Dec. 26, 2008

Day Four Photo Gallery

Day Four - Entry Two - 10:50 p.m.

This from linebacker Phil Brown on today's trip to Barksdale Air Force Base:

An explosion of thoughts, memories, and emotions flooded my mind as we approached Barksdale Air Force Base. The size and color of this historical place stood out the most to me. I compared it to NIU's trip to the Naval Academy in 2007. Brown, tan and other accompanying Earth tones smothered the Air Base creating a smooth Southern atmosphere, making even us northerners feel cozy and right at home. Our bus driver on the defensive bus said that he was stationed here in 1962 and it hadn't changed one bit.

As you go through the opening gates (once you clear the initial security guards who are equipped with M-16 assault rifles), you notice that this isn't just a base, but a small city. The main road brings you to a dividing crossroad, offering the choice to venture to the residential quarters or the more military area, where soldiers and the huge aerial angels of defense humbly reside. The residential area showcased the elaborate and beautiful mini-mansions where top officers and sergeants live.

The fighter jets left me speechless, so I'm writing this blog to share some thoughts after absorbing the sights and statistics of these amazing aircraft. Barksdale Air Force Base is home of the B-52 Bomber. It holds 40,000 gallons of fuel with eight engines. It travels at 600 miles per hour and is fully capable of carrying nuclear warheads (not to mention the four 50-caliber machine guns located at the back of the jet). It also has two missile launchers that shoot heat-seeking missiles. WOW. I have a whole new respect and admiration for the United States Military and Air Force.

The size and content of the base said much more than it showed. The base provides every need and want of its inhabitants. It shows that our government does a great job to keep them focused on the task at hand. This task I talk of is more than just a task to them. It's their life, their motivation, their sole purpose, protecting American the beautiful, upholding her name, and safely guarding her children.

I wish you and your families the happiest of all holidays. God Bless America.

-Phil Brown