Chapter B News · Indiantown National Gap Cemetery: Flags down was held on Saturday November 21st.....

Chapter B News Gold Wing Road Riders Association

PENNSYLVANIA December 2020

• Chapter Officers/Leadership

• Director’s Corner

• Assistant Directors

• Membership Enhancement

• Birthdays/Anniversaries

• District Director

• District Educator

• What’s Happening

• Feature Article: Eric’s Deployment

2020 Chapter Officers and Leadership Positions

Chapter Directors

Ron and Sandy Spence

Email: [email protected]


Ph:717-989-2948

Assistant Chapter Directors

Jay and Pam Bomberger


Ph:717-566-6467

Don Engle


Ph: 717-587-5252

Membership Enhancement

John Parker

Email:

[email protected]

Ph:717-584-5620

Treasurer

Connie Breneman


Ph: 717-684-7627

Sunshine Persons

Richard Shutt


Jeanne Parker


Special Events Coordinator

Pat Simmons


Scrapbook Coordinator

Pam Bomberger


Merchandisers

Gerry and Bonnie Kerkeslager


Chapter Visit Coordinators

Gerry and Bonnie Kerkeslager


Special Advisor

Barry Ness


WEB Coordinator

Don Engle


Ice Cream Coordinators

Bob and Libbie Grumbine


Ride Leaders

Jim Duff


Rob Simmons


Duayne Keen


Newsletter Editors

Craig & Sandi Lenhard


[email protected]

Individual of the Year 2020

Richard Shutt

Couple of the Year 2020

Bob and Libbie Grumbine

November Ice Cream Gatherings

Directors’ Corner

December 2020

Ron & Sandy Spence

Chapter Directors

As we say goodbye to those nicer days of Fall, the air is mostly chilly now, some early snowflakes are already

in Lancaster County and we now face winter with COVID. Unlike the Spring when we were in lockdown, we

now are not, but COVID cases are higher and hitting closer to home. We are glad that Eric is on his way

home but sad that our Christmas party will not be part of his welcome home celebration. Our Christmas

party is a time for Holiday fun for all chapter members normally able to participate. The decision to

postpone the party was not what I wanted, but what needed to be done with conditions getting worse. We

will have a party, yet to be named, and date to be determined. This year has been a challenge from March

onward. We have had some disappointments with inside events unable to happen, but successes on those

beautiful machines we ride. We did our ride planning for 2021 always planning for the future only

postponing or canceling when necessary due to restrictions and changing conditions and always adding

impromptu rides, and others as we work our way through the year. After gathering rides will be advertised

as far out as possible, as we have set aside time to gather, then we should ride when possible on that day.

This Winter we will be doing zoom ice cream socials every Tuesday night in December. January will bring

game nights on zoom; several different games can be done on zoom. We will start out with zoom bingo. As

always with changing conditions our plans may change. We will be doing a New Year’s Eve zoom. We will

be doing our Polar Bear ride on January 1 with the Northern group led by Jay meeting the Southern group

led by Rob to eat at the Gap park pavilion at 11AM (weather permitting). Sandy and I will be picking up the

meals, bringing them to the park. Please sign up on Group Works. Details will be on my weekly updates. As

always, events are subject to change with conditions out of our control. Remember to turn in your safe and

high miles to Jay at the end of the year for those in the Levels Program.

As we say goodbye to 2020 we can only hope that the needed vaccines bring us out of the pandemic earlier

in 2021 rather than later. Just as regular families struggle through this pandemic so does our GWRRA family.

Our greatest desire in the new year, all chapter members are able to gather inside comfortably. Returning

to some type of normal is what we all want and need. As we welcome Eric home please remember those

military personnel that won’t be home for the Holiday’s remembering them in thoughts and prayers this

Holiday season and throughout the year for their sacrifice.

Sandy and I would like to wish all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy 2021.

Assistant Chapter Directors

Most of the leaves are down and the turkey and filling have been consumed. Only a hand full of nice days to ride yet, then time for hibernation. Before you put the bike away, keep an eye out for a

post on Facebook...Earl Breneman’s bike has been needing a lot of fuel lately, so there still might

be some “Ride for Gas” rides to join in on. LOL!!!

