Settling In Japan

Hey all! I am now in Japan. I've been here a week now and am getting all settled in. It is good to be back in the air and doing what I've been trained to do. We are back from Korea where we participated in an annual exercise with the South Koreans as well as other branches of our armed forces. The exercise was training in preparation for a North Korean attack. We were living in tents and it was mighty cold at night. It is good to have a room now all to myself. The accommodations here in Japan are quite nice. I have pretty much a one bedroom apartment with a full kitchen. It is kind of weird not having anyone or any dogs running around. Anyway, I will be posting some pics and comments on all my adventures. Stay tuned.

Back with the Wing

I'm back in the Air Wing. I checked in about two weeks ago but still haven't flown. I've haven't been flying in so long that I am required to go refresher training for the F/A-18. However, I may be able to get a waiver to do the refresher training here in Beaufort. We will be deploying soon and it would be nice to be able to stay here instead of adding extra time away from the family. I am sorry for the long span between posts. Things have certainly been busy around here.

Happy New Year!

Happy new year to all. I've been busy and haven't updated the blog since Christmas. Thanks to all who have commented to my postings. I should direct you to Kimberly's blog because she keeps it up to date with all the family news and pictures more regularly. Take care.

Graduation Gathering

Kimberly is graduating tomorrow from nursing school and the family has made the trip out. Grandma Kathleen and Papa Joe, Grandma Katherine (Mimi), and Grandpa Jim and Lupe all came out to celebrate. We all went out and had a huge dinner last night. We are getting together today to have a nice dinner at the house. Tom and Allison have come as well.

Getting Ready for Christmas

Christmas is coming! The girls are all excited. We are getting the house decorated in anticipation of Santa to arrive. We also have family flying in for Kimberly's graduation. She has one more test (tomorrow) and she will be done. Say a prayer for her. Here are a few pictures of the girls decorating the tree.

Good bye, Uncle Dick

I received a call this Saturday from my father. His voice was strange and to the point. It consisted of the basics: "Hi, this is dad. Your uncle Dick was in a motorcycle accident and is in critical condition at the hospital. I'm heading to Monterey right now. Please pray for him and the family." The call was short but the weight of it was enormous.

I haven't been "home" too much since graduating from highschool and heading off into the world. Growing up, I spent every Christmas and most Thanksgivings in the Monterey area with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. My grandmother is Philipino and the feasts we had were huge. These days I am thankful if I am even with my wife and kids during the holidays or special occasions. I can't remember the last time I spent a holiday with all my aunts, uncles and cousins. I've spoken to them on the phone from across the nation. My father makes sure that everyone has a chance to speak with me. I miss the old days.

My uncle, Richard Whitworth, 62, later succomed to his injuries that evening. He was participating in a Christmas charity ride, along with 300 other riders, for children's toys in Carmel, California. He was struck from behind by an absent minded driver of an SUV trying to pass the pack of motorcyclists.

Mary Ann, Ricky, Cheryl, and Shelly - our thoughts and prayers are with you! Uncle Dick - I'm sorry I didn't have the opportunity to say goodbye but we love you and thank you for blessing our lives while you were with us. We will meet again.

Happy Thanksgiving To ALL!

Today we recognize all the blessings that God has given us and to give Himthanks! I would also like to thank all those who have given to me throughout my life. There are way too many to mention each and everyone and I would invariably end up missing quite a few. So, to my family, friends, and to those that have contributed in some way to the lives of me and my family, Thank You and God Bless.

And a special note to all those who have given their lives to make this country what it is today; from our founding fathers to the men and women who have given their lives throught the globe today. Thank you. And thank you to all the men and women (and their families) who are away from home and away from their families and have sacrifced some of their freedoms so that you and I can have our turkey and watch the Colts trample over the Falcons this afternoon. God Bless and come home safe!