After returning to Djibouti from the Seychelles, I made it back to the office around midnight, only to find two huge boxes surrounding my desk. After a glance at the shipping label, I knew Shannon, the Girl Scout's and the Wildcat 7th Grade Class had come through once again...I also realized there was going to be a delay in losing those few extra pounds, due to a shipment of Girl Scout cookies.
Later that morning, I rounded up unit members and day-shift mechanics for a picture...to let you know your efforts, support and prayers are truly appreciated.
The remainder of the morning was spent eating Girl Scout cookies and watching the amazing reports of the 8.9 Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan...one of our pilots who had flown for Japan Airlines, offered additional insights into the locations we were viewing.
Next to our aircraft hangar is the offices for the Japan Self Defense Forces (JSDF)...which has a contingent of Japanese maritime forces in Djibouti. The Japanese troops were riveted to the 24-hour news channels and visibly upset watching the live footage..it reminded me of the emotions many Americans experienced watching the events of 9/11---without the terrorist aspect.
As a side note, after being defeated by the U.S and Allied forces in WWII, Japan modified thier constitution to prohibit a military. In post-war years, JSDF was confined to the islands of Japan and not permitted to be deployed abroad. Only in recent years, have they become engaged in international peacekeeping operations. Recent tensions with North Korea and China, is generating a debate in Japan, whether the role of JSDF should be expanded beyond self defense.
Back to cookies...later in the day, I caught up with the maintenance guys on second shift;
Before I receive an email asking about the "Goose"...here's the story;
The Goose resides in Alaska, but is on loan to our Lead Mechanic. Goose has literally traveled the world, and even wears a
Purple Heart for injuries sustained in a combat zone. The Lead Mechanic will ask us to carry the Goose---notice the camera around it's neck---on missions where we travel to a new destination, much like the
Flat Stanley Project. For example, on my last mission, Goose was photographed in front of the airport welcome sign in the Seychelles...another crew photographed the Goose in the cockpit passing over Mount Kilimanjaro.
I must admit, it is with some reluctance that the crews transport Goose, since it tends to draw undue attention. Athough I cannot confirm anything...there has been rumors...in retaliation, Goose may have been photographed in a few unflattering situations.
Recent events have been astonishing...governments in North Africa and the Middle East crumbling under violent protests by citizens,
Somalia pirates hijacking vessels in the waters off eastern Africa, continued plots for terrorism, natural disasters...in response, my choice, like other families in the "Wildcat Nation" is to continue to abide by Joshua 24:15
Shannon, Ann, Florence, Lisa, Don, and the rest of the Wildcat 7th Grade students and families---Thank You For Your Support.
The wager was a beverage of choice...the game was "PIG" golf---just like in basketball where you call your shot. Before each shot, the verbage would be something like; "see that solar panel straight ahead...if you move to the left, there is a bush by itself...just to the right of that bush is a pile of wood...closest to the wood pile with a 9-iron"
