my fellow Airmen, making me proud...

Great video, displaying some of the things our military (Air Force Airmen, ahem!) go through on a daily basis, all around the world.

happy trails...

Me and my friend/fellow Reservist photographer Efren (above) recently went out to Joshua Tree National Forest (on the CA side) to shoot star trails. Google it to learn more. Better yet, try it for yourself sometime. In the meantime, here is my best one (needs improvement, but OK for a nearly first attempt). Cheers, and thank you, Efren.

Ben Avery shooting range...

Josh n I cruised out there and spent a few rounds on Memorial weekend. Largest outdoor shooting range in U.S. Josh is such a good shot with the AR, you will want to always remember to be VERY nice to him! jk

House hunter...

...maybe that is the name of some show on HGTV, but that is what I feel like lately. Actually, I have not seen as many houses as some friends who are also looking, but that is OK, as I am in no big hurry. Anyway, I still hope to buy this year, but am renting in the meantime. The one with the pool is where I am renting, and the other is a house close to what I am looking to buy.

"Is that you John Wayne?..."

Ok, ok...so you may not all remember him, but I do. Kevyn Major Howard had a significant role in Stanley Kubrick's 80s cult classic, Full Metal Jacket. Coincidentally, he played the role of "Rafterman", the combat photographer. Pretty cool, since that is what I do in the Reserves. Anyway, we recently met at AirFest '08, the big annual air show held at my base: March Air Reserve Base, Riverside, California.

Side note: Kevyn was there with his drag cars from Fueled by the Fallen, which is his great program meant to honor the service of Marines in OIF. The cars are all Chevy, and have the names of every KIA U.S. Marine on their sides.

One last picture of me in front of the Douglas Skyraider, named after the base my MIA uncle flew out of during Vietnam: Nakhon Phanom (aka "Naked Fanny") Royal Thai Air Force Base. We won't forget you Uncle Jim.

Move to AZ

As you all know, I moved to AZ earlier this spring. Here are some pics of my arrival in Arizona (thanks Marc for helping with the drive). My, my...Phoenix is beautiful from South Mountain! While I don't look happy in the border pic, I was just sick.

Meanie pt. 3

Current pics:

Pics of "old" rear fender:

Now have road trip gear (floorboards, windshield, etc.). LED/fender elim kit installed (see pic). Now just need my AZ vet plates. Arlen ness mirrors, aftermarket 3" flat black exhaust ( but I already have flat black exhaust you say...well, this rids me of the ugly and inconceivalbe-for-a-bike-catalytic-converter, AND gives a little more power since it is true 3"), cobra floorboards, cobra fi2000, etc. should be here soon...I cannot wait!! Anyone know a powdercoater who specializes in black?? jk lol

St. Thomas trip and pics...

In early April, I had a great 7 days in St. Thomas, seeing good friends and making new ones. What a great place to vacation when you already have a place to stay, etc. (thanks Jackie and Crista). I never did make it to the Cruzan Rum distillery on St. Croix...looks like I will have to go back one day. lol