Podcasts about tyndall air force base

Lost At Christmas: Part 1 His First Christmas away from home, & His best gift ever. Based on a post by Tx Tall Tales, in 2 parts. Listen to the Podcast at My First time. After my first semester in College, I was eager to go home for the holidays. I was going to school in Rochester, New York, and anybody who'd experienced the lake-effect winters on the Great Lakes would understand my desire to get to somewhere warmer. For me, that somewhere warmer was a long ways away. As a military brat, home was often a moving target, and that winter it was Santiago, Chile, where my father was stationed and where I'd graduated high-school. It was summer in Santiago, and I was looking forward to a pool-party with my old school mates for the Holidays. We didn't have a lot of money, but I was allowed to travel space available on a military flight as a Navy ROTC student. I had to get down to Charleston, South Carolina, and catch an international C1 41 flight that made a loop through Latin America. After finagling a ride to Virginia followed by a very long bus trip down the coast, I finally made it to Charleston AFB. ROTC travel orders in hand, I checked in at the desk, and verified I was on the standby list for the flight leaving on the 23rd. I wouldn't get home until Christmas Day, but better late than never. With pockets nearly empty, a hotel room was out of the question so I slept in the terminal and snacked on the cheapest eats I could get away with. There was a festive mood in the terminal, so many people rushing to get home for the holidays, and I was getting caught up in the feeling, eagerly looking forward to that very long plane ride, first to Panama, then Lima, and finally Santiago. After what seemed an interminable wait, we were an hour away from boarding when I got bumped off the flight by a group of Marines headed to Panama on Active Duty travel orders. I was devastated. The next flight left early the morning of the 26th. At least that one was a huge plane, and nearly empty so I was virtually guaranteed to get aboard, but what was I going to do for Christmas? Looking up at the outgoing flight schedules, I saw a flight listed for Tyndall AFB, Panama City, Florida. "When is the flight to Tyndall headed out?" I asked the airman behind the desk. "In an hour-and-a-half, and it's all but empty. You want on?" He asked, offering some recompense for my last minute bump. I'd lived in Panama City during 9th and 10th grade, and still had some close friends there, many I still kept in touch with. Maybe I could find someone to spend Christmas with there. It had to be better than sleeping in the terminal for 2 more days. "Please," I told him, "but hold my space for Santiago. I'll be back for that flight." I recalled there being a pretty big Greyhound station in Panama City, so I called Greyhound and checked on a bus being able to get me back in time for the flight. They had one, a 7:30 am bus on Christmas morning would get me back before midnight on Christmas. I could easily make the flight the next morning, even if it were delay a few hours. I bought a ticket, using the emergency Am Ex card my parents had given me when I headed off to college. I'd explain the $67.00 to my parents. I called my family in Santiago with the news. It had to be short call because of the expense, so I let them know I had been bumped but would be there on the 28th. I told them I was headed to Panama City, and would be taking a bus back in plenty of time for my flight. My mother cried, and my father told me to go ahead and use the credit card, but to try to keep the expenses reasonable. By the time I hung up I was pretty depressed, but at least I had a plan. Before I could try to contact anyone in Panama City, an announcement was made and suddenly I was on my way to Florida for Christmas, with no place lined up to stay, and practically broke. I was feeling a bit melancholy, but was determined to make the best of it. So there I was, at Tyndall Air Force Base, at 11:20 pm on December 23rd. I was debating who to try first. I had several close friends nearby and I expected they'd all be home for Christmas. After a short internal debate, I had narrowed it down to two. I had always gotten along well with their entire families, and I was still in pretty regular contact with both of them. Mike lived the nearest to me in the old days. He came from a big family, with 6 siblings, including Peggy, who'd been one of my first real deep infatuations. When I had been in 9th grade she'd been a senior, and was pretty and sophisticated. My yearning for her was unrequited, but I relished the idea of seeing her again after four years. She was a college senior, and would probably be home. I knew they'd welcome me, but I was concerned it would be an inconvenience. They did not have a large house, and it was bound to be crowded, particularly with three college kids home for the holiday. On top of that who knew if they had anyone else in tow? Tommy on the other hand came from a relatively well-off family who always lived well within their means. He had an older brother, who was working in Japan and unlikely to be home, a sister, Sheri, just a year behind us in school, and two much younger siblings, who I guessed would be around 9 and 10 by now. They had a spacious house, each kid had their own room, and I wouldn't be putting anybody out if I stayed there. I'd always had a crush on Sheri, but although I'd dated her best friend, I'd never gone out with her. Getting a chance to see her again would be an extra bonus. Feeling nervous and awkward, I dialed Tommy's number from memory, and luckily got him on the first call. If I'd gotten somebody else, I would have really felt uncomfortable. Tommy's answer was unmistakable. He had a funny way of saying hello when he answered the phone, and the sound of his voice took me straight back down memory lane. "Hee-ello," he answered. "Tommy! Guess who?" I asked. I guess my voice must have been similarly recognizable, since he didn't hesitate a second. "Steve-o! What are you up to? Where're you at?" He answered eagerly. It put a smile on my face. Nice to hear a happy, upbeat voice that seemed genuinely pleased to hear from me. "Funny you should ask. It's a long story, but I'm in a bit of a bind. I'm at Tyndall, and stuck here until Christmas Day." I told him. "What happened to Chile, and Rochester?" He asked. "I was on my way home to Chile, when I lost my seat on the plane in Charleston. I couldn't get out again until the 26th, so when I saw an empty plane headed this way, I just hopped on and hoped for the best." I explained. "That's Great!" He almost shouted. "Not great that you couldn't get home, but great that you're here. You want to stay with us? You can have Greg's room, he won't be here, and I'm sure Sheri and Mom would love to see you. The place is kind of 'down' with Greg canceling his trip home at the last minute. Having you here should cheer things up a bit." He did sound enthused, and I couldn't help grinning in reply. "Don't you think you should check?" I laughed. A scream in my ear was the answer, as I heard half of a shouted conversation. "Mom! Guess Who's In Town." "No, Not Greg." "No, Go Ahead Guess." "Guess Again." "Ok, Ok - Steve." "Yeah, Steve Pelland. He's Stuck Here In Town 'Til Christmas Day." "Of Course I Told Him He Should Come Here, I'll Go Get Him." "I Will." "Yes Mom; Yes; I Won't; I Will." I was holding the phone a little away from my head, and almost missed it when he came back on. "Where should I pick you up?" He asked. "The Main Terminal, you know where that is right?" I answered. "Sure - be there in about 30 minutes. Man, this is Great!" I hung up with a big smile on my face, feeling 100% better than I had just 10 minutes earlier. I stood outside waiting for him, and about 20 minutes later the strings of Christmas lights shut off one at a time, as the place closed up for the night. It was dark and quiet, and I started to get nervous again, wondering if this had been such a good idea. I was 500 miles from my flight home and completely at the mercy of old friends. But as far as friends go, I couldn't do much better than mine, and figured at the least I wouldn't be sleeping in a lonely terminal in Charleston for two days, slowly eating my way through my meager funds. When Bob pulled up around midnight, I could see he'd gotten rid of the VW Bug he'd inherited from his mother upon turning 16, and was now driving his brother's old Two-tone Cougar. We spent a minute saying hi, and loading my gear into the trunk, and then we headed back into town, catching each other up on history. When I had first moved to Santiago, I used to write about once every couple of months, as well as call a couple of times a year. In the beginning I'd written Sheri a lot as well. She was one of the most prolific writers among my old friends, and would typically write twice to me for every one I wrote to her. Over the years, that had degenerated into holiday cards and a surprise call maybe once a year. I knew he was attending Florida State, and that Greg had graduated from Georgetown, and had moved to Japan on business. That was about it. Tommy told me all about the old gang, who was in town, who was going to what schools, what people had been up to. I told him a lot more detail about what I'd been up to. "So," he asked, "Got a girl?" "Not now. Thought I had one after the ROTC Christmas ball, but that seems to have been my mistake." I admitted. "Hard to believe. You always had someone. Every letter, every phone-call, just seems like they didn't stay the same all that long." He teased. "I don't know. I had several relationships last pretty long. Two were more than 6 months long." I argued. "Oh! Six Months!" He laughed. "How about you then," I asked in defense. "Still Erin. Almost two years now." He asked. "Shit. What does she see in you? She could do so much better." I teased. "Oh really? Like how?" "Like me!" I laughed. "Right, like that would ever happen! Don't even think about it, or you'll be sleeping in the street." He was laughing as well. "Not if I called Erin I wouldn't," I shot back. I thought it was a great comeback, but it earned me a sock in the arm. We pulled up to his house, which still looked exactly the same, and things were pretty quiet. They used the same window lights, same roof lights, same bush trimmings year after year. It was just as I remembered. Who says you can't go back? "Mom's got to work tomorrow, so I'm sure she's in bed, and you know Dave crashes early, so we better keep it down. We've got lots to do tomorrow anyway." We entered quietly and put my bag in Greg's old room. Tommy stayed and chatted for a few minutes then bid me good night, telling me to sleep in as long as I wanted, as long as it wasn't past 9:00 am, and left me to get settled. Past 9:00? Now I remembered, they'd always been an early-bird household. For me 9:00 am Was the crack of dawn. Tommy and I had breakfast at about 9:30. He was already chiding me for sleeping in and missing the whole family. We had the house to ourselves. He'd been on the phone arranging our day, and once we'd finished the pancakes, we were off to see Mike and his family. Entering Mike's house was the same as it had ever been, but more-so. People everywhere, noise, laughter, roughhousing, it was all taken in stride by Mrs. Frey. We spent a few hours visiting, and getting fed again before we could leave. Mike's older sister Peggy still looked cute to me, but not the amazing creature my memory had somehow stored away. I had to tease her about the Christmas gift she'd given me three years earlier. She'd bought me a Richard Pryor tape, thinking it was Bill Cosby. When I played it for her in my car, she exploded, calling me names and accusing me of vile intent. At the time I had felt bad, confused, angry and a host of other feelings, now thankfully we could laugh at it. When I'd been 16 I'd been somewhat in awe of her, now things were comfortable. Mike's older brother was home as well, with his live-in girlfriend who seemed awfully ill-at-ease, and must have been at least 5 years older than Dan, maybe more. That was a story I'd have to hear more about. The biggest surprise was Alice. She'd been a few years younger than us. I wasn't sure if she was 16 or 17 now, but she was a bombshell. And she was coming on to me like gangbusters. I was really nervous, with her acting all touchy-feely with her mother and Peggy there. I was suddenly glad I had chosen to stay over with Tommy. With a pretty, stacked girl that seemed so infatuated with me around, I'm afraid I might have gotten into a whole lot more trouble than I needed. When we left there Mike joined us, and it was off to see Jack and Russ. They were a year apart in age. Russ had been in our class, and we'd been friendly with him, but Jack, although a year younger was our buddy. We played on the basketball team together, and when Tommy and I formed our first band, Jack was our bassist. At the Chambers house, we once again reminisced, and had to relive our first 'gig'. We had decided to play in the school talent show. With Tommy on piano and Jack on bass, I played guitar. We had a fourth guy on drums we'd all lost contact with. We had played Elton John, Deep Purple, The Eagles, and The Beatles. We had opened with the opening riff of "Smoke on the Water", and had been a hit. We were pretty lousy, but the audience was our friends, our parents and the parents of our friends, and at the end the parents even took up a collection for us. Pretty heady stuff. We'd called ourselves Bronze Myth, and had already designed our first three album covers before we had our first birthday party gig. Jack had been tall then, and had not stopped growing; he was now 6'7" and was attending University of Florida, playing basketball. He reminded me of the time when we went on our first dates together. I had gone with Kathryn Best, easily the most lusted after girl in the whole school, who was in Jack's class a year behind me. Jack, on the other hand, had gone out with our "Valentine's Day Queen", Anne, who was in my class and almost two full years older than Jack. He was always precocious. There had been a third couple with us, Dennis and Suzanne, and Jack broke the news that Suzanne had gotten knocked up, just before I left to go overseas, and she and Dennis had gotten married. There was a huge scandal, but they stuck together, and had the baby. They lived with Suzanne's parents. Dennis was doing alright, working for Suzanne's father. While we were visiting, several friends dropped in, including the aforementioned Kathryn who lived one street over. Kathryn, the stunning brunette who had the body of a 20 year old when she was 15, and had a beautiful face with features that just slayed me. Kathryn, the very first girl I had gotten to Third Base with. She was as pretty as I remembered, and I found out she was going to be attending Mt. Holyoke the following year, which was an odd coincidence since my girlfriend from High School was a sophomore there. Going out with Kathryn, a year younger than me had been a total fiasco. We'd sat together on an out-of-town bus trip and ranked high enough in the pecking order that we got the right hand seat second from the back. These trips were our biggest dates back then. Ours was a small parochial school, and on the bus trips, the athletes, cheerleaders and student fans all rode the same bug. The 30-90 minute trips were like pep rallies on the way out, and like the back of movie theatres on the way back. There were frequent "hand-checks" and the lights would come one as our coaches would walk the aisle, but it seemed like after our wins, the checks would be a little less frequent. Our win at Pensacola was my first real 'make-out' session, as we cuddled and kissed the whole trip home. I even got a chance to play with her breast through her sweater. Less than a week later I asked her to the movies, and we sat in the back with the two other couples, probably both scared spitless and nervous as goldfish in a blender. We'd started necking, which got more and more intense, and my hands boldly went where no hands had gone