WABoom

Altus man injured in motorcycle accident Sunday 9 days ago | 1845 views | 0 | 7 | | Lee James Adkins, 34, of Altus, was injured in a motorcycle accident Sunday afternoon 2 miles west of Altus on US Hwy 62. According to reports from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Adkins was driving west on a 2007 Harley Davidson motorcycle when he lost control and skidded approximately 360 feet before coming to rest in the north ditch. Adkins was thrown 53 feet from the cycle. Adkins was medi-flighted to the OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City where he was admitted in serious condition with trunk internal, head and trunk external injuries. There were no passengers, and Adkins was wearing a helmet. The accident was investigated by Troopers Trinity Simmons, Jimmy Wallace, and Lt. George Dickerson and were assisted by Jackson County EMS, Martha Fire Department and the Altus Fire Department. Read more: Altus Times - Altus man injured in motorcycle accident Sunday I am actually 33! LOL DNIF for at least 6 months, but thank god the sq wasn't having a memorial for me. List of injuries is extensive, just thankful that my AF family has stepped up in this time of need for me. Couldn't be any happier with my CC and fellow aviators. Thanks everyone for checking up on me. See you back at work in about a month or so.

I love reading all of the responses on this forum and hearing how officers feel about this situation. I would say from my experience as a support guy vs the ops world I live in now, that we literally are living in 2 different Air Forces. I remember when I was in Korea as a young SrA and I saw an A-10 or F-16 pilot with his shades hanging around his neck facing backwards. I remember thinking to myself that these guys get to do whatever they want and that an Amn couldn't get away with that. After cross-training some yrs later I would like to think that after actually flying and supporting the warfighter that I don't get wrapped around the axle by these minor issues. I'm not a big fan of correcting officers, I believe other officers should do that. The only time I have ever said anything to an officer was if something was obviously wrong (i.e ribbons upside down) to stop someone from being embarrassed. Officers should probably understand by reading 36-2618 that this type of crap is hammered into us from Basic trng and at every PME stop. It will NEVER end, it's sad but I don't see this ever going away. If someone corrects you and they are wrong, let them know it. Use the old adage, praise in public, criticize in private. I would love to see some officers grow some balls and correct some the crap going on in the AF. If a sweaty tries to correct an A-10 pilot after supporting a TIC in Afghanistan ( I actually heard about this happening) then it's the duty of said officer to "correct" this persons thinking/mentality of what is really important. I have an original photo from the Vietnam War in my man room hanging proudly. The picture is of 3 soldiers firing rounds from a Howitzer. The soldiers are obviously in the middle of a battle but they are far from being in the correct uniform. Priorities??? BTW, no disrespect meant by my growing balls comment, I just know it's what the AF needs right now in the crucial leadership positions.

To be honest, I think this one is a good call. I don't believe that Enlisted folks need to have a Bachelors for promotion, but CCAF in my mind is a no brainer since it is AFSC related. A TSgt should have a CCAF degree complete. Still awesome that he was put in for a STEP though.

Really? Not any one of my students at the school house or during training at FAFB. I ALWAYS waited until the receiver was in contact or at Astern and relayed the Tail #'s to the co-pilot. Most of the time the flight lead would check in and immediately give all the tail #'s before I even asked and when they pulled up I just told the co who was on the boom so he could keep track. Why so angry about this Rainman??? BTW-If the receiver has Boom Interphone capability (F-16) that's how I asked for TN's.

A good BO will relay this because they have SA and probably Comm 3 up. Not hard to do. Never had a problem getting tail #'s on any mission where I passed gas. Common sense can go a long way too. If for some reason we didn't get the correct numbers I always jotted down the unit and was able to narrow it down that way. This part of my job is a small pain, but not as big a deal as some make it out to be. I always try to read the numbers for the co-pilot without asking the receiver pilot. I am a firm believer in the less radio chatter the better. Funny/douche moment from a B-2 pilot when I was a baby boom; ol boy actually gave me shit for asking for his "tail #", he stated that he obviously did not have a tail and that he would give me his aircraft #. He didn't say it in a joking manner, but I relay it as a funny story for obvious lack of SA on my part. I would love to see a time where this bickering over passing tail #'s is over. Let's focus on some real issues.