Pam and I are catching up on some Hallmark movies in the evenings after supper. We aren't

watching the Christmas ones just yet.

This past month, we attended some Tuesday night ice creams at Willow Street Diner. It’s always

fun to get together, eat, and listen to all the funny stories!

Pam and I prayed for all the Veterans on Veteran's Day for keeping us safe and for those who

gave their lives for our country. Thanks to all that are serving and who have served!!!

We also had a Chapter gathering at Enck’s this past month, and it was great to see everyone that

attended. Thank you, Bob Grumbine, for leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Did you see the

Flag that Linda Clavier presented to Chapter B? How wonderful was that!! If you missed it, Ron

posted a picture on Chapter B’s Facebook page along with the Certificate of Authenticity. Check it out!!! Maria Hodge, one of our newest members, did a presentation on Multiple Sclerosis

fundraiser that Chapter B will be planning for the upcoming year. Watch your newsletters and

calendars for time & date and how you can help raise money for this meaningful cause. We also

want to thank Gerry Kerkeslager for his presentation on Groupworks. I hope you are signing up

and are using Groupworks. It is a great place to see the chapter events that are coming up and to

see what other chapters are doing.

Pam and I and other Chapter B officers attended a Zoom Officers’ Conference meeting and

learned information about GWRRA and how it’s run. We learned the principles, and the class

lasted about two hours.

Well, time to start putting up the Christmas tree and decorations and yes, start the shopping which

would mostly be online for us. Hope you all stay safe and have a Happy and Healthy Christmas

Season!!!

Joyfully,

Jay & Pam Bomberger

Membership Enhancement Coordinator

December – The Last Month of this PA-B Year

Chapter B has added several new members this year, Mike & Bonnie Kleinhaus, Jane & Jalisa

Zimmerman, George Heck & Susan Stum, and Tim & Maria Hodge. When you have a chance to meet our

newest members, please make them welcome.

Ice cream continues to be well attended,and for December we will be returning to ZOOM, hosted

by Sandy Spence. The weekly updates will have the details. We also have rides and activities scheduled

so check the website and pay attention to Group Works, as well as the weekly updates. If you are going

on a ride and you want company, either try using the Chapter Website, the Shared Member Roster or

Group Works to tell other members.

Indiantown National Gap Cemetery: Flags down was held on Saturday November 21st.. Stay tuned for Flags Up next spring. It is special to remember those who sacrificed so much for us.

Nothing new for PA-B on Roll for Dough. Due to the Corona Virus there are no chapter visits or

rallies until we can go again. We still have 6 points. It has become pretty clear that chapter visits will not

be a PA option for a while. That said, PA Chapter V is now in first place with seven points. The

attendance from other areas to Chapter B functions is a credit to our communications through our chapter

website, postings on the district website, and our emailings. We are in the process of updating and

utilizing Group Works as well, the POC for Group Works is Gerry Kerkeslager who is doing an excellent

job of setting up members and notifications of chapter events.

In the November ARL there was a prospective member Eric Weister from Lebanon, I have tried to

contact him with no response.

Also, I’m sure that by now you are aware there were no printed August or October Wing World

magazines. As a result, GWRRA has added two months to everyone’s membership, that is why your

renewal notices are two months later.

When you receive the weekly updates, watch for details on chapter activities. Also, our chapter

website will have information, and be sure to sign up through Group Works. In the meantime, stay safe,

keep the virus in mind no matter what you are doing so that it does not spread any further. Our prayers

are with each of you and remember that He is in control.

If you know a motorcyclist, any brand, invite them to a gathering, a chapter function or a chapter

ride. That is the only way they can get a good look at us. We welcome all riders/co-riders to come enjoy

our events, we promise a good time. Again, I would like to thank everyone for wearing their colors more

frequently; I have been to several functions where the increase is noticeable. “Chapter Pride”, is

important when we are out as a group; we want everyone to know who we are, so that they can

appreciate our safe riding and good behavior.

In closing have a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.