before. An hour into the movie I was almost out of control, and feverish with desire, and it seemed she was willing to let me do whatever I wanted. If I'd had a little more confidence, or a little more knowledge, who knows what might have happened? As it is, I went pretty far, probably too far, and I was scared to death afterwards. She was the first girl whose flesh I'd touched underneath her clothing. I didn't call her for several days, and even avoided her at school, not knowing what to say. In short I was a total jerk. Everyone thought we should be together, she was the pretty captain of the cheerleaders, with the big boobs, and I was the Big Jock, playing all the sports, while at the same time excelling in school. She was voted "Most Popular." I was "Most Likely to Succeed." However, in this case it turned out she was "Most Slighted", and I was definitely "Most Inept." After waiting several days, amazingly patient in retrospect, she had tasked her best friend Sheri, Tommy's sister, with letting me know that she thought we shouldn't go out. Next thing you know, she was going out with some geeky looking kid, and she dated him for the rest of the school year. I'd changed schools at the end of that year, and had seen her only infrequently the following year, before moving to Santiago. Outside in the backyard, Kathryn and I walked off together and finally had a few minutes alone. "You know Kat, I don't think I ever apologized for being such an idiot, after our first date. I really am sorry." She was quiet for a while. She had a sad little look. "You know, I waited by that phone night after night, crying myself to sleep. I saw you dodging me at school and it broke my heart." "I was young and stupid. I'd never done Anything with a girl before, and could hardly even believe I was with the hottest girl in school. After all the stuff I did, God, I was so embarrassed that I'd overstepped the boundaries, and I had no idea what to say." She sat down underneath the big tree in the backyard and I sat beside her on the circular bench around it. "You could have said something to Jack maybe, or Tommy, and let them tell me. At least let me know that you liked me, or had fun. Something." She looked on the verge of tears, even 3 years later, and I felt even worse. "I know. I kept kicking myself over it. I was so angry with myself and jealous when you went out with Ricky." I admitted. "He was nice to me when I needed it." "But it seemed such an odd fit. He was a nobody; the only thing he ever did noteworthy was date you." I told her. "He lived two houses down. We'd grown up together, and when my heart was broken he picked up the pieces. He could tell something was wrong, and really made me feel a lot better." She confessed. That brought on a short period of silence. It did let me think better of Ricky, who wasn't just lucky or an opportunist. "You know, that was one of the most memorable moments in my life. Touching a girl like that for the first time. I had no idea what I should do, or what I could do, but I kept looking down the row at Dennis and Suzanne, and figured I should be able to do that too. I was in heaven; you were so amazing to be with." I told her, reaching out and taking her hand in mine. Her palm was moist. "You're telling me? You were the big 9th grader with the learner's permit and motorcycle. Big Man on Campus. The guy every girl wanted. And you wanted me. I had no idea what we should or shouldn't do on a date. I was hoping you knew." We laughed at that, remembering the intensity of those feelings. "Given a chance to do it over, I'd have camped out on your doorstep and professed my undying, eternal love the moment you walked out the door." I told her, half serious. "As I recall, you professed your love for me that evening, just before opening the top of my pants." She said with a wicked grin. I'm sure I blushed mightily. "I can't really ask forgiveness, but I really am sorry. Sorry now and sorry then. I fantasized about you for years afterwards, thinking of what could have happened if I hadn't been such a jerk. You have no idea how many of my fantasies you starred in back then." "If only you'd have let me know. Ricky was my first. It could have been you. Given half a chance, it would have been you." She had moved close and was speaking softly. "And this is my punishment. Knowing how bad I fucked up. Seeing you here, as beautiful as in my dreams, and knowing I've screwed up any chance of being with you." I placed my hand behind her head, stroking her hair. "I wouldn't say you'd screwed up Any chance, but you certainly blew that one." We were looking deeply in each other's eyes, recalling strong, painful feelings. I wanted her now, as I'd wanted her then, with a deep burning need, and I leaned forward those last two inches, and captured her lips with mine. She slid forward and melted against me, kissing me with every emotion boiling to the surface. She took my hand and placed it on her incredible chest, and I squeezed her breast, my thumb reliving that first caress of her nipple from so many years earlier. We stayed like that for a couple of minutes, and then broke apart. Her eyes glistened. "I've got a boyfriend." She confessed. I nodded understanding. "If I didn't?" I reached forward pressing my index finger to her lips. "I know. I missed my chance. It's my loss." We just sat side by side a minute, in silence. "You know," she said softly, "what you did to me that night, that was part of the problem." "I know. I'm sorry if I stepped over the line." I said, even now embarrassed at the liberties I'd taken. "No, not anything wrong. What you did to me, how you made me feel. You made me cream my jeans more than once that night. It was the first time I'd ever come. I'd heard about it, but it was almost unreal. Your fingers just drove me wild. It was over a year before another guy was able to do the same." She put her hand between her legs, seemingly remembering that first night. "That makes two of us. I don't know if you knew, but I came in my pants too, and you never even touched me there. By the time I got home I was a terrible sticky mess. I snuck out and threw that underwear away before my mother could find them and ask uncomfortable questions." I told her, laughing. She gave me an odd little look, and then slid around the tree, placing its 3 foot wide trunk between us and the house. She reached out for me, and of course I followed. "Could I, I mean would you mind?" She seemed lost for words. "What? Just ask. I certainly owe you one." I told her. She didn't ask, she just started unbuckling my belt. "I always wondered, and never really had a chance to find out." With the belt open she unbuttoned and unzipped my pants. "I mean, that night, you got to find out pretty much ALL about me, but I didn't; " I lifted my hips and let her pull my pants down a short ways, and then she reached up and pulled my underwear down exposing my fully erect monument to her sexiness. "I knew it, you bastard. Look at that." I didn't have to look. I knew it pretty well. And it was certainly standing tall and making me proud. She took me in hand and stroked me up and down, which after all the discussion and reminiscing was almost enough to get me off. "I just knew it. This should have been my first." She slowly stroked me up and down, and then she leaned over and took me in her mouth for just a second, sucking me deep and then releasing me. That was it. It was too much for me, and I stood up and shot my wad a good two feet out from where we were sitting. She giggled, as she helped me through my release, then pulled my underwear up back over my still dripping cock, and wiped her hand on the front of my briefs, before helping me pull my jeans back up. "If I wasn't tied up, I'd have you paying reparations," she told me as we both stood, and she slapped my hands away from my belt and finished straightening me out herself. "Let's consider it a delayed payoff. If things don't work out for you, maybe we can try it again. Rochester isn't That far from Amherst." Little did I know what the future held in store for us, but that's a different story. We walked back to the house hand-in-hand, laughing at the folly of youth, from the wizened experience of our 18 and 19 years. She had to leave shortly after, as did we, and I kissed her goodbye at the door. Once the door was closed I heard an exclamation from behind me. I turned to Tommy who said, "Now I've seen everything." "Amen," said Jack. "What?" I asked. "After how you treated her after our first date, I was certain you were on her shit-list for life." Jack explained. "Absolutely." Tommy chimed in. "Sheri said that Kathryn fantasized about doing mean and nasty things to you for years. I mean, hell, you did use her pretty bad." "I was a dope. I did some things I'd never done before, and was so embarrassed I didn't know how to even face her. So I screwed up and avoided her. I just made my apologies and we worked things out. I think she understands that I didn't try to be mean; I was just young and stupid. I didn't know what I was doing, and regretted it for years." I told them. "Geez. I always wondered how you could pass on that, when she was so available to you. You really did fuck up, didn't you?" Tommy pointed out. "Yep, not the first time, and I'm certain not the last. But we've buried the hatchet it seems." I answered "I'm just astounded that hatchet isn't in your back." Jack added. We left just a short while after that. We had one last visit to make. Teri Branson was passing through town, and wanted to see us if she could. She was just there for the day, and none of us wanted to miss out on that chance. The summer before 10th grade, I'd practically lived at Teri's. It was football time, and we were doing twice-a-days. We'd have morning practice, then a break so we wouldn't be out all day in the noon-time Florida summer sun. After the break it was afternoon practice. Teri was at our school and I never really knew her until that summer. She lived only a block from Mike, and we had run into her one day out washing the family car. We struck up a conversation, and the rest was history. I spent every football break at her house that summer. Mike didn't play football, but I'd pick him up on the way over there, and we'd hang out. She had a pool table, and a private rec-room with a stand-up arcade game. Her mother would always bring us snacks and drinks. Teri had not been popular, and was new to the school as well. But in a period of just a few months she went from a boyish figured tom-boy, to a devastatingly beautiful teen. Her breasts seemed to almost explode outwards, and once we'd met her mom, we knew where she got it from. She lost some weight, traded glasses for contacts, grew tits, lost the braces, and suddenly this beauty was in our midst, and nobody even knew about her but us. She was our secret. Tommy was going to a different high-school from me and Mike, but we still hung together most of the summer, and we had to let him in on our secret. The closest we'd come to having anything happen was a bizarre game of spin-the-bottle underneath the pool table. Mike, Tommy, me and Teri. Just an excuse for us to take turns kissing her. Her father was being transferred again at the end of the summer. I told her I was going to have a birthday party, and that we were going to play spin-the-bottle, I had hoped she'd be there, but now she was leaving. We were all upset. Tommy suggested we play now, since she couldn't make it then, and we did. It was strange but wonderful. Two weeks later she was gone. We met Teri at the mall, our planned rendezvous. We couldn't miss her; she was the center of a lot of attention. And still gorgeous. We ran up to her and had hugs all around. "I can only stay about 20 minutes," she told us with a pout. "Damn," was all I could say. So the three of us toured the mall, observing all the changes. It had been brand new the year we had been together. We grabbed some drinks, and wandered back outside, our time almost up, and barely even caught up. "Teri, I have a confession." I told her. "I know we acted pretty much like friends, but I was crazy about you. That summer I went home every evening and dreamed of you." "Hell, we all did." Tommy admitted. "We were such idiots," she said. She reached up to my collar and pulled me down for a kiss. Teri stood maybe 5 foot 1, so I had at least a foot on her in height. Bent over I let her kiss me, and I returned it eagerly. Finally she released me. "I was so confused. One day I'd like you, and then the next day you," she said nodding around the group, "and then you. I kept wondering who was going to be my first real boyfriend. I just knew it was going to be one of you. And then it was all over." She looked up at me. "I Still dream about you sometimes." All we could do was laugh it off, and say we'd get together sometime. She was living in Phoenix now, finishing high school, and it looked like she'd be going to Stanford. It was going to be hard to ever make that commute work out, not that she didn't seem like it would be worth the effort. Then her parents drove up. We said hi to her mom (who had been a secret fantasy of mine back then) and then with a last set of hugs it was goodbye to Teri. It was getting late so we dropped Mike back off at his house, driving mostly in quiet. I imagine we were all lost in thought over the quirks of fate and what might have been. For me, it was thoughts of Kathryn and Teri, two incredible opportunities that any teen would kill for, and I'd let them slip through my fingers. We dropped Mike off, but didn't go inside. As it was we were running late, and knew that if we went in, it would be a while before we got out of there. From Mike's it was a 5 minute drive back to Tommy's, but we drove past Teri's old house, just for nostalgia's sake. At Tommy's we were running late. Dinner was going to be at 6:00 pm, and somehow we'd burned the whole day. It was 5:45 before we even walked in the door, and we both wanted to clean up before dinner. The kid's rooms were served by two separate bathrooms, one at the end of the hall, and one off of Greg's room. So I stripped down to my shorts, and went to take my shower. I hadn't expected the bathroom to be full. Sheri was in their, applying the last of her makeup. Fortunately (or unfortunately) she was dressed. When I walked in, she gave a squeal, and came over and gave me a big hug. "I can't believe you're here! You're looking good." She said, stepping back and giving me the once over. "Wow, Sheri, you look great!" was all I could say. She had always been pretty. But the difference between a 15 year old Sheri and this one was night and day. The more mature Sheri was a beautiful young woman. "Thanks," she said, "I'll be out of here in a second, and you can have the place to yourself. I'm dying to talk to you." "I'll be here all night." I joked, stepping back into the room I was using, before my underwear had to undergo any more strain. I sat on the bed waiting, and after just a minute or so she poked her head in and said "It's all yours." She left the door open and walked out the other side of the bathroom. So that was one change at least that I hadn't noticed. Back in the day, this was Greg's bathroom. But since then someone had taken out the linen closet, and the old closet door now opened into Sheri's room. In retrospect it should have been obvious. With Greg away, the bathroom had a lot of stuff in it, although very neat. If I'd opened a cabinet or drawer, I would have seen all the makeup and girl's things. I was using Sheri's bathroom. I rapidly cleaned up and dressed. I was in a bit of a hurry, wanting to still wrap a couple of small presents for my hosts. I had bought several music tapes for my sister as a Christmas present, and decided to gift Tommy with one of them. I also had a photo in a frame for my mom, and decided to make the frame a family gift. It was simple, hand-made by yours truly from apple-wood. After borrowing some paper, tape, and scissors, I was ready to join everyone else just a few minutes later. To be continued in part 2. Based on a post by Tx Tall Tales, in 2 parts, for Literotica