Reading this story made me sick to my stomach. There needs to be some MAJOR changes at the top and then a complete investigation so ALL the people responsible for this go to jail. Who in their right fuking mind would allow this to happen? Paying the ultimate sacrifice should of meant something to these animals at Dover. I am just so sorry for the families that already had to go through the heartache of losing their loved one, to now find out how they were disposed of. To the fallen.

I get all the "Chiefed" situations and grumblings, happens to me too. The thing is, it's not always the CMSgt's fault but the guy he works for. I would say for the most part that if a WG/CC or whoever didn't give his ok to do it, that it wouldn't happen as often. There is certainly a culture right now where pointing out dumb uniform infractions is the norm, unfortunately it's probably because the AF seems to think our mission is uniform changes/updates are the priority and not Fly, Fight, Win. And yes I just puked in my mouth for spouting the motto, but in essence we should be focused on killing bad guys and blowing shit up. I guess in some way as a T.E.D. I feel some sense of duty to stick up for my own kind, but a lot of Chiefs/First Sergeants are making it harder and harder to do each day.

Thanks Stract, that was really good too. I really liked the dog story! BTW, can't believe he pushed his flight suit sleeves up! After watching the 2 presentations, I really like how General Welsh meshes humor and patriotism to inspire. I have actually watched the latest video twice now. I sure hope he is the next CSAF. I think the USAF NEEDS someone like him right now. We NEED a strong leader that actually gets it. Here's to you General Welsh!

I posted the video of General Welsh's presentation at the USAFA yesterday on FB. Not too often do I feel that inspired to do/be better, but the Gen was able to do that for me. Quickest 50 minutes of my life. Now I just need orders tomorrow to USAFE.

Totally agree Homestar.

They should of never taken it out in the first place. Glad it's back. IMHO Back to OU vs Texas

I did, but I get a pass because of the beverages I was enjoying last night! According to the below reference, that you also posted, I still prove my point. As a PRIMARY CREWMEMBER I will not be doing anything other that what is listed below. Thanks for everything though. 6.41. Descent. Before descent into unfamiliar areas, pilots will review appropriate terrain charts to increase aircrew situational awareness of obstructions. Primary crewmembers will not be involved in duties other than aircraft operations, descent and approach monitoring, and required checklist items from the initial descent point to landing.

Unless I'm looking at the wrong pub, I'd say you are wrong. Putting that aside, seems like you are on track for IP upgrade 1. Descent & Approach Procedures − Reviewed (P, CP, N, BO) Prior to starting penetration or letdown, the pilot will ensure the crew is informed as to the specific terminal chart and type of approach to be used. As a minimum, the pilot flying the approach will brief the crew on the planned descent rate, DH/MDA/VDP, missed approach procedures and assign crew responsibilities for backing up the pilot flying the airplane if an unplanned go-around occurs. The crew, as a minimum, will be briefed to ensure all appropriate throttles are advanced and speed brakes are checked at zero. Lost communications procedures will be coordinated, if required. During the descent and approach, other crewmembers will back up the pilot flying the approach and report any deviation from prescribed procedures. The boom operator will review the approach depiction as necessary to be familiar with course and altitude requirements. Give particular attention to the minimum safe and emergency safe altitudes.

All out. Now drinking Some Sailor Jerry's Rum and Coke. Like I was trying to say earlier bud, good luck and I hope you make the right choice for you. Let us know when you make up your mind and decide what you are going to do. If being a pilot is what you want to do, scrape and claw and do whatever it takes to get there as fast as you can. Trust me, you won't regret it. Wish I could go back, I would of loved to flown for the AF. But....I really do love being a Boom Operator so I can't complain too much.

What makes me qualified? How about our regs that say we need to be familiar with the approach to BACKUP the pilots up. Please refer to our MDS Vol 3, if you want to get educated on my job responsibilities. Have fun flying UAV's someday oh great one. And hard landings happen idiot, check my medical records. This thread is Boom Operator Q & A, not idiots with their 2 cents. STANDBY you are excused. Please find another forum and tell them how big your dick is. Maybe someone else will be impressed, because this old sarge isn't.

Does it matter? It's Guinness!

I am sure there is someone on this forum that has been in a familiar spot that could help you out. I would talk to the admissions folks at the college you want to attend and actually find out what your options are and what you can/cannot get from an ROTC scholarship. See if this link helps in any way. Apologies if you have already looked at it. Best of luck. https://www.afrotc.com/scholarships/

If I had the chance to do it all over, I would of done the ROTC thing Grindblaster. Just my 2 cents.

