Not all Wonderful

I don't suppose that anyone's life is all wonderful. There are those who can see the good in every day or ignor the things that are difficult. It is the same in traveling our country serving our fine women and men in uniform. There are those days. You know what I'm talking about. They are long, they are busy or they are slow. You miss the people at home. Geez I can even miss mowing the lawn and taking out the trash! So, you remember me while you remember our uniformed citizens, because not every day is all wonderful. I'm sure that is true of you. Together we'll find the things to celebrate each day, love, children, family, planning a vacation (I didn't say taking one!), spouse - - all the people we actually do live for each day. In fact, focusing on the people we love makes whatever we do more wonderful than the difficult things we do can erase. Dr. D.

What is Moody AFB Like?

It's like a small city within a city. It's like a community college campus with a fence around it and a very big airport attached to it -- where really big planes fly in and out. It's full of hard working people dedicated to one another and dedicated to their country, the cause of freedom, and defending the defenseless. Tbere are no speed limit signs, it is posted when you drive on base. There is not one traffic signal on Moody. Every driver is courteous and obeys the speed limit. They are very young it seems to me - but maybe I'm just pretty old! They are always friendly and call me "sir" all the time. They won't go through a doorway first, unless I tell them they are the dedicated active duty airman and they must let me hold the door for them. The civilians who support them are equally selfless and dedicated. Even though I've had a long and wonderful military career, these fine folks simply amaze me and I am thankful for them. When they ask for help they do so humbly. It's warm, pleasant and disciplined. You would like it here. Dr. D.

Getting Ready for Deployment

I still stirs me when I give a briefing to airmen here at Moody Air Force Base about getting ready to deploy. My work is with their emotional response. Most are ready to "serve their country" and therefore often are not aware until some negative affect that there is an emotional price to pay for deploying. Leaving and returning. Leaving friends making new ones. Changing support systems. Disconnecting and reconnecting with family. If they know what can go wrong they can ready themselves to prevent emotional difficulties when deployed. Most just tough it out. Maybe that's what we all do in life. Instead of clearly communicating about what is happening to us and being available to listen to what is happening to others, we just tough it out. Much to the detriment of our selves, our families, and our friends. On the up side, we can clearly ready ourselves for the tasks that are ahead of us and the outcome is much better. Dr. D.