Lost At Christmas: Part 1 His First Christmas away from home, & His best gift ever. Based on a post by Tx Tall Tales, in 2 parts. Listen to the Podcast at My First time. After my first semester in College, I was eager to go home for the holidays. I was going to school in Rochester, New York, and anybody who'd experienced the lake-effect winters on the Great Lakes would understand my desire to get to somewhere warmer. For me, that somewhere warmer was a long ways away. As a military brat, home was often a moving target, and that winter it was Santiago, Chile, where my father was stationed and where I'd graduated high-school. It was summer in Santiago, and I was looking forward to a pool-party with my old school mates for the Holidays. We didn't have a lot of money, but I was allowed to travel space available on a military flight as a Navy ROTC student. I had to get down to Charleston, South Carolina, and catch an international C1 41 flight that made a loop through Latin America. After finagling a ride to Virginia followed by a very long bus trip down the coast, I finally made it to Charleston AFB. ROTC travel orders in hand, I checked in at the desk, and verified I was on the standby list for the flight leaving on the 23rd. I wouldn't get home until Christmas Day, but better late than never. With pockets nearly empty, a hotel room was out of the question so I slept in the terminal and snacked on the cheapest eats I could get away with. There was a festive mood in the terminal, so many people rushing to get home for the holidays, and I was getting caught up in the feeling, eagerly looking forward to that very long plane ride, first to Panama, then Lima, and finally Santiago. After what seemed an interminable wait, we were an hour away from boarding when I got bumped off the flight by a group of Marines headed to Panama on Active Duty travel orders. I was devastated. The next flight left early the morning of the 26th. At least that one was a huge plane, and nearly empty so I was virtually guaranteed to get aboard, but what was I going to do for Christmas? Looking up at the outgoing flight schedules, I saw a flight listed for Tyndall AFB, Panama City, Florida. "When is the flight to Tyndall headed out?" I asked the airman behind the desk. "In an hour-and-a-half, and it's all but empty. You want on?" He asked, offering some recompense for my last minute bump. I'd lived in Panama City during 9th and 10th grade, and still had some close friends there, many I still kept in touch with. Maybe I could find someone to spend Christmas with there. It had to be better than sleeping in the terminal for 2 more days. "Please," I told him, "but hold my space for Santiago. I'll be back for that flight." I recalled there being a pretty big Greyhound station in Panama City, so I called Greyhound and checked on a bus being able to get me back in time for the flight. They had one, a 7:30 am bus on Christmas morning would get me back before midnight on Christmas. I could easily make the flight the next morning, even if it were delay a few hours. I bought a ticket, using the emergency Am Ex card my parents had given me when I headed off to college. I'd explain the $67.00 to my parents. I called my family in Santiago with the news. It had to be short call because of the expense, so I let them know I had been bumped but would be there on the 28th. I told them I was headed to Panama City, and would be taking a bus back in plenty of time for my flight. My mother cried, and my father told me to go ahead and use the credit card, but to try to keep the expenses reasonable. By the time I hung up I was pretty depressed, but at least I had a plan. Before I could try to contact anyone in Panama City, an announcement was made and suddenly I was on my way to Florida for Christmas, with no place lined up to stay, and practically broke. I was feeling a bit melancholy, but was determined to make the best of it. So there I was, at Tyndall Air Force Base, at 11:20 pm on December 23rd. I was debating who to try first. I had several close friends nearby and I expected they'd all be home for Christmas. After a short internal debate, I had narrowed it down to two. I had always gotten along well with their entire families, and I was still in pretty regular contact with both of them. Mike lived the nearest to me in the old days. He came from a big family, with 6 siblings, including Peggy, who'd been one of my first real deep infatuations. When I had been in 9th grade she'd been a senior, and was pretty and sophisticated. My yearning for her was unrequited, but I relished the idea of seeing her again after four years. She was a college senior, and would probably be home. I knew they'd welcome me, but I was concerned it would be an inconvenience. They did not have a large house, and it was bound to be crowded, particularly with three college kids home for the holiday. On top of that who knew if they had anyone else in tow? Tommy on the other hand came from a relatively well-off family who always lived well within their means. He had an older brother, who was working in Japan and unlikely to be home, a sister, Sheri, just a year behind us in school, and two much younger siblings, who I guessed would be around 9 and 10 by now. They had a spacious house, each kid had their own room, and I wouldn't be putting anybody out if I stayed there. I'd always had a crush on Sheri, but although I'd dated her best friend, I'd never gone out with her. Getting a chance to see her again would be an extra bonus. Feeling nervous and awkward, I dialed Tommy's number from memory, and luckily got him on the first call. If I'd gotten somebody else, I would have really felt uncomfortable. Tommy's answer was unmistakable. He had a funny way of saying hello when he answered the phone, and the sound of his voice took me straight back down memory lane. "Hee-ello," he answered. "Tommy! Guess who?" I asked. I guess my voice must have been similarly recognizable, since he didn't hesitate a second. "Steve-o! What are you up to? Where're you at?" He answered eagerly. It put a smile on my face. Nice to hear a happy, upbeat voice that seemed genuinely pleased to hear from me. "Funny you should ask. It's a long story, but I'm in a bit of a bind. I'm at Tyndall, and stuck here until Christmas Day." I told him. "What happened to Chile, and Rochester?" He asked. "I was on my way home to Chile, when I lost my seat on the plane in Charleston. I couldn't get out again until the 26th, so when I saw an empty plane headed this way, I just hopped on and hoped for the best." I explained. "That's Great!" He almost shouted. "Not great that you couldn't get home, but great that you're here. You want to stay with us? You can have Greg's room, he won't be here, and I'm sure Sheri and Mom would love to see you. The place is kind of 'down' with Greg canceling his trip home at the last minute. Having you here should cheer things up a bit." He did sound enthused, and I couldn't help grinning in reply. "Don't you think you should check?" I laughed. A scream in my ear was the answer, as I heard half of a shouted conversation. "Mom! Guess Who's In Town." "No, Not Greg." "No, Go Ahead Guess." "Guess Again." "Ok, Ok - Steve." "Yeah, Steve Pelland. He's Stuck Here In Town 'Til Christmas Day." "Of Course I Told Him He Should Come Here, I'll Go Get Him." "I Will." "Yes Mom; Yes; I Won't; I Will." I was holding the phone a little away from my head, and almost missed it when he came back on. "Where should I pick you up?" He asked. "The Main Terminal, you know where that is right?" I answered. "Sure - be there in about 30 minutes. Man, this is Great!" I hung up with a big smile on my face, feeling 100% better than I had just 10 minutes earlier. I stood outside waiting for him, and about 20 minutes later the strings of Christmas lights shut off one at a time, as the place closed up for the night. It was dark and quiet, and I started to get nervous again, wondering if this had been such a good idea. I was 500 miles from my flight home and completely at the mercy of old friends. But as far as friends go, I couldn't do much better than mine, and figured at the least I wouldn't be sleeping in a lonely terminal in Charleston for two days, slowly eating my way through my meager funds. When Bob pulled up around midnight, I could see he'd gotten rid of the VW Bug he'd inherited from his mother upon turning 16, and was now driving his brother's old Two-tone Cougar. We spent a minute saying hi, and loading my gear into the trunk, and then we headed back into town, catching each other up on history. When I had first moved to Santiago, I used to write about once every couple of months, as well as call a couple of times a year. In the beginning I'd written Sheri a lot as well. She was one of the most prolific writers among my old friends, and would typically write twice to me for every one I wrote to her. Over the years, that had degenerated into holiday cards and a surprise call maybe once a year. I knew he was attending Florida State, and that Greg had graduated from Georgetown, and had moved to Japan on business. That was about it. Tommy told me all about the old gang, who was in town, who was going to what schools, what people had been up to. I told him a lot more detail about what I'd been up to. "So," he asked, "Got a girl?" "Not now. Thought I had one after the ROTC Christmas ball, but that seems to have been my mistake." I admitted. "Hard to believe. You always had someone. Every letter, every phone-call, just seems like they didn't stay the same all that long." He teased. "I don't know. I had several relationships last pretty long. Two were more than 6 months long." I argued. "Oh! Six Months!" He laughed. "How about you then," I asked in defense. "Still Erin. Almost two years now." He asked. "Shit. What does she see in you? She could do so much better." I teased. "Oh really? Like how?" "Like me!" I laughed. "Right, like that would ever happen! Don't even think about it, or you'll be sleeping in the street." He was laughing as well. "Not if I called Erin I wouldn't," I shot back. I thought it was a great comeback, but it earned me a sock in the arm. We pulled up to his house, which still looked exactly the same, and things were pretty quiet. They used the same window lights, same roof lights, same bush trimmings year after year. It was just as I remembered. Who says you can't go back? "Mom's got to work tomorrow, so I'm sure she's in bed, and you know Dave crashes early, so we better keep it down. We've got lots to do tomorrow anyway." We entered quietly and put my bag in Greg's old room. Tommy stayed and chatted for a few minutes then bid me good night, telling me to sleep in as long as I wanted, as long as it wasn't past 9:00 am, and left me to get settled. Past 9:00? Now I remembered, they'd always been an early-bird household. For me 9:00 am Was the crack of dawn. Tommy and I had breakfast at about 9:30. He was already chiding me for sleeping in and missing the whole family. We had the house to ourselves. He'd been on the phone arranging our day, and once we'd finished the pancakes, we were off to see Mike and his family. Entering Mike's house was the same as it had ever been, but more-so. People everywhere, noise, laughter, roughhousing, it was all taken in stride by Mrs. Frey. We spent a few hours visiting, and getting fed again before we could leave. Mike's older sister Peggy still looked cute to me, but not the amazing creature my memory had somehow stored away. I had to tease her about the Christmas gift she'd given me three years earlier. She'd bought me a Richard Pryor tape, thinking it was Bill Cosby. When I played it for her in my car, she exploded, calling me names and accusing me of vile intent. At the time I had felt bad, confused, angry and a host of other feelings, now thankfully we could laugh at it. When I'd been 16 I'd been somewhat in awe of her, now things were comfortable. Mike's older brother was home as well, with his live-in girlfriend who seemed awfully ill-at-ease, and must have been at least 5 years older than Dan, maybe more. That was a story I'd have to hear more about. The biggest surprise was Alice. She'd been a few years younger than us. I wasn't sure if she was 16 or 17 now, but she was a bombshell. And she was coming on to me like gangbusters. I was really nervous, with her acting all touchy-feely with her mother and Peggy there. I was suddenly glad I had chosen to stay over with Tommy. With a pretty, stacked girl that seemed so infatuated with me around, I'm afraid I might have gotten into a whole lot more trouble than I needed. When we left there Mike joined us, and it was off to see Jack and Russ. They were a year apart in age. Russ had been in our class, and we'd been friendly with him, but Jack, although a year younger was our buddy. We played on the basketball team together, and when Tommy and I formed our first band, Jack was our bassist. At the Chambers house, we once again reminisced, and had to relive our first 'gig'. We had decided to play in the school talent show. With Tommy on piano and Jack on bass, I played guitar. We had a fourth guy on drums we'd all lost contact with. We had played Elton John, Deep Purple, The Eagles, and The Beatles. We had opened with the opening riff of "Smoke on the Water", and had been a hit. We were pretty lousy, but the audience was our friends, our parents and the parents of our friends, and at the end the parents even took up a collection for us. Pretty heady stuff. We'd called ourselves Bronze Myth, and had already designed our first three album covers before we had our first birthday party gig. Jack had been tall then, and had not stopped growing; he was now 6'7" and was attending University of Florida, playing basketball. He reminded me of the time when we went on our first dates together. I had gone with Kathryn Best, easily the most lusted after girl in the whole school, who was in Jack's class a year behind me. Jack, on the other hand, had gone out with our "Valentine's Day Queen", Anne, who was in my class and almost two full years older than Jack. He was always precocious. There had been a third couple with us, Dennis and Suzanne, and Jack broke the news that Suzanne had gotten knocked up, just before I left to go overseas, and she and Dennis had gotten married. There was a huge scandal, but they stuck together, and had the baby. They lived with Suzanne's parents. Dennis was doing alright, working for Suzanne's father. While we were visiting, several friends dropped in, including the aforementioned Kathryn who lived one street over. Kathryn, the stunning brunette who had the body of a 20 year old when she was 15, and had a beautiful face with features that just slayed me. Kathryn, the very first girl I had gotten to Third Base with. She was as pretty as I remembered, and I found out she was going to be attending Mt. Holyoke the following year, which was an odd coincidence since my girlfriend from High School was a sophomore there. Going out with Kathryn, a year younger than me had been a total fiasco. We'd sat together on an out-of-town bus trip and ranked high enough in the pecking order that we got the right hand seat second from the back. These trips were our biggest dates back then. Ours was a small parochial school, and on the bus trips, the athletes, cheerleaders and student fans all rode the same bug. The 30-90 minute trips were like pep rallies on the way out, and like the back of movie theatres on the way back. There were frequent "hand-checks" and the lights would come one as our coaches would walk the aisle, but it seemed like after our wins, the checks would be a little less frequent. Our win at Pensacola was my first real 'make-out' session, as we cuddled and kissed the whole trip home. I even got a chance to play with her breast through her sweater. Less than a week later I asked her to the movies, and we sat in the back with the two other couples, probably both scared spitless and nervous as goldfish in a blender. We'd started necking, which got more and more intense, and my hands boldly went where no hands had gone before. An hour into the movie I was almost out of control, and feverish with desire, and it seemed she was willing to let me do whatever I wanted. If I'd had a little more confidence, or a little more knowledge, who knows what might have happened? As it is, I went pretty far, probably too far, and I was scared to death afterwards. She was the first girl whose flesh I'd touched underneath her clothing. I didn't call her for several days, and even avoided her at school, not knowing what to say. In short I was a total jerk. Everyone thought we should be together, she was the pretty captain of the cheerleaders, with the big boobs, and I was the Big Jock, playing all the sports, while at the same time excelling in school. She was voted "Most Popular." I was "Most Likely to Succeed." However, in this case it turned out she was "Most Slighted", and I was definitely "Most Inept." After waiting several days, amazingly patient in retrospect, she had tasked her best friend Sheri, Tommy's sister, with letting me know that she thought we shouldn't go out. Next thing you know, she was going out with some geeky looking kid, and she dated him for the rest of the school year. I'd changed schools at the end of that year, and had seen her only infrequently the following year, before moving to Santiago. Outside in the backyard, Kathryn and I walked off together and finally had a few minutes alone. "You know Kat, I don't think I ever apologized for being such an idiot, after our first date. I really am sorry." She was quiet for a while. She had a sad little look. "You know, I waited by that phone night after night, crying myself to sleep. I saw you dodging me at school and it broke my heart." "I was young and stupid. I'd never done Anything with a girl before, and could hardly even believe I was with the hottest girl in school. After all the stuff I did, God, I was so embarrassed that I'd overstepped the boundaries, and I had no idea what to say." She sat down underneath the big tree in the backyard and I sat beside her on the circular bench around it. "You could have said something to Jack maybe, or Tommy, and let them tell me. At least let me know that you liked me, or had fun. Something." She looked on the verge of tears, even 3 years later, and I felt even worse. "I know. I kept kicking myself over it. I was so angry with myself and jealous when you went out with Ricky." I admitted. "He was nice to me when I needed it." "But it seemed such an odd fit. He was a nobody; the only thing he ever did noteworthy was date you." I told her. "He lived two houses down. We'd grown up together, and when my heart was broken he picked up the pieces. He could tell something was wrong, and really made me feel a lot better." She confessed. That brought on a short period of silence. It did let me think better of Ricky, who wasn't just lucky or an opportunist. "You know, that was one of the most memorable moments in my life. Touching a girl like that for the first time. I had no idea what I should do, or what I could do, but I kept looking down the row at Dennis and Suzanne, and figured I should be able to do that too. I was in heaven; you were so amazing to be with." I told her, reaching out and taking her hand in mine. Her palm was moist. "You're telling me? You were the big 9th grader with the learner's permit and motorcycle. Big Man on Campus. The guy every girl wanted. And you wanted me. I had no idea what we should or shouldn't do on a date. I was hoping you knew." We laughed at that, remembering the intensity of those feelings. "Given a chance to do it over, I'd have camped out on your doorstep and professed my undying, eternal love the moment you walked out the door." I told her, half serious. "As I recall, you professed your love for me that evening, just before opening the top of my pants." She said with a wicked grin. I'm sure I blushed mightily. "I can't really ask forgiveness, but I really am sorry. Sorry now and sorry then. I fantasized about you for years afterwards, thinking of what could have happened if I hadn't been such a jerk. You have no idea how many of my fantasies you starred in back then." "If only you'd have let me know. Ricky was my first. It could have been you. Given half a chance, it would have been you." She had moved close and was speaking softly. "And this is my punishment. Knowing how bad I fucked up. Seeing you here, as beautiful as in my dreams, and knowing I've screwed up any chance of being with you." I placed my hand behind her head, stroking her hair. "I wouldn't say you'd screwed up Any chance, but you certainly blew that one." We were looking deeply in each other's eyes, recalling strong, painful feelings. I wanted her now, as I'd wanted her then, with a deep burning need, and I leaned forward those last two inches, and captured her lips with mine. She slid forward and melted against me, kissing me with every emotion boiling to the surface. She took my hand and placed it on her incredible chest, and I squeezed her breast, my thumb reliving that first caress of her nipple from so many years earlier. We stayed like that for a couple of minutes, and then broke apart. Her eyes glistened. "I've got a boyfriend." She confessed. I nodded understanding. "If I didn't?" I reached forward pressing my index finger to her lips. "I know. I missed my chance. It's my loss." We just sat side by side a minute, in silence. "You know," she said softly, "what you did to me that night, that was part of the problem." "I know. I'm sorry if I stepped over the line." I said, even now embarrassed at the liberties I'd taken. "No, not anything wrong. What you did to me, how you made me feel. You made me cream my jeans more than once that night. It was the first time I'd ever come. I'd heard about it, but it was almost unreal. Your fingers just drove me wild. It was over a year before another guy was able to do the same." She put her hand between her legs, seemingly remembering that first night. "That makes two of us. I don't know if you knew, but I came in my pants too, and you never even touched me there. By the time I got home I was a terrible sticky mess. I snuck out and threw that underwear away before my mother could find them and ask uncomfortable questions." I told her, laughing. She gave me an odd little look, and then slid around the tree, placing its 3 foot wide trunk between us and the house. She reached out for me, and of course I followed. "Could I, I mean would you mind?" She seemed lost for words. "What? Just ask. I certainly owe you one." I told her. She didn't ask, she just started unbuckling my belt. "I always wondered, and never really had a chance to find out." With the belt open she unbuttoned and unzipped my pants. "I mean, that night, you got to find out pretty much ALL about me, but I didn't; " I lifted my hips and let her pull my pants down a short ways, and then she reached up and pulled my underwear down exposing my fully erect monument to her sexiness. "I knew it, you bastard. Look at that." I didn't have to look. I knew it pretty well. And it was certainly standing tall and making me proud. She took me in hand and stroked me up and down, which after all the discussion and reminiscing was almost enough to get me off. "I just knew it. This should have been my first." She slowly stroked me up and down, and then she leaned over and took me in her mouth for just a second, sucking me deep and then releasing me. That was it. It was too much for me, and I stood up and shot my wad a good two feet out from where we were sitting. She giggled, as she helped me through my release, then pulled my underwear up back over my still dripping cock, and wiped her hand on the front of my briefs, before helping me pull my jeans back up. "If I wasn't tied up, I'd have you paying reparations," she told me as we both stood, and she slapped my hands away from my belt and finished straightening me out herself. "Let's consider it a delayed payoff. If things don't work out for you, maybe we can try it again. Rochester isn't That far from Amherst." Little did I know what the future held in store for us, but that's a different story. We walked back to the house hand-in-hand, laughing at the folly of youth, from the wizened experience of our 18 and 19 years. She had to leave shortly after, as did we, and I kissed her goodbye at the door. Once the door was closed I heard an exclamation from behind me. I turned to Tommy who said, "Now I've seen everything." "Amen," said Jack. "What?" I asked. "After how you treated her after our first date, I was certain you were on her shit-list for life." Jack explained. "Absolutely." Tommy chimed in. "Sheri said that Kathryn fantasized about doing mean and nasty things to you for years. I mean, hell, you did use her pretty bad." "I was a dope. I did some things I'd never done before, and was so embarrassed I didn't know how to even face her. So I screwed up and avoided her. I just made my apologies and we worked things out. I think she understands that I didn't try to be mean; I was just young and stupid. I didn't know what I was doing, and regretted it for years." I told them. "Geez. I always wondered how you could pass on that, when she was so available to you. You really did fuck up, didn't you?" Tommy pointed out. "Yep, not the first time, and I'm certain not the last. But we've buried the hatchet it seems." I answered "I'm just astounded that hatchet isn't in your back." Jack added. We left just a short while after that. We had one last visit to make. Teri Branson was passing through town, and wanted to see us if she could. She was just there for the day, and none of us wanted to miss out on that chance. The summer before 10th grade, I'd practically lived at Teri's. It was football time, and we were doing twice-a-days. We'd have morning practice, then a break so we wouldn't be out all day in the noon-time Florida summer sun. After the break it was afternoon practice. Teri was at our school and I never really knew her until that summer. She lived only a block from Mike, and we had run into her one day out washing the family car. We struck up a conversation, and the rest was history. I spent every football break at her house that summer. Mike didn't play football, but I'd pick him up on the way over there, and we'd hang out. She had a pool table, and a private rec-room with a stand-up arcade game. Her mother would always bring us snacks and drinks. Teri had not been popular, and was new to the school as well. But in a period of just a few months she went from a boyish figured tom-boy, to a devastatingly beautiful teen. Her breasts seemed to almost explode outwards, and once we'd met her mom, we knew where she got it from. She lost some weight, traded glasses for contacts, grew tits, lost the braces, and suddenly this beauty was in our midst, and nobody even knew about her but us. She was our secret. Tommy was going to a different high-school from me and Mike, but we still hung together most of the summer, and we had to let him in on our secret. The closest we'd come to having anything happen was a bizarre game of spin-the-bottle underneath the pool table. Mike, Tommy, me and Teri. Just an excuse for us to take turns kissing her. Her father was being transferred again at the end of the summer. I told her I was going to have a birthday party, and that we were going to play spin-the-bottle, I had hoped she'd be there, but now she was leaving. We were all upset. Tommy suggested we play now, since she couldn't make it then, and we did. It was strange but wonderful. Two weeks later she was gone. We met Teri at the mall, our planned rendezvous. We couldn't miss her; she was the center of a lot of attention. And still gorgeous. We ran up to her and had hugs all around. "I can only stay about 20 minutes," she told us with a pout. "Damn," was all I could say. So the three of us toured the mall, observing all the changes. It had been brand new the year we had been together. We grabbed some drinks, and wandered back outside, our time almost up, and barely even caught up. "Teri, I have a confession." I told her. "I know we acted pretty much like friends, but I was crazy about you. That summer I went home every evening and dreamed of you." "Hell, we all did." Tommy admitted. "We were such idiots," she said. She reached up to my collar and pulled me down for a kiss. Teri stood maybe 5 foot 1, so I had at least a foot on her in height. Bent over I let her kiss me, and I returned it eagerly. Finally she released me. "I was so confused. One day I'd like you, and then the next day you," she said nodding around the group, "and then you. I kept wondering who was going to be my first real boyfriend. I just knew it was going to be one of you. And then it was all over." She looked up at me. "I Still dream about you sometimes." All we could do was laugh it off, and say we'd get together sometime. She was living in Phoenix now, finishing high school, and it looked like she'd be going to Stanford. It was going to be hard to ever make that commute work out, not that she didn't seem like it would be worth the effort. Then her parents drove up. We said hi to her mom (who had been a secret fantasy of mine back then) and then with a last set of hugs it was goodbye to Teri. It was getting late so we dropped Mike back off at his house, driving mostly in quiet. I imagine we were all lost in thought over the quirks of fate and what might have been. For me, it was thoughts of Kathryn and Teri, two incredible opportunities that any teen would kill for, and I'd let them slip through my fingers. We dropped Mike off, but didn't go inside. As it was we were running late, and knew that if we went in, it would be a while before we got out of there. From Mike's it was a 5 minute drive back to Tommy's, but we drove past Teri's old house, just for nostalgia's sake. At Tommy's we were running late. Dinner was going to be at 6:00 pm, and somehow we'd burned the whole day. It was 5:45 before we even walked in the door, and we both wanted to clean up before dinner. The kid's rooms were served by two separate bathrooms, one at the end of the hall, and one off of Greg's room. So I stripped down to my shorts, and went to take my shower. I hadn't expected the bathroom to be full. Sheri was in their, applying the last of her makeup. Fortunately (or unfortunately) she was dressed. When I walked in, she gave a squeal, and came over and gave me a big hug. "I can't believe you're here! You're looking good." She said, stepping back and giving me the once over. "Wow, Sheri, you look great!" was all I could say. She had always been pretty. But the difference between a 15 year old Sheri and this one was night and day. The more mature Sheri was a beautiful young woman. "Thanks," she said, "I'll be out of here in a second, and you can have the place to yourself. I'm dying to talk to you." "I'll be here all night." I joked, stepping back into the room I was using, before my underwear had to undergo any more strain. I sat on the bed waiting, and after just a minute or so she poked her head in and said "It's all yours." She left the door open and walked out the other side of the bathroom. So that was one change at least that I hadn't noticed. Back in the day, this was Greg's bathroom. But since then someone had taken out the linen closet, and the old closet door now opened into Sheri's room. In retrospect it should have been obvious. With Greg away, the bathroom had a lot of stuff in it, although very neat. If I'd opened a cabinet or drawer, I would have seen all the makeup and girl's things. I was using Sheri's bathroom. I rapidly cleaned up and dressed. I was in a bit of a hurry, wanting to still wrap a couple of small presents for my hosts. I had bought several music tapes for my sister as a Christmas present, and decided to gift Tommy with one of them. I also had a photo in a frame for my mom, and decided to make the frame a family gift. It was simple, hand-made by yours truly from apple-wood. After borrowing some paper, tape, and scissors, I was ready to join everyone else just a few minutes later. To be continued in part 2. Based on a post by Tx Tall Tales, in 2 parts, for Literotica

