HeartLink

Not long after we moved here I attened a program called Happy Landings (which was an orientation to the base). It was very helpful and assited me in getting acquainted with the Base and the surrounding cities and everything they had to offer. However, it also taught me that I knew nothing about military life (who am I kidding myself...as if I didn't already realize that). I sat there in that meeting and had no clue what they were talking about half the time because of all the acronyms and wierd language they were speaking. So I was promptly given a big red heart on my name tag (about the time I didn't even know the answer to 'what unit does your sponsor belong to?') to indicate I was new to the military. They took good care of me the rest of the day but also refered me to another program called HeartLink (which was an orientation to the military). I finally had that today and it was also extremely helpful.
Lessons I learned:

• While on base with my man in uniform there is to be NO PDA.
• I am to walk on his left side so that he can salute as necessary and I won't get in the way.
• It really is a mystery how much you are suppose to tip the baggers at the commissary.
• BMW isn't just a kind of car, its also a reminder for formal place settings - left to right - bread, meal, water.
• There is indeed a nice little man in the legal office that can help me file a claim against the worst moving company EVER who won't take responsibility for their actions!
• I now kind of understand how to read my husbands LES (Leave and Earning Statement).
• So yes, I am getting a few acronyms down - like POA, not to be confused with POC or POV or TMO, NCO, OIC and DOS...TDY, PCS,DITY, TMO...should I go on...
• I understand that PJ is part of the MDOSquadron, which is part of the Medical Group, under the Air Mobility Wing.
• He is a captain now which means there are only 7 more promotions until he can become a General :) You can do it honey!
• I was told (but thankfully already knew) that when parking spots are labeled "general commander", that doesn't mean any commander in the general population...it means THE general commander...and you are not to take his spot.
• The First Sergeant is suppose to be like my really helpful big brother who will do anything for me (and the rest of the unit) at anytime. Memorize his number.
• There is an amazing comradary among military members...and I love that!

I also had the chance to rub elbows with some big wigs. Here I am with Colonel Goldstone, the Air Mobility Commander, and Chief Master Sergeant Suttles, the Air Mobility Command Chief (they are the head honcho's here).

They 'coined' me. And while I learned a lot today I'm still not exactly sure what that means, although it is steeped in tradition.

If nothing else, I learned that I am very lucky my husband is not deployable these next three years. But after that, if and when it is his turn, I will be OK.