John W Parker III Email: [email protected] GWRRA PA Chapter B Phone: 717-584-5620 Membership Enhancement Coordinator "KEEP THE SHINY SIDE UP"

mailto:[email protected]

Birthdays and Anniversaries

December Anniversaries

18th Earl & Connie Breneman

18th Eric & Linda Clavier

31st Ed & Sharon Austin

December Birthdays

3rd Barb Nolan

8th Ed Austin

10th Kathy Bell

11th Barry Sattazahn

12th Daniel Patterson

14th Jim Duff

17th Kay Nixon

28th Ruth Good

29th Diana Long

30th Lisa Miller

December’s Joke

You know how important exercise is, as we grow older. Here are a few suggestions. I start by standing outside behind the house and, with a five-pound potato sack in each hand, extend my arms straight out to my sides and hold them there as long as I can.

After a few weeks, I moved up to 10-pound potato sacks, then 50-pound potato sacks, and finally I got to where I could lift a 100-pound potato sack in each hand and hold my arms straight out for more than a full minute!

Next, I started putting a few potatoes IN the sacks, but I

would caution you not to overdo it at this level.

District Directors’ Page Wow we were able to have Officer Conference during October and November! No it was not our traditional Officer Conference; we had Zoom Meetings. Thank you to all the Chapter Officers who attended a session. A huge thank you goes out to our PA District Team; they participated in 5 sessions! In our book, this is a huge commitment to GWRRA and our District. As we turn the calendar to December we start looking forward to many things especially, Christmas and all of the festivities the season brings. We are wishing for everyone of you good health and a great 2021 riding season. Then we begin to focus on turning the page to January 2021. Many are hoping 2021 will be a year of change and there will be changes. Chapters may be continuing with the same officers or there may be a change in leadership or maybe they are looking for a special person to fill and office. You are most likely that special person; if your Chapter or the PA District is looking for a position to be fill step forward and volunteer for the position. You will be glad you did! Continuing with changes for 2021, we will be stepping aside as your District Directors. These past three years as your District Director have been a rewarding and FUN filled time in our lives. We want to thank you for all of your support during this adventure for us. There are too many individuals to name in this newsletter to thank. A special thanks goes out to our Team for their support and to our mentors for your guidance and support. Thank you to everyone who is or has been an officer during our time as District Director. We could not have accomplished what we have without everyone’s support during our term. When we were introduced as your new District Directors at the 2017 rally in State College, we promised that we would find a new location each year for our PA District Rally. We have accomplished this; 2018 Union-town, 2019 York, 2020 Altoona and 2021 Cranberry Township. We were committed to give you the members an opportunity to increase your motorcycle safety and safety in all walks of life. Due to wonderful volunteers, we have GWRRA TRC and MFA instructors in Pennsylvania. And you have been given the option to take these courses at the PA District Rally or to set up at time for your Chapter. We made ourselves a pledge to get out and attend as many GWRRA events and Chapter Gatherings as possible. We wanted you to be able to know us! We have met so many nice people during our term as your District Director and so many friends. We have had so much FUN during our journey as your District Director!

To our successors Tim and Crystal Brakebill and their team, we wish you the best and to enjoy the ride. We want you to keep in mind that FUN is essential! Remember to always ride safe! Harold and Diane Jackson Your PA District Directors

FROM YOUR PA DISTRICT EDUCATOR

With the cold weather moving in I think that most of us have started to prepare the wings for winter storage.

Something you should consider doing before putting the wing away for the season is a T-CLOCK inspection.

TIRES: Your tires may need to be replaced. Now would be the time to start this project rather than waiting for the spring riding season to start.

CLUTCH: Check the clutch and brake reservoirs. Are they low in fluid or has the fluid turned a very dark color? If they have you should change both the clutch and brake fluid now.

LUBRICANTS: How long has it been since you changed your anti-freeze. Remember your anti-freeze has been working hard to keep your engine cool and to lubricate your water pump. MAKE SURE you use the proper anti-freeze when changing, as not all types of anti-freeze will work in your Wing.

OIL: You may wait until spring to change your oil but I personally do not think it is a good idea to leave the old oil in the engine over the winter because it contains acids as well as old oil has a tendency to turn to sludge as it sets and the dirt sinks to the bottom of the engine case.

CABLES & CONTROLS: You should check your throttle and choke cables for smooth operation. Make sure the throttle returns with a snap and to an idle when released. The choke, if equipped, also needs to work smoothly and to return to the open position.