//The Wire//2300Z March 3, 2025////ROUTINE////BLUF: VEHICLE RAMMING ATTACK STRIKES MANNHEIM CARNIVAL. NOTHING NEW REGARDING EPSTEIN DOCS.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE------International Events-Germany: A vehicle ramming attack was carried out in Mannheim this evening. The attacker was detained at the scene. So far, one fatality was reported, with many wounded in the attack. Mannheim police have requested witnesses to stop sharing video evidence on social media.Austria: An unspecified threat at the Hauptbahnhof (central train station) in Vienna resulted in an evacuation of the station today, during the evening rush hour commute. AC: In keeping with tradition, very few details were released by authorities, however after a bomb squad sweep of the complex the alert was canceled. Though authorities have not specified the nature of the threat, most Austrian media has claimed the incident revolved around a bomb threat.Norway: A brief diplomatic scandal was reported over the weekend following the Oval Office argument between the United States and Ukraine. After Zelenskyy was removed from the White House, various European nations have also transitioned to adopt a more hostile diplomatic position toward the United States. In Norway, these icy tensions came to fruition in the form of a maritime logistics company refusing to refuel American warships as part of a defense pact with Norway. Haltbakk Bunkers (a refueling company) issued a profanity-laced statement on social media culminating with the basic idea of "no fuel for Americans". This statement was rebuffed by Norway's Defense Minister, who stated that Norway would continue to provide the agreed upon support for American naval vessels who visit Norwegian ports. AC: Additionally, it must be noted that the CEO of Haltbakk confirmed that they don't actually have any established contracts to supply American vessels in the first place (other companies hold the larger defense logistical contracts), so this short-lived economic protest would not have had any impact anyway.Ukraine: Two commercial cargo vessels were damaged in the port city of Odessa over the weekend. A Russian missile strike targeted the port and the vessels specifically due to allegedly being used for arms shipments to Ukraine. The M/V MSC LEVANTE F and the M/V SUPER SARKAS (a container ship and a bulk carrier respectively) were both struck in the attack, each suffering unknown damage.-HomeFront-Washington D.C. - All chatter surrounding the release of the Epstein client list has largely fallen away following last week's influencer binder scandal. Neither the DoJ, nor the FBI have provided a clear time window for when any new documents are scheduled to be released. As AG Bondi's original order to provide the documents has not been carried out by the FBI, she has given the FBI 14 days to explain why her order wasn't followed. AC: As this scandal has largely devolved into strongly-worded emails, finger pointing, and ultimatums that aren't acknowledged, the chances of any further disclosures of new information are becoming increasingly remote.Also in Washington, this afternoon the White House has announced the cessation of arms sales to Ukraine, as well as an increase in tariffs on Chinese trade to 20%. Following the failure of diplomatic talks, the previous trade tariffs with Canada and Mexico are set to come into effect at midnight (pending any last-minute diplomatic moves).Florida: Three separate civilian aircraft violated the closed airspace surrounding President Trump's residence at Mar-a-Lago on Saturday. These airspace violations resulted in F-16's scrambling from the 1st Air Force out of Tyndall Air Force Base to intercept the aircraft. During at least two of these interceptions flares were deployed by military aircraft to get the attention of the civilian pilots. AC: It is not clear as to why these airspace violati