Sort of a douche comment. No pilot wings here. Just a few less fillings from all your hard landings. And BTW, I would like to think I'm one of the few TED's that gets it. I know my role, but when asked or when I see something obvious that may help out that 2nd Lt I am going to speak up. If what I say is wrong/dumb the IP would say so. Hasn't happened yet. But just ask an IP at Altus if they have ever asked the IB or EB what they are seeing from the back. I'm sure they will tell you on occasion this happens. I AM NOT A PILOT. I just sit there and watch what the hell is going on. I'm not going to argue how valuable I have been in my flying career to pilots, especially to folks that obviously don't get it. Sort of a waste of my time. I'm out, I have a Guinness to drink.

Seriously! Hard to imagine an enlisted flyer could help a pilot out? Very naive on your part sir. Having a bunch of hours watching student pilots fumble their way through the early stages of flying the KC-135, I have this crazy enlisted ability to retain what I have seen from previous students. Crazy I know! I can see how prior E's have a tougher time getting a UPT slot though. I have friends that have crossed to the dark side but usually as Navs for some reason. If you can do it, the best route is college and then apply. But...if for some reason you can get a flying job where you have to be able to read an approach plate and you have a community (KC-135's) that really include you in the cockpit, it could be beneficial. And no disrespect meant by my response Rainman. But I have helped quite a few pilots out, booms can see quite a bit sitting where we do. Here is a snippet from an article our sq/cc wrote this summer. "Without attending any kind of pilot training, booms become a valued member of the KC-135 Stratotanker or KC-10 Extender crews they fly with. Since the vast majority of their flying time is spent on the flight deck, they take the time to learn how to help back up their pilots." Link to said story below. https://www.altus.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123259201

I just told a pilot what he was doing wrong on an approach today (the IP asked me what I was seeing) and he corrected it and made some great approaches. I'm sure that experience would never cross over to being a pilot though. The T.E.D. will leave you with this. My all time favorite shirt said this on it "Pilots, looking down on people since 1903"

Just say NO, FGO!

Before becoming a Boom Operator, I was a finance guy. There are some obvious reasons why you need these folks in these locations. The problem is this; when the support function personnel outnumber the "warfighters", something is askew. It becomes more like a peacetime function to many of the shoes than a real fight. The lines get blurry, dumbass rules are put in place, and worse yet....Enforced! I bought an old 8x10 photo of some soldiers fighting in Vietnam a while back. They were manning a cannon and believe it or not......wait for it, they weren't wearing a shirt!!! What do you think these guys would of said if someone told them to put on a reflective belt? The fact of the matter is that we have lost our way, the desert is an opportunity for someone to check that box, get that medal, or just be in charge of something. It is no longer about the mission. The mission. It boggles my mind that we don't focus on the F'ing Mission. Sorry folks, I just get pissed when people focus on the dumb shit. I hate that we reward people for doing bullshit volunteer work and forget the people that get the REAL job done everyday. That would be number 11 on my list.

That's some funny shit! And yes there are some HORRENDOUS haircuts out there, but equally as bad dressed FGO's!

To get the thread back on track from my previous rant, here is my top ten things wrong with the AF, in no particular order: 1. Officers that are worried about the next rank rather than taking care of their people. 2. SNCO's doing the same. 3. Cost cutting without taking into account the consequences of that decision. 4. PME that is usually twice as long as it should be. 5. The General should be held to the same or higher standard than the A1C when it comes to punishment. 6. People that don't understand their roles in the AF, and pandering to everyone so they feel better about what they do 7. I want my Aircraft Commander to be the best pilot they can be, so let them be PILOTS!!! Enough with all the extraneous shit they have to do to be promotable. Being a great pilot should count for something. When the shit hits the fan I want to know that the AC will get our KC-135 safely on the ground. 8. Enough with the uniform changes, we don't have to keep up with the Jones's! 9. Stop with the re-branding of the AF every year. I don't feel like a "warrior" so stop trying to convince me that I am one by reciting the Airmans Creed at every event! 10. Get rid of 90% of the bands the AF has. This isn't the 40's, I get more entertainment from my Ipod. Use that money to book a half way decent band to perform. I think the reason that most feel so unhappy with the AF at times is that we see what great potential it has. Things have to start changing, I just hope I can do my small part to facilitate it and see it before I retire......If that isn't taken from me of course.