KICKSTAND: Does your kickstand have free movement and a good spring to pull it up? Look at the switches and check the operation with the switch on. Check the center stand’s return spring for smooth operation.

In addition to the T-Clock inspection, you should check the battery terminals and make sure they are clean and the water level in the battery is at the proper level.

If you are not going to run your motorcycle at least once a month during storage, you should put the battery tender on to keep the level of charge up to the maximum level.

Last but not least you should clean up the wing, wax it and cover it for the winter storage season to protect it from dust.

If you take the above precautions, you should be ready to go in the spring and have an enjoyable riding season having done your preparation during the winter season while the bike is being stored.

Remember, ALL THE GEAR ALL THE TIME. (ATGATT)

“Ride Safe & Ride Proud” Chuck & Evelyn Stone PA District Educators

UPCOMING EVENTS For event addresses or directions see Chapter B’s

website: www.gwrra-pachapterb.com

December Ice Cream

No masks will be required for our winter ice cream gatherings be-cause all get togethers will be via Zoom. Look for an email link to at-tend our next get together and grab a bowl of your favorite ice cream. If you want to join us in your under-wear, that is fine, just make sure your camera is pointed in the appro-priate direction.

Jan 26th-Newsletter Deadline to Craig & Sandi Lenhard at

[email protected]

Occasionally, it is necessary to change this calen-dar of events. Please consult our monthly calen-

dar on the PA-B Chapter Website (see above). And...when in doubt—

Contact Ron & Sandy Spence

at [email protected] or

[email protected]

Or call 717-989-2948 (Ron’s cell)

717-989-2947 (Sandy’s cell)

Chapter Gathering

Chapter Rides

Click the link below to get details about rides under the Calendar/Register tab on our Chapter website.

http://www.gwrra-pachapterb.com

Chapter Rides are scheduled and posted on

the Chapter web site & GroupWorks.

Signups are only available on GroupWorks.

Contact Gerry Kerkeskager if you need help

@ 717-813-1729.

For additional Chapter info or to see recent pictures

of events, go to Facebook and join the GWRRA Pa B

group. Joining is by invitation, so click to join.

NEXT GATHERING

will be virtual via ZOOM.

Watch your email for the link

to join the meeting.

http://www.gwrra-pachapterb.com

November Gathering

About 25 attending

Richard reading

birthdays

Certificate of authenticity

presented to Chapter

certifying that US flag was

flown on a combat mission

over Nangarhar Afghanistan

during Eric’s deployment

Ruth Ann has the final word

with a joke

Motorcycle Helmet Medical ID

Accidents can happen. This small helmet sticker allows you to list your current medi-

cal information. Prices start at $5.99 for two stickers with discounted pricing for larger

orders with free shipping on all orders. See the web

site below.

http://www.idformyhelmet.com/

What’s Happening in December-January

Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Zoom Icecream Socials Hosted by Sandy Spence. Invitations will be sent out Sundays before the Tuesday event. Dec. 31 New Years Eve ZOOM - Details to Follow. Because of Covid we are unable to gather as a group at a members house as in previous years so........we shall zoom bye bye to 2020. As usual we dont stay up late, but may this year because we will be Zooming. January 1 2021 Please send your 2020 Safe Miles for those in the levels program and high mileage to Jay Bomberger [email protected] January 1, 2021 Polar Bear Ride, we will be riding to Gap Park for take out pork and sauerkraut from Kinzers Fire House. Arrangements will be made closer to the event for meal pick up details, as our last time together this year will be the Christmas Party. As always desire and weather permitting will determine this event. Jan. 7 - 9 Winter Thing Dewey De. Jan. 16 8:30 AM After Christmas Breakfast (Covid pending) Shady Maple 129 Toddy Dr. East Earl 17519 Jan. 23 Gathering CPR/AED/First Aid Training after the Gathering. Cost is $25.00 / person

mailto:[email protected]

Afghanistan Deployment 2020

Through the miracles of modern politics and the military, what should have been a nine month deployment

has been drastically reduced. We activated on 5 August, and reported to the CONUS Replacement Center