In this episode of the Rising Tide Ocean podcast, hosts David Helvarg and Vicki Nichols Goldstein speak with Sherry Goodman, former Pentagon Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Environmental Security, about her new book 'Threat Multiplier Climate Military Leadership in the Fight for Global Security.' Goodman elaborates on the intersection of climate change and national security, emphasizing the concept of climate as a 'threat multiplier' that exacerbates global instability. The conversation covers the evolution of military strategies to incorporate environmental stewardship, the impacts of climate change on military operations, and the importance of resilience and preparedness. Goodman also discusses the geopolitical tensions in the Arctic, the role of the U.S. Coast Guard, and the need for a climate-informed defense strategy. With an upcoming election, the discussion underscores the significance of leadership in addressing climate threats. ** Links & Resources ** Learn how to navigating ocean policies with Mark Spalding: https://bluefront.org/podcast/navigating-ocean-policies-with-mark-spalding-diving-into-the-impact-of-elections-on-our-waters/ Dive into the impact of elections on our waters. Jim Hanson is Chief Editor for the Middle East Forum: https://www.meforum.org/jim-hanson He previously served in U.S. Army Special Forces and conducted counterterrorism, counterinsurgency and foreign internal defense operations in more than two dozen countries. He is the author of several books including “Winning the Second Civil War - Without Firing a Shot” and “Cut Down the Black Flag - A Plan to Defeat ISIS”. Rescue warriors: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780312628147/rescuewarriors Since its inception more than 200 years ago, the United States Coast Guard has rescued over 1.1 million people. Yet, despite having more than fifty thousand active and reserve members, most of us know very little about this often neglected but crucial branch of the U.S. military. Rear Admiral, Ann C. Phillips, US Navy (Ret.): https://www.maritime.dot.gov/office-administrator/key-personnel/rear-admiral-ann-c-phillips-us-navy-ret Rear Admiral Ann C. Phillips, US Navy (Ret.) was sworn in as the 20th Administrator for the Department of Transportation Maritime Administration on May 16, 2022. As head of the Maritime Administration, Phillips advises and assists the Secretary of Transportation on commercial maritime matters, to include the movement of goods, supply chain, as well as the U.S. maritime industry, environment and compliance, ports and waterways infrastructure, and strategic sealift. She engages public and private stakeholders in the maritime industry and oversees the U.S Merchant Marine Academy. Leon E. Panetta- Former Secretary of Defense: https://www.defense.gov/About/Biographies/Biography/article/602799/ Leon Edward Panetta served as the 23rd Secretary of Defense from July 2011 to February 2013.Before joining the Department of Defense, Mr. Panetta served as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency from February 2009 to June 2011. Mr. Panetta led the agency and managed human intelligence and open source collection programs on behalf of the intelligence community. The Center for Climate & Security: https://climateandsecurity.org/ The greater the impact of climate change, the greater our awareness of the security challenges it's leaving in its wake. In recent years, there has been a relative deluge of research in this space. Tyndall Air Force Base: https://www.tyndall.af.mil/ Admiral James Foggo III: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_G._Foggo_III A retired United States Navy admiral who last served as commander of United States Naval Forces Europe-Africa and commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples. Former Secretary of Defense Mattis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Mattis An American military veteran who served as the 26th United States secretary of defense from 2017 to 2019. Michael Sfraga: https://www.state.gov/biographies/michael-sfraga/ AMBASSADOR-AT-LARGE FOR ARCTIC AFFAIRS OFFICE OF THE AMBASSADOR-AT-LARGE FOR ARCTIC AFFAIRS Secretary Lloyd Austin: tyndall.af.mil/About/Civil-Service-Employment/ Lloyd James Austin III (born August 8, 1953) is a retired United States Army four-star general who has served as the 28th and current United States Secretary of Defense since January 22, 2021. Deputy Secretary of Defense - Kathleen H. Hicks: https://www.defense.gov/About/Deputy-Secretary-of-Defense/ Kathleen H. Hicks is the 35th deputy secretary of defense, sworn in on Feb. 9, 2021. Most recently, she served as senior vice president and director of the international security program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Previously, she served in varying leadership roles within DOD, including principal deputy undersecretary of defense for policy, leading the development of the 2012 Defense Strategic Guidance. Threat Multiplier - Climate, Military Leadership, and the Fight for Global Security: https://islandpress.org/books/threat-multiplier Blue Frontier: www.bluefront.org Building the solution-based citizen movement needed to protect our ocean, coasts and communities, both human and wild. Inland Ocean Coalition: www.inlandoceancoalition.org Building land-to-sea stewardship - the inland voice for ocean protection Fluid Studios: www.fluidstudios.org Thinking radically different about the collective good, our planet, & the future.

This weekend is the inaugural Gulf Coast Salute Air Show presented by Coca Cola, in the skies over Russell Fields City Pier. This event is put together by Panama City Beach Parks and Recreation, Tyndall Air Force Base and Visit Panama City Beach. This is also Military Appreciation Month, our guest is Lt Colonel Alex Goldfein, Deputy Operations Group Commander for the 325th Fighter Wing at Tyndall Air Force Base (Callsign: Gate). Visit their website for more details.

Good News Bay: Episode 41: Colonel George WatkinsIn this episode of Good News Bay, Dr. Steve sits down with the Commander of the 325th Fighter Wing, Colonel George Watkins, to discuss all the updates related to Tyndall Air Force Base. It has been a little over a year since the last episode with Colonel Watkins and there has been a ton of progress made. The future is bright. Podcast Resources:- Lightening Within 5 Podcast: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-lightning-within-5-129553314/-Tyndall Air Force Base Air Show: https://www.mypanhandle.com/news/local-news/bay-county/panama-city-beach/tyndall-afb-air-show-returning-to-panama-city-beach/-https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2136280113431061-https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1626165591503800-https://www.facebook.com/share/v/FTbit7d9CuQ99116/?mibextid=WC7FNePodcast Timeline:Part 1: Base UpdatesPart 2: Air ShowAbout Dr. Steve Taylor:Steve Taylor is the senior pastor at Emerald Coast Fellowship.  Steve and his wife, Christi, live in Panama City, Florida and have two children.  Steve has served at ECF since 2007.  He designed the Good News Podcast specifically to lift and change the conversation...to make it more positive related to our community.  It's his prayer through this podcast we can make Bay County brighter one conversation at a time!  Learn more about Steve: https://www.emeraldcoastfellowship.com/our-staff/  Subscribe to the Good News Bay Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, & YoutubeConnect with Good News Bay Podcast Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwr1Y9C9DUUxEVfV_Ce8AkA Subscribe on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-news-bay/id1563958015Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/38aYHFhFNBBe9gUZv9TUq6?si=b2qyBvxnQ0en1h8cv1C9HQ&nd=1Subscribe on Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/u/3/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xNzQ3ODkzLnJzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwiQlLe22o3wAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ  Connect with Emerald Coast Fellowship Website: https://www.emeraldcoastfellowship.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myecfInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emeraldcoastfellowship/Connect with Dr. Steve TaylorMore about Steve: https://www.emeraldcoastfellowship.com/our-staff/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrSteveTaylorInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevetaylorecf

We have a rundown of the Fireworks in the Panhandle include the early events at Naval Support Activity Panama City and Tyndall Air Force Base, Panama City, Panama City Beach and much more. Also a few things you may be talking about at your cookouts. We return after the Independence Day Holiday with a full episode.

