look back as he entered the front door by himself for the first time. I, of course, stood solid as a rock as mom looked sadly on as our big boy made his first step towards manhood. At the end of the day, when asked “how was your day?”, he stated “better than any person could have”. Pretty much sums it up doesn’t it? We’ll see how he feels when he starts the before and after school program on Monday. I am sure he’ll enjoy it.

Today on the thuis.us home page I place a new intro. Let me know how you like it.

Today was Michaels first day at school. He only went for one hour but I think he really enjoyed it. It’s a huge difference from “preschool”, but I think he’ll do fine. I am not sure about his mom though.

The one thing I can’t get over is the cost to send the boy to “public” school. I don’t remember having this many expenses when we went. Sure there was the supplies and the new “school” clothes. But now there is activity fees, tuition, before and after school program fees, breakfast fee, lunch “cost” account establishment; and this is just for Kindergarten… I will be broke before the sixth grade.

By the way… I did have an audio entry posted yesterday. But I hated is so now it is gone.

I also changed the look to this site, I think it looks a bit classier now.

Still trying to think of a new “theme” for the new website. I don’t want to repeat the old one, but I still don’t have any great new ideas. I guess I should have paid more attention in art class, maybe I could have sparked a seemingly dormant creative gene. If anyone has any ideas let me know.

Today I was on leave with “The Boy”. I should have really enjoyed it but do I need a rest. Being home alone with a five year old is no picnic. To top it off we went to the open house of his new school. A very nice school but the chaos of hundreds of kids and their parents left me with a slight migraine. I not complaining but everything today would have been a lot better if the last few day wouldn’t have been so crazy.

On Saturday, we finally completed a hectic “Terrific Ball” season on the base. We actually had a nice day so the director decided to hold the ceremony on the Base Parade field. There were kids running around everywhere, and once they got pizza, punch, and cake in their system we were all ready to leave. Still a good time for all.

Sunday was a good day… We took a short drive up to Calhan, Colorado for a visit to the El Paso County Fair. With the exception of the heat it was a good time. Michael really enjoyed riding the carnival rides, seeing the farm animals, and watching his first rodeo. My personal favorite was the “Goat Obstacle Course”, in which kids of all ages had to guide their goats over various obstacles. What a sight!

Monday we headed up to Woodland Park, Colorado to the Farish Recreation Area. We spent the day with about 85 coworkers and their families on a “family day”. Great time but keeping up, again, with those kids… wow. Water gun fights, football, fishing, HUGE picnic, scavenger hunt… I could keep going but you can see the fun.

I am on leave again tomorrow and it the last day before school starts. I am hoping to have some more fun… But until then I think it’s time for bed.