(CRC) at Fort Bliss, Texas on 15 August. After two weeks of mobilization training, briefings, checks and

medical we were out the door. Up at 0400 on our next to last day for the big push in getting everything

signed off to make sure we were ready to go. After dinner we had a couple hours to get our gear packed up,

which thanks to the magic of the Central Issue Facility (CIF) had expanded from one duffel bag to four. Then

it was time for the “bag drag” at 2300 getting all of our stuff staged for loading on the truck. Weapons drawl

at 0130 was followed by a 0330 truck load up. Long lines passing bags up into a tractor trailer. Off to the

airport at 0700. The contract air flight took off at 1100 and we were starting our 24-hour incarceration on

the plane. The flight made three stops: Baltimore, MD; Shannon, Ireland and Sophia, Bulgaria. Crews

changed, fuel was pumped on and supplies were restocked. Because of COVID we stayed on the plane. We

finally made it to Kuwait International and were greeted by 112o heat at 1400 in the afternoon. Some more

“bag dragging” and several hours later we made it to Arifjan for a one-night stay. The next day we were

bussed to Ali Al Salem Airbase where we spent several days in open bay barracks before leaving for

Afghanistan. Another all-nighter and we were on our way at 0500 on 2 SEP arriving at a much cooler Bagram

Airbase, just north of Kabul Afghanistan. Now it is time for the actual work to begin.

Task Force CEASAR (Spelled wrong for acronym purposes) was a small 6 person Task Force within CJSOAC-A

(Combined Joint Special Operations Aviation Component – Afghanistan). We had two King Air’s modified

with a Communications / Electronic Warfare package, and we jumped right in to flying on 4 AUG.

Our little Dysfunctional family with one of our planes at Bagram

We were residents of Camp Alpha, the special ops compound, and now that I’ve been exposed to an Air

Force deployment I never want to do an Army deployment again. We stayed in one of the 2 story dorms,

not barracks. Four bunk beds per room, but we only had three in our room. Showers and latrine were

inside and nice. Additionally the barracks were hardened so when the bad guys sent IDF (In-direct fire ie.

Mortars or rockets) our way, we didn’t have to head for the bunkers. First time I didn’t have to worry about

it on a deployment, and the first time I didn’t have to trek outside in the heat/sand to use the latrine or take

a shower. The DFAC (Dining Facility, no longer a chow or mess hall) was right next door to our dorm, but

unfortunately, thanks to COVID, we couldn’t eat inside. Foam boxes for the food and walk back to the room

or office to eat.

For me up front, the mission was boring. We took off, climbed to altitude, and headed out to our working

airspace. As we approached we would program the FMS (flight management system) for an orbit. We’d

enter the orbit and our EWO (Electronic Warfare Officer) in the back would start working their black magic,

while we monitored aircraft systems and made sure we stayed in our orbit. After a prescribed amount of

time or when we got down to minimum fuel plus reserve to make it back to base, we’d break orbit and head

back to base. On day missions we could usually see the ground and I was able to take some pictures.

Unfortunately, the King Air is not well suited for pictures because the wings and engine nacelles get in the

way. The heated windshield and plexiglass inner window covers also wreak havoc with auto-focus on todays

modern cameras. The days went by, days of the week became irrelevant, and we flew…a lot. I flew 138

hours in a little over six weeks before we shutdown missions and started planning for our return flight.

Two weeks were rapidly consumed with a myriad of tasks. One of our pilots took lead on the international

flight planning. No small task wading through requirements for U.S. ARMY Aircraft to fly through numerous

foreign countries. Diplomatic Clearances, special routing and altitude requirements were just a small

portion of the requirements. Route planning to make sure we had a safe place to stay and the fuel to get

there was also very complicated. Once that route was roughed in our Lodging/customs/COVID pilot jumped

in to coordinate requirements for the six of us. Our EWO’s were also on the ferry flight and provided

invaluable assistance with post and preflight activities. I was lucky and focused primarily on getting our

heavy gear (body armor, helmets and Chemical protection) equipment shipped back to the U.S.. Even

though our special electronics pod (aka the kazoo) that was attached to the bottom of the plane was

removed and we no longer had airspeed restrictions, all of the equipment and racks were still inside the

plane and we had limited space and cargo carrying capacity. I also helped in other areas as needed to

include working Weight & Balance for the two airplanes. Our personal sidearms were shipped back to the

states, so we wouldn’t have to deal with pistols in foreign countries. And soon, way too soon for some, it

was 1 NOV and we were loaded up and ready for the first day.