Jayson Kretzer Executive Director of Bay Arts Alliance and Tori Haudenschild the Events and Education Manager from the Panama City Center for the Arts joined VERONICA LIVE to discuss the upcoming FL LUXE Arts Festival and so much more. Garrett Anderson, Military Affairs Committee Chair and former Chairman for the Bay County Chamber of Commerce in Panama City joined VERONICA LIVE in studio to discuss the mission of the chamber and how they work hard each day at Building a Better Bay. Colonel George Watkins, the Wing Commander of the 325th Fighter Wing at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida joined VERONICA LIVE in studio to discuss the $5 Billion Rebuild of the base, the future F-35 operational mission that is coming soon, his leadership style and so much more.

Colonel George Watkins, the Wing Commander of the 325th Fighter Wing at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida joined VERONICA LIVE in studio to discuss the $5 Billion Rebuild of the base, the future F-35 operational mission that is coming soon, his leadership style and so much more.

Episode 27: Colonel George Watkins“People want to come to Tyndall. They're excited about the change, they're excited about the community. Word is out that we've got a great community out here and amazing community support.”In this episode of Good News Bay, Steve sits down with Colonel George Watkins. The two discuss the new developments coming to Tyndall Air Force Base and how these changes to the community are greatly benefiting the economy of Bay County, increasing community support, and promoting a stronger community!Podcast Resources:Tyndall Rebuild: https://www.tyndall.af.mil/Rebuild/fbclid/IwAR3657YPpaJe9aRefNPUpjCSKPS9_uSQo-F5lvEMXH4n3oJKAbryQZdODN0/Zone One: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1438009830056293&ref=sharingChild Development Center: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=584037187096203&ref=sharingBattlespace Enhanced Employment Facility: https://www.facebook.com/TeamTyndall/posts/pfbid036dBcx1EBp6nsYSatQp6XuY7Ts6pBRQhM61UER75uKBZzv4FbCHC2oZ3i7NEgwsVklAirmen Dormitories: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=542165937815429&ref=sharing Subscribe to the Good News Bay Podcast and tap the bell icon to get notified when the next episode releases. About Dr. Steve TaylorSteve Taylor is the senior pastor at Emerald Coast Fellowship.  Steve and his wife, Christi, live in Panama City, Florida and have two children.  Steve has served at ECF since 2007.  He designed the Good News Podcast specifically to lift and change the conversation...to make it more positive related to our community.  It's his prayer through this podcast we can make Bay County brighter one conversation at a time!  Learn more about Steve: https://www.emeraldcoastfellowship.com/our-staff/  Subscribe to the Good News Bay Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, & YoutubeConnect with Good News Bay Podcast Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwr1Y9C9DUUxEVfV_Ce8AkA Subscribe on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-news-bay/id1563958015Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/38aYHFhFNBBe9gUZv9TUq6?si=b2qyBvxnQ0en1h8cv1C9HQ&nd=1Subscribe on Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/u/3/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xNzQ3ODkzLnJzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwiQlLe22o3wAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ  Connect with Emerald Coast Fellowship Website: https://www.emeraldcoastfellowship.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myecfInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emeraldcoastfellowship/Connect with Dr. Steve TaylorMore about Steve: https://www.emeraldcoastfellowship.com/our-staff/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrSteveTaylorInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevetaylorecf

Leadership and vision are essential to implementing Engineering With Nature to create landscape-scale climate resilience. We're focusing on leadership and EWN in conversations with two inspirational USACE Division leaders – Colonel (P) Antoinette Gant, Commander, and Division Engineer of the South Pacific Division (SPD), and Brigadier General Jason Kelly, Commander of the South Atlantic Division (SAD).    In Episode 7, Host Sarah Thorne and Todd Bridges, Senior Research Scientist for Environmental Science with the US Army Corps of Engineers and the National Lead of the Engineering With Nature® Program are talking with BG Kelly about the challenges facing the South Atlantic Division. From restoration in the Everglades, to deepening the Charleston Harbor, to ongoing flood control initiatives, to disaster preparedness, we're talking about the leadership needed to address landscape-scale challenges in innovative ways and how Engineering With Nature is an important part of infrastructure solutions.    With an education in mathematics and statistics from Georgia Tech, BG Kelly spent the first 20 years of his career as “time in a formation with a rifle and a pistol” leading men and women as soldiers. When he took command of the Norfolk District in 2015, he was unsure if he would be as excited about navigation, recreation, aquatic ecosystem restoration, and regulatory permitting as he had been about preparing soldiers for combat, but he found that he was: “I'm curious by nature, so, this job certainly fits the bill. I come into work every day and have the opportunity to engage subject matter experts, folks that know more—have forgotten more—than I'll learn during my tenure as the Division Commander in SAD. We're all committed. We're all trying to deliver for the nation.” He is driven by curiosity, a desire to collaborate, and a personal quest to become a better communicator: “I strive to better communicate as an ambassador for the great work that's happening in my organization. I'm excited about what we're doing.”   The South Atlantic Division faces many challenges—and opportunities—from hurricanes and impacts from climate change, to moving populations, and a range of issues related to aging infrastructure. The USACE is leading innovation to deliver 21st century engineering and infrastructure solutions that leverage EWN to solve problems and create value. From BG Kelly's perspective, leadership is critical: “I think it's important that the senior most members of our organization lean in. As the senior leader in the South Atlantic Division, I am afforded the opportunity to know the EWN solutions that are available, but that's not always the case for some of the practitioners in the districts. I think it's important that the senior-most leaders get active, specifically with my position as a Major Subordinate Commander, sitting at the nexus of execution in the districts and policy in Washington, DC – rules and tools – trying to make all of that come together so we can do some collateral good. I don't think it happens without that nudge from leaders. Leadership matters.”   Todd agrees: “Hearing leaders talk about, communicate, and message about EWN and innovative approaches, is so important for the vertical team within the Corps, but also to our sponsors and stakeholders and those that we're building things for. They need to hear us talk about what we're trying to do and how we're going to achieve it.”   BG Kelly notes that strengthening communication is being strongly promoted by the Honorable Michael Connor, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works as one of his ‘lines of effort', along with other factors that directly relate to EWN: “His insistence that we strengthen communications and relationships to solve water resource challenges, is front and center. I try to do that from my perch in Atlanta. His insistence that we modernize our Civil Works programs to better serve the needs of disadvantaged communities means ‘full contact.' We've got to get out and be talking and be active to understand people's needs. His ask that we build innovative climate resilient infrastructure to protect communities and ecosystems brings us right into this space of EWN and incorporating natural and nature-based features. Figuring out how to make these priorities part of all that we're doing is something I'm excited about. Those lines of effort are from our most senior leaders. And they are essential to solving the water resource challenges faced by the USACE.”    SAD's Civil Works program is diverse. It includes commercial navigation, flood and storm damage risk reduction, and ecosystem restoration for ports, navigation channels, and waterways in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. As BG Kelly notes, “These are places that are critical to our economy, places that are consistently and persistently in the news. Everything we do matters.” He relates a string of challenges, from disaster response in Puerto Rico to Everglades Restoration, to the rebuilding of Tyndall Air Force Base (see EWN Podcast S1E3), to projects in the ports of Savannah, Mobile, Charleston, and Miami, in response to climate change and resilience. “It's an exciting time. We have some complex challenges, and we've got talented folks. Each day, I say thank you for our success—we're winning. But when I say thank you, I'm asking for more. I've got another problem that I need my team to take on. For me, the reality is that we've got more work than time, and time is absolutely not on our side. But I'll tell you, SAD is game.”   As Todd notes, “The Division is waging a different kind of battle that is relevant to our discussion of EWN—from the 20th century engineering approach of trying to conquer nature, to now trying to embrace nature—essentially partnering with nature—by applying EWN principles and natural and nature-based solutions to create infrastructure solutions that enhance community resilience and diversify value. BG Kelly agrees: “I think we've got to reframe our thinking to solve these complex challenges—think about how we can, and quite frankly, should be partnering with nature. One of the things I struggle with is our plan formulation. Our processes don't always lend themselves to that solution set. I think what Mr. Connor has asked us to do in modernizing our Civil Works program is to figure out how to make sure we're valuing these solutions. We have to think through cost sharing requirements for non-structural natural and nature-based features that would encourage communities to do some things differently. It will also encourage our engineers to think about those solutions in a different way.”   Project decision making in USACE is changing. As BG Kelly notes, “I've engaged key stakeholders to alert them that the Army Corps of Engineers is not wedded to only concrete and steel. As a leader I'm trying to telegraph my thinking that we're going to make the decisions that consider natural and nature-based features—ways that we partner with nature. Everything is on the table to solve the challenge.” Todd adds that the USACE Chief of Engineers, Lieutenant General Spellmon, uses an image of the USACE logo as a Castle where the drawbridge is down and the windows are open: “I think that imagery is so good because we need to open up as an organization so that we can co-develop solutions with our partners and with our communities. Some of us are going to be interested in the numbers and the math, and some of us are going to be interested in the bugs and the bunnies. But we can come together in an open process of co-developing solutions.” BG Kelly agrees, noting the diverse group of stakeholders who are impacted by Corps' decisions: “Collaboration is a very key ingredient. We're talking about America's water resources, rivers, wetlands, inland and coastal waterways and billions of dollars in recreation and commerce. I think you have to let everyone under the tent and when we are making decisions, when we're trying to think about these competing alternatives. I'm an advocate for all things being considered and letting that be our point of origin as we move forward. With this approach, I think we'll get some good outcomes.”   Todd agrees: “It's a positive time within the Corps, with LTG Spellmon and Mr. Connor's leadership, and yours, BG Kelly. With the organization, the potential, and the strong program the Corps has, we must embrace the idea of delivering projects and innovating at the same time to be the organization that we need to be today, as well as in the future.” A great example is the South Atlantic Coastal Study. It is the largest coastal risk assessment ever conducted by the Corps. According to BG Kelly, it covers more than 60,000 miles of shoreline, six states, and two territories: “It's just a mammoth undertaking and a great example of our goal to maximize the use of research and development, while promoting community resilience through partnering. It's a great illustration of our effort to overcome those institutional barriers that I mentioned and adapt to climate change and sea level rise in our quest to better partner with nature.”  Leadership is critical, and it is evolving. As Todd concludes, “BG Kelly, you're bringing people with you, you're not directing them. As you know, you don't really get effective change through exceptional force. You're describing a kind of social leadership. That's what we need to make progress as the Corps of Engineers, and progress with our partners, for the benefit of our communities. I think the future of Engineering With Nature in the South Atlantic Division is bright, bright, bright.”  Related Links EWN Website ERDC Website Todd Bridges at EWN Todd Bridges at LinkedIn General Kelly at USACE South Atlantic Division General Kelly at LinkedIn USACE South Atlantic Division Michael Connor, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works EWN Podcast S1E3: Using Natural Infrastructure to Increase Resilience for Military Installations Everglades Restoration Projects Restoring America's Everglades Charleston Harbor Navigation Projects Tyndall AFB Reconstruction South Atlantic Coastal Study

Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Fingall from Tyndall Air Force Base joined Veronica LIVE to discuss his unusual road to becoming an Air Force officer that included playing Pro Basketball in Europe and Asia. He also discussed the amazing coaches that inspired him on his very unique journey.

RedBalloon CEO and Founder Andrew Crapuchettes joined Veronica LIVE to discuss his free speech job site that puts conservative employers together with conservative job seekers. Air Force Colonel Matt "Pipper: Bradley, 53d Wing Commander from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida joins the show to discuss some of the amazing test missions his 47 unites located in 16 locations across the United States are conducing in order to ensure the Air Force Warfighter has tactical advantage at the speed of relevance. Finally, Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Fingall from Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida discusses his unusual road to becoming an Air Force officer that included playing Pro Basketball in Europe and Asia. As always I have the best guests.

In the aftermath of the destruction left in the wake of Hurricane Michael in 2018, the Natural Disaster Recovery Division has been utilizing fast-paced contracting processes to acquire innovative technologies to rebuild Tyndall Air Force Base as an ‘Installation of the Future'.

Tom Buffenbarger, an Independent Labor Voice, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast and talked about the Securing a Strong Retirement Act (H.R. 2954) and the need to strengthen Social Security and Medicare in order to help working class baby boomers prepare for retirement.    United Auto Workers (UAW) Legislative Director Josh Nassar was today's second guest. He discussed the America COMPETES Act and the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act, as both pieces of proposed legislation would strengthen the nation's domestic chip production, if passed.   Lanny Mathis, Business Manager of IBEW Local 1205, President of the North Central Florida Central Labor Council and President of the Big Bend Building Trades Council also appeared on the show. He spoke about the multi-billion renovation projects underway at Tyndall Air Force Base and how it is benefitting his Local. 

In 2018, a tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico changed rapidly into a Category 5 hurricane that devastated Tyndall Air Force Base near Panama City, Florida. A few months later, a catastrophic flood in the Missouri River basin completely inundated Offut Air Force Base near Omaha, Nebraska. In 2019, Hurricane Florence similarly devastated Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina (requiring repair and replacement programs of $1.2 billion and $1.7 billion, respectively) while an earthquake caused significant damage to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in California and forced it to temporarily shut down operations. What makes these events notable is their rapid development and intensity, indicative of the magnitude of the peril and cost of such disasters. In this informative discussion, Atkins Federal Planning Director Lawrence Frank joins Federal Business Director J.R. Steele to talk about what the Department of Defense can do to plan for extreme weather events, as well as how a resilience planning decision support framework can help installations protect their facilities and the soldiers and staff who rely on them to defend our nation and improve our quality of life.City Simulator, a community focused tool developed by Atkins that allows communities to create digital twins of their buildings, roads, utilities, natural areas and other assets and then measure how resilient they are through a 30-year simulation.Executive Order 14008, an executive order issued by U.S. President Joe Biden on January 27, 2021 prioritizing the climate crisis in U.S. foreign policy and national security considerations. 

Today's Story: Millions To Installations

Episode 1: General Mark McQueen What's been happening in Panama City since Hurricane Michael?  How are we recovering?  What are some of the new city projects?  In this episode, Steve sits down with Panama City's City Manager, Mark McQueen to discuss the city's efforts in making Panama City the primer city in the Florida Panhandle and the power of prayer in Mark's personal life. Podcast Timeline00:51 Introduction and biography Gen. Mark McQueen5:53 Gen. McQueen's overcoming Covid 12:27  Power of prayer 13:50 Bay County recovering & rebuilding 20:20 Making Panama City the “Primer City in the Panhandle”21:45 Historical Downtown transformation 23:05 Millville, St. Andrews, Glenwood Community Plans approved 25:50 New projects in Bay County 28:30 New home developments 30:20 Tyndall Air Force Base & Eastern Shipbuilders contracts 32:05 First-time home owners assistance 34:03 Bay County infrastructure updates35:56 Bed-tax dollars 40:40 Closing comments Podcast ResourcesReferenced Article: USA Today: Coronavirus recovery: What Americans can learn from hurricane-ravaged Panama City, Florida: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/04/26/coronavirus-florida-panama-city-adopts-lessons-hurricane-michael/5164057002/ Referenced  LinksReHouse Bay:  https://rehousebay.org Subscribe to the Good News Bay Podcast and tap the bell icon to get next notified when the next episode releases. About Dr. Steve TaylorSteve Taylor is the senior pastor at Emerald Coast Fellowship.  Steve and his wife, Christi, live in Panama City, Florida and have two children.  Steve has served at ECF since 2007.  It's his prayer through this podcast we can make Bay County brighter one conversation at a time! Connect with Good News Bay Podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-news-bay/id1563958015Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/38aYHFhFNBBe9gUZv9TUq6?si=b2qyBvxnQ0en1h8cv1C9HQ&nd=1Subscribe on Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/u/3/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xNzQ3ODkzLnJzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwiQlLe22o3wAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcQIAmINp95IgiuamFmcGeJy5cCw2n3DEConnect with Dr. Steve TaylorMore about Steve: https://www.emeraldcoastfellowship.com/our-staff/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrSteveTaylorInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevetaylorecfConnect with Emerald Coast Fellowship Website:https://www.emeraldcoastfellowship.com 

Join Carlos, Matt, Nev, Armando and returning for an evening of chaos it's Matt & Andy from the A320 Podcast! In this week's show we look at very fancy food, a cat attacks a pilot, and a welsh couple pull an Airbus A320. In the military planes and boats meet as the US Marines end their many years of Hornets at sea while American F-35s work aboard an Italian Navy ship. A contract fighter plane for the US Military experiences a mishap at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, and Boeing's new T-7 Redhawk goes into production with a salute to the Tuskegee Airmen. A new series of Plane Truths begins, Armando shares with us some exciting news about Oshkosh and in this week's 'In Conversation With', Nick is finding out about George's move from the Military to flying the 747. Don't forget you can get in touch with us all at : WhatsApp +44 757 22 491 66 Email podcast@planetalkinguk.com or comment in our chatroom on YouTube. Here are the links to the stories we featured this week : COMMERCIAL PPL TRAINING EXPECTED TO RESUME FROM 12 APRIL https://www.ftnonline.co.uk/2021/03/02/ppl-training-expected-to-resume-from-12-april/ FEATURED, FANCY IN-FLIGHT FOOD FROM TWO FAVOURITE AIRLINES https://simpleflying.com/swiss-economy-catering-partnership/ https://thepointsguy.co.uk/news/virgin-atlantic-resumes-meal-service/ FRENCH BEE PLANS TO PUT 488 SEATS ON AN AIRBUS A350-1000 https://clickavio.com/french-bee-plans-to-put-488-seats-on-an-airbus-a350-1000 https://simpleflying.com/french-bee-could-become-the-most-efficient-long-haul-carrier/ https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/french-bee-eyes-arrival-of-a350-1000s-as-pandemic-fails-to-dent-optimism/140153.article ANGRY CAT ATTACKS PILOT FORCING BOEING 737 DIVERSION https://simpleflying.com/angry-cat-attacks-737-pilot/?fbclid=IwAR04V95tm85J0dYaYKPIJ3xt1FNKdtuqeP6kCWqnsljYqJ1uP-iDhz5vFSg LADDER ON RUNWAY AT BIRMINGHAM REPORT https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/602be70e8fa8f5037b3420b5/Boeings_737-8AS_EI-DPC_737-8Z9_G-GDFR_757-28A_G-OOBA_03-21.pdf https://www.gov.uk/government/news/aaib-report-large-foreign-object-on-runway-during-operations-at-birmingham-airport WELSH COUPLE PULL AIRBUS A320 TO BREAK GUINNESS WORLD RECORD https://guinnessworldrecords.com/amp/news/2021/3/s4c-st-davids-day-2021 https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/travel/two-women-pull-airbus-a320-to-break-guinness-world-record-1.1177452 ST ENGINEERING TAKES IN FIRST A320 FOR P2F CONVERSION https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/aircraft-propulsion/st-engineering-takes-first-a320-p2f-conversion https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/news/en/2020/10/first-a321p2f-enters-into-service-with-qantas.html QANTAS LAUNCHES FLIGHTS TO MYSTERY DESTINATIONS https://simpleflying.com/qantas-mystery-flights/ MILITARY AFTER 36 YEARS, MARINES' F/A-18 HORNETS HAVE COMPLETED THEIR FINAL CARRIER DEPLOYMENT https://www.military.com/daily-news/2021/03/02/after-36-years-marines-f-18-hornets-have-completed-their-final-carrier-deployment.html https://www.naval-technology.com/news/f-35b-jets-undergo-sea-trials-aboard-italian-its-cavour-aircraft-carrier/ BOEING T-7A RED HAWK USAF TRAINER ENTERS PRODUCTION, NOD TO THE TUSKEGEE (TUSKEEGEE) AIRMEN https://www.autoevolution.com/news/boeing-t-7a-red-hawk-usaf-trainer-enters-production-nod-to-the-tuskege-airmen-156901.html CONTRACT PILOTS IN MIRF1BAGE SUFFER NON-LIFE-THREATENING INJURIES IN TYNDALL AFB CRASH https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2021/02/26/two-pilots-injured-in-tyndall-air-force-base-crash/ RAAF RE-ESTABLISHES NO. 100 SQUADRON AS AIR FORCE HERITAGE SQUADRON http://warbirdsnews.com/warbirds-news/raaf-re-establishes-no-100-squadron-as-air-force-heritage-squadron-ready.html

The nature of military bases is changing throughout the Armed Services. New defense doctrine increases their strategic importance for projecting power and for protecting Warfighters from emerging unconventional threats. Meanwhile, leaders desire more modernized facilities that will improve quality of life, keep pace with smart city technologies, and minimize their environmental footprint. ERDC is developing new technologies to help meet these goals. And many of those technologies are being put to the test during an ambitious rebuild of Tyndall Air Force Base, which was devastated by Category 5 Hurricane Michael in 2018. ERDC is playing a key role in the effort to re-imagine Tyndall's future, and it will learn valuable lessons that can be applied to installations across the Army and the Armed Services. On today's episode, we are joined by Dr. Buddy Bartels, a research civil engineer at ERDC's Construction Engineering Research Laboratory. Buddy discusses how today's ERDC research is enabling tomorrow's Installations of the Future. Topics include the changing nature of installations (4:55), ERDC's involvement in the Tyndall rebuild (10:00), ERDC's Virtual Testbed for Installation Mission Effectiveness (11:23), and the breadth of ERDC's involvement in the Installations of the Future effort (18:49). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for resources and more information.

Award-winning Public Information Officer. Corey Dobridnia is currently employed at the Walton County Sheriff's Office. In a past life, Dobridnia worked as the weekend anchor for WMBB, an ABC Affiliate out of Panama City covering Tyndall Air Force Base, Naval Support Activity Panama City and more.Dobridnia graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a bachelor's degree in communication and earned a master's degree from Florida State University, Panama City in corporate and public communication. ERAU was also where she lettered in women's volleyball. In 2017, Dobridnia was dually named Public Information Officer of the Year by the Florida Law Enforcement Public Information Officer's Association and the Florida Association of Public Information Officers. In 2018, Dobridnia received the PIO Deployment Team Mobilization Award after deploying to help public agencies following Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Michael. In 2020, Walton County Sheriff's Office was a finalist for Government Social Media's Golden Post Awards for Best Instagram Presence. Connect with Corey on her LinkedIn or Twitter accountshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cdobridnia/https://twitter.com/cdobridniaSupport the show (https://t.co/GOmAg9X6e8?amp=1)

Category 5 Hurricane Michael slammed into the Florida panhandle two years ago this weekend and devastated Panama City and nearby areas, including Tyndall Air Force Base. We speak with Panama City city manager Mark McQueen about how his city's recovery and rebuilding process is going.