On 1 NOV, on time, SHOGUN 30 departed Bagram for our first stop at Dwyer in southwest Afghanistan. I

was in SHOGUN 27 and as we watched them leave, we were doing a thorough run-up of the airplane. Prop

Heat is an important system in our anti-ice/de-ice bag of tricks that allows us to fly in icing conditions, and

would need to be working for the flight. As you climb in the atmosphere it gets colder and is usually below

freezing at altitude. Add some moisture and you have a recipe for ice. Unfortunately, ours did not check

out. We did some trouble shooting while running and then shutdown so maintenance could work on it.

Approximately an hour later, with a new prop heat brush block installed, we finally cranked and left.

Our first day had a fuel stop at Dwyer and then a very strict route, after clearance, to fly over Pakistan,

avoiding Iran and heading towards the Gulf of Oman for our stop in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. A very big,

and usually very busy Dubai International was not that busy, because of COVID. I hit my first snag trying to

clear customs. Turns out my Official (brown) passport meant I needed a Visa to get into the country. The

workaround was that I was transported to the main terminal side of the airport, with Patrick (safety in

numbers), and stayed in the hotel in the terminal.

Day two and we departed Dubai, flew up the Persian Gulf, to Ali Al Salem Airbase in Kuwait for a fuel stop.

Then our longest leg, over Saudi Arabia to Sharm El Sheik, Egypt. Saudi wanted us up high at 27,000’ for

transit over the country, which made seeing all the dessert and sand difficult. We turned right at the Red Sea

and headed to Sharm, situated on the southern tip between Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba. Sharm El

Sheik is a stunningly beautiful ocean resort area and there were numerous docs and large yachts in the

beautiful waters along the coast. Another short overnight stay and we be gone in the morning.

Departing Dubai On approach to Sharm El Sheik, Egypt

The very empty Renaissance Sharm El Sheikh, Golden View Beach Resort where I had a family suite with a full kitchen, living room,

bedroom and bathroom with two big patio doors and it cost $77.73 for the night.

Day three was our shortest flight day and would have us flying past Cairo on our way to Chania, Greece. I

have some kinda’ blurry, long lens shots of the great pyramids, but at least I can say I saw them. We crossed

into the Mediterranean Sea just to the west of Alexandria. The Nile Delta was absolutely beautiful and a lush

green. Soon we were over the water and approaching Souda Bay. Luckily for us the Navy didn’t want us

staying on base so we spent two nights in a nice hotel in Chania. An awesome seafood dinner overlooking

the bay, some recharging, and planning for the remainder of the flight occurred during our two-night stay.

Scooters and Motorcycles are everywhere in Chania to include these very utilitarian trikes

Three of us went for a drive and made a stop at the “Fallen Hellenic Military Academy Cadets in the “Battle of Crete” May 1941 War

Memorial. Chania is in the background

View from the rooftop lounge of the Chania Flair Hotel

Day five and goodbye Crete. A quick flight over Italy with a fuel stop in Naples. As a Geography/Geology guy

I was thrilled with being able to see Mount Vesuvious from the air and the ground. Would have loved to go

exploring, but all we had time for was a quick trip in town for lunch….yes, pizza.

Mount Vesuvious on the left On approach into Naples

Naples, Italy for refuel and lunch

Then it was time to leave for Linda’s and my old home for three years, Wiesbaden, Germany. A lot of photo

taking and reminiscing occurred as we cleared the Alps and flew past Munich on our way towards Frankfurt.

It is a different view from altitude. I was a lot closer to the ground flying Blackhawks there in the late 80’s.

We spent two nights at Army Lodging, and I was able to take a long, fast walking tour of downtown with our

other pilot Chris. A lot has changed, but it’s still very familiar. This is the second time I’ve been back. The

last time when I ferried a Sherpa back from Iraq. In 2011 I had a week to explore while maintenance crews

installed ferry tanks in the planes. No ferry tank for us, so it was over too quick.

Over the Alps in Austria with the clouds damming against the mountains

The Alps are spectacular

Wiesbaden, German on the other side of the Rhein and on final approach into Wiesbaden Army Airfield

The Main Train Station and the Kur Haus (Casino) in Wiesbaden. And no, I didn’t gamble.