In October 2018, Tyndall Air Force Base just east of Panama City, Florida was directly hit by Hurricane Michael, a Category 5 storm. The damage was significant with over half of the buildings on the base destroyed. Brig. Gen. Patrice Melancon was called back to active duty to the Tyndall Program Management Office (PMO) to lead the base’s massive $5 billion rebuild. In this episode, we’re talking with Melancon about the groundbreaking work the PMO team is undertaking to rebuild the base and incorporate the principles and practices of Engineering With Nature into the Tyndall rebuild and the Air Force’s Installation of the Future initiative. Their intention is to create a resilient and sustainable base that will be a model for the region and potentially all other coastal areas in the US. With practically a “clean slate” available to explore options, Melancon discusses the opportunity to fundamentally rethink what environmental and operational functions are needed for Tyndall, now and in the future.   The PMO team is evaluating best available data and information specific to the base and its landscape.  They are also considering variables that may have changed since the original buildings were constructed (e.g., flood elevation and expected wind loads).  Outputs from this analysis will inform standards needed to design and construct facilities, including the infrastructure needed to accommodate the new F35 aircraft.  This new installation must withstand present-day hazards, but it must also be able to accommodate future environmental conditions and associated risks.  Concurrently, the team is using this time to evaluate the use of EWN strategies through the construction of nature-based solutions in the form of landscape features like beaches and dunes, oyster reefs, and wetlands that reduce risks of flooding while providing additional habitat for threatened and endangered species as well as social value for Air Force personnel and the surrounding community.  As she notes, “it is a re-imagining of the base”.  In this podcast, Melancon describes four pilot projects underway that incorporate EWN principles.  One of those projects includes the beneficial use of sediments to strengthen the existing beach/dune system.  The goal is to use nature-based solutions to increase the resilience of the installation and the local community by reducing the risk of damage from storm surge and waves while also creating environmental as well as social benefits supporting recreation and tourism.    Melancon believes that collaborating with the community and a wide range of stakeholders is important to the success of this initiative and invites interested listeners to become involved and participate in the stakeholder engagement underway at Tyndall.  Listeners can share their ideas at the EWN website (www.engineeringwithnature.org) or the Coastal Resilience at Tyndall Air Force Base website (www.tyndallcoastalresilience.com).             Related Links: EWN Website ERDC Website Brigadier General Patrice Melancon Tyndall Air Force Base Coastal Resilience at Tyndall Air Force Base  

This is part 1 of a 2-part interview on Defense Support to Civil Authorities & Domestic Operations with Retired Lt Col R. Curtis McNeil, the current Chief of Domestic Operations and Intelligence Law and First Air Force, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. If you have any interest in learning more about how the federal government supports local communities in times of emergency and natural disaster, this interview is for you! In this part 1 of the interview, we offer a behind-the-scenes look at defense support to civil authorities and domestic operations leading up to, during, and after a natural disaster. In part 2 of the interview, we explore the innovative legal solutions forged by Lt Col McNeil and his team through Hurricane Dorian, and then he offers a vivid personal account of living through Hurricane Michael, in the Florida panhandle, as a victim – and his leadership lesson takeaways.

On the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Michael devastating Tyndall Air Force Base, Brig. Gen. Patrice A. Melancon, Tyndall Air Force Base Reconstruction Program Management Office executive director, discusses the challenges of planning, funding and building a Base of the Future while still supporting daily mission requirements.

Today's story: Tyndall Air Force Base is being rebuilt as the installation of the future, after being nearly wiped out by Hurricane Michael in 2018

Today's story: Tyndall Air Force Base is being rebuilt as the installation of the future, after being nearly wiped out by Hurricane Michael in may of twenty-nineteen.

The final months of the 2019 fiscal year proved to be the most challenging and rewarding quarter yet for Tyndall Air Force Base when the June 2019 Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act increased the installation’s annual Operations and Maintenance budget by a massive 450%.

The Coast Guard isn't the only military organization that rescues people domestically. The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center helps out people inland, including in Mexico and Canada. It's based out of Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, and the center's commander, Lt. Col. Gene Manner, joined Federal Drive with Tom Temin for some recent rescue stories.

  Katherine Thais Ridenhour, retired Battalion Chief, Aurora Fire Department (CO), is passionate about teaching competent and confident leadership on and off the fireground. Her classes include strategy/tactics, command, conflict solution/problem solving, leadership and promotional preparation. Katherine's experience spans 25 years in Tech Rescue, FEMA/USAR, EMS, Training Division, Diversity Board and past President of Women in the Fire Service. She also spent 5 recent years after retirement as a volunteer firefighter and feels privileged to understand the rural side of the fire service. Her passion for presenting exceptional teaching methodologies has earned her multiple requests to teach at various departments, and she is proud to serve the volunteer side of the fire service in that way. She also has extensive teaching at various Department of Defense bases including the United States Air Force Academy, Tyndall Air Force Base and the entire Northwest Navy Region. Katherine has taught nationally for years at such conferences as FDIC, FRI, the IAFC Metro Chiefs, the IAFF Human Relations and Redmond Symposium, as well as various state conferences. Despite being retired, she is an avid student of the fire service and keeps current with all the latest trends. She has mentored at least 1000 firefighters to assist them getting promoted to various positions, including Chief of Department and is still sought after for those and her teaching abilities. She is grateful to have had a great career and the opportunity to teach around the nation in order to give back to the fire service. I had the distinct honor of talking with Chief Ridenhour about her experiences in the Fire Service.  Her work on exposing the practice of "Bullying" in our industry is well known, as she is a sought after lecturer and keynote speaker. Take the time to listen to this in-depth episode that focuses on several issues in our workplace.

Today's story: Congress approved disaster aid funds for the Air Force, so Tyndall Air force Base, Florida, is moving forward with repairs and rebuilding.

Today's story: Air Force officials discuss rebuilding Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, at a second Industry Day.

Today's stories: Two F-35A Lightning II aircraft conduct airstrikes in Iraq. Also, the Air Force stops all new rebuilding efforts at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida.

The armed services are asking Congress for extra money next year to repair bases damaged by extreme weather. For instance, Tyndall and Offutt Air Force Bases need billions of dollars for restoration. Federal News Network's Scott Maucione spoke to Tom Conger, director of the Center for Climate and Security, about the military and potential climate change. Conger is a former Defense Department principal deputy comptroller and you can hear more on Federal Drive with Tom Temin.

This episode of "Inside AFIMSC" features host Veronica Kemeny talking with the Tyndall Air Force Base Program Management Office Director, Colonel Scott Matthews, about the role the PMO is playing in the redevelopment of the base after damage caused by Hurricane Michael in October 2018.

Today's story: Air Force officials spoke about their plans to rebuild Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, during Tyndall Industry Day.

The rebuilding of Tyndall Air Force Base following the massive destruction caused by Hurricane Michael is well underway. Now the Air Force is inviting Industry to learn how it can help at the Tyndall Air Force Base ‘Industry Day’ coming up January, 31st. Brian Goddin with the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center reports.

The Air Force Civil Engineer Center's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Division at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, constantly finds new ways to keep the Warfighter out of harm's way. Being one of the organizing partners of the Eastern National Robot Rodeo and Capabilities Exercise is one of the ways AFCEC EOD personnel and leadership get a hands-on look at the newest in EOD robotic technology. Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center public affairs specialist, Brian Goddin, takes us to the third annual event held in and around Charleston, South Carolina this year.

The Air Force Civil Engineer Center's Emergency Management division at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, is always finding new ways to keep the Warfighter out of harm's way. That is exactly what the concept of networking joint chemical agent detectors around an installation is engineered to do. Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center public affairs specialist, Brian Goddin, shows us how networking JCADS has the potential to provide Airmen advanced warning of an enemy chemical attack.

May 31st, 2018. That date may go down in history as a monumental day on which Warfighter safety skyrocketed to a whole new level. It's the date that "RADBO" was approved for production! RADBO stands for Recovery of Airbases Denied by Ordnance. The Air Force Civil Engineer Center's explosive ordnance disposal division at Tyndall Air Force Base has been perfecting this first ever Department of Defense ground-based laser system for nearly 25 years. Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center public affairs specialist, Brian Goddin, shows us how RADBO keeps EOD techs out of harms' way!

The Air Force Civil Engineer Center's Emergency Management division at Tyndall Air Force Base is spearheading a special project to ensure Warfighter Readiness and safety. The Chemical Warfare Defense Equipment training gear project not only ensures Airmen safety but it's also saving taxpayers money at the same time. Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center public affairs specialist, Brian Goddin takes us on a tour of the C-W-D-E Training Gear project!

The Air Force Civil Engineer Center's Energy directorate at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, was one of the key partnering organizations responsible for the Warfighter Readiness, clean energy, and cost savings benefits of the massive 28-megawatt solar array at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center public affairs specialist, Brian Goddin takes us on a tour of the state of the art energy facility.

The Air Force Civil Engineer Center's Requirements, Research and Development, and Acquisition division at Tyndall Air Force Base is part of a special team taking RADAS to the next level to ensure Warfighter Readiness and safety. Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center public affairs specialist, Brian Goddin gives us a birds-eye view of this advanced technology!

A Hurricane Michael 'Project Management Office' (P.M.O.) has been set up to function as a 'team of teams' to facilitate the 4-to-5 year repairing, reshaping, and rebuilding of Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, following the devastation of the massive storm in October.

The Air Force Civil Engineer Center's Fire Research and Training Facility at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, provides realistic firefighter training. Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center public affairs shows the state-of-the-art facility also allows for researching and studying more environmentally firefighting agents.

When Hurricane Michael made landfall in Florida's panhandle on Oct. 10, 2018, Tyndall Air Force Base suffered catastrophic damage. Tyndall is home to the 325th Fighter Wing--the "Checkertails"--and 55 F-22 "Raptor" jets, considered the world's most advanced fighter, most of which were flown to safety before Michael made landfall. The category 4 storm battered the 29-thousand acre base with top sustained winds of 155 miles per hour, leaving runways cluttered, hangars gnarled, bunkers battered, and, according an Air Force aerial assessment, nearly all of Tyndall’s 1,340 buildings, severely damaged. The base chapel lost its roof and will have to be demolished and rebuilt, says Father Longin Buhake, a civilian priest employed by the federal government to serve Tyndall’s Catholic population. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, (AMS), Father Buhake, who serves with AMS endorsement, tells of the long road to recovery. He shares what he’s doing in the meantime to bring the sacraments and pastoral care to Catholics who remain on base in makeshift quarters during cleanup, repair, and reconstruction operations.

Today's story: Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, was recommended to become home to the F-35 Lightning II.

After Hurricane Michael caused major damage to Tyndall Air Force Base on October 10th, 2018, officials worked quickly to get the critical missions back up and running as soon as possible. Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center demonstrates through their special initiative called "Task Force Phoenix" a large part of the recovery process for Tyndall AFB. NOTE: AFIMSC Vice-Commander, Col. Pat Miller, has been leading "Task Force Phoenix" since shortly after Hurricane Michael.

Today's story: Airmen, Soldiers, and Sailors from across the country have been helping with the recovery of Tyndall Air Force Base following a direct hit on the Florida Panhandle from Hurricane Michael.

AFIMSC Commander, Major General Bradley Spacy, toured the Hurricane Michael-ravaged Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, recently. In this short video, the damage from Hurrican Michael is evident but the mission of the Air Force Civil Engineer Center's "Battle Ready, Built Right" pushes through as recovery efforts provide what is needed to support the Air Force and the Warfighter.

Today's story: 179 students from the Airey Noncommissioned Officer Academy at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, will continue their education at an alternate site after Hurricane Michael caused them to evacuate.

Today's stories: Following Hurricane Michael, several important missions will resume at Tyndall AFB in the next few months, and others will temporarily shift to other locations. Also, the Air Force also announced the temporary relocation of F-22s from Tyndall.

Townhall Review – October 20, 2018 With the midterm elections bearing down on us, Larry Elder and James O’Keefe, look at the Missouri Senate race. Hurricane Michael took a direct hit at Tyndall Air Force Base and damaged many of the Air Force’s elite and expensive F-22 fighter jets. Hugh Hewitt talks with Congressman Mike Gallagher about the impact. Larry Elder looks at the media's tendency to try to paint President Trump as a racist by twisting the President’s comments. Hugh Hewitt and David Kirkpatrick, of the New York Times, examine the disappearance and probable murder of a Saudi dissident journalist. Dennis Prager talks with Lisa Daftari about Rutger’s invitation, then dis-invitation, to speak at her Alma Mater because a handful of students were “uncomfortable.” Alan Greenspan, former Chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve, talks with Hugh Hewitt about his book Capitalism in America. Michael Medved and Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel, David Cortman, look at the ADF’s role in defending fired Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hurricane Michael is gone, but the destruction it left behind will have a lasting impact. Tyndall Air Force Base was hit head-on by the storm and now the Air Force is trying to deal with the aftermath. Plus, is obesity hurting military readiness? All of that is in the DoD Personnel Notebook this week and Federal News Network's Scott Maucione joined Federal Drive with Tom Temin to talk about it.

In today's Federal Newscast on the Federal News Network, base officials are the describing the damage at Tyndall Air Force Base in the Florida panhandle as “catastrophic.”

The asset visibility team, or AVT, from the Air Force Civil Engineer Center's Operations Directorate at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, recently travelled to Ramstein and Spangdahlem Air Bases in Germany. Here is Susan Lawson who tells us about the team who conducted facility condition assessments and provided training to base personnel.

A BQM-167 Air Force Subscale Aerial Target is launched from Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. by the 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron. The drone provides a threat-representative target for the Air Force Weapon System Evaluation Program.

A First Lieutenant made a historic first by leading a formation of F-22 raptors over Tyndall Air Force Base.

Volunteers are baking more than 7000 cookies to spread holiday cheer to all Airmen living in Tyndall’s dormitories during this season’s Cookie Caper.

Air to air combat training with regional fighter squadrons on Tyndall Air Force Base.