Day Seven and I said goodbye to Wiesbaden again. Now, I was on familiar ground. The ferry flight in 2011

was different up to this point, leaving Iraq with stops in Turkey, Bulgaria and Hungary before Germany. We

stopped in Prestwick, Scotland for fuel. In 2011 it was very windy, rainy, cold and miserable, but it was

beautiful this time. I commented to our fueler how nice it was. Turns out we missed the two straight weeks

of that weather, and it would be back in a couple days. Fuel onboard and we were off to Keflavik, Iceland.

Keflavik is not as built up as Reykjavik where I stayed last time. It was

On approach into a cloudy and dreary Keflavik, Iceland

also a lot warmer this time and we did not have any maintenance problems so after two nights we were

gone. I could have taken a walk around, but COVID just took any possibility of fun out of the equation.

Day Nine was our big time zone crossing day. We took off from Iceland and landed in Kangerlussuaq,

Greenland before we took off. Sondrestrom airport is at the end of a fjord and just short of the icepack. It’s

north of the capital of Nuuk and is above the arctic circle. It was a balmy, not quite winter yet, 4oF when we

landed. As quickly as possible, we refueled and were off to Goose Bay / Happy Valley, Newfoundland,

Canada. It was an uneventful one-night stay in military quarters (COVID Quarantine) after crossing four time

zones in 6.6 hours of flying.

Approaching Sondrestrom Airport, Greenland. There’s some ice in the Fjord

It was a little slippery in Greenland and only 4o Farenheit

Day Ten, and easy flight from Canada to Bangor, ME. It felt real good to be back in the United States. The

planes and us cleared customs, we had dinner and prepped for the final flying day.

A dreary start to the day in Canada, but our spirits were high because we knew today was our last international border crossing.

Next stop U.S.A.

Day Eleven, Veterans Day. Bangor, Me over the ocean along the east coast, turn in south of New Jersey and

we landed at Davison Army Airfield in worst weather we had experienced during the whole trip. I think it was

the remnants of hurricane Eta causing the problems, but we were back home. Dropped off some gear and

we were off to Clarksburg, WV to drop off the planes. That ended 42.7 hours of flying in 11 days for a grand

total of 180.3 hours of flight time for this deployment.

Day twelve and we are officially done ferrying the aircraft. 4 pilots (from the Fixed Wing Army National

Guard Aviation Training Site – FWAATS) flew us to FT Bliss in two King Airs. We met up with our gear that we

needed to turn in and it was a lot of weight and bulk.

And now, here I am at FT Bliss, again. We spent the first night on socially distanced cots in a gym and then

moved to our quarantine site the next day. 14 days of quarantine. I’m sharing a room with our pilot Patrick.

Nothing to do but have an 0800 and 1700 Temp and Pulse/Ox check. Breakfast delivered around 0800 and

dinner delivered around 1700. It’s been 5 straight nights of chicken from the DFAC and it’s getting a little

tedious. There is a laundry on each floor, I have a bed, bathroom, shower and the internet so I can’t

complain too much, but we feel like inmates. Four of us are doing “No-shave November” during our

incarceration since we can’t go anywhere and our not wearing uniforms. After our 14 days our up we

officially start our demobilization process which should only take 7-9 days. I’ll get rid of the bulk of my Army

issue for Afghanistan and hopefully travel home fairly light with 2, not full, duffel bags, and a backpack.

I should be back the first week of December, maybe quarantine at home for 14 days, and start reintegrating

into civilian life. Hope to see you soon as I start my final 13-19 months in the Army and start looking for a

real job.

And special thanks to my fellow CW4’s, Patrick and Chris, for all the hard work they put into planning the

ferry flight. Without their efforts and attention to detail it would not have gone as smoothly as it did.

Our route was roughly just over 8,500 nautical miles or approximately 9,800 statute miles. My crew logged

42.7 hours of flight time, and that brough my deployment grand total up to 180.3 in two and a half months.

Our route home (not exact)

Most importantly, thank you Linda for all the support during all the craziness of my military and flying career.

I couldn’t have done it without you. I’m so glad to be back.

Eric

Chapter B News · Indiantown National Gap Cemetery: Flags down was held on Saturday November 21st.....

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