Bombers Row

Waiting for a perfect day to see more of the planes on display at the parade ground at Lackland Air Force Base, I didn't luck out.  Today, our last day here at the FamCamp, it was raining on and off, I braved the raindrops and ventured out to take pictures of the planes.

The parade ground is surrounded by planes organized by type.  One side is modern jet fighters, another, World War II (WWII) fighters, the third side is cargo aircraft and the last row is WWII bombers.

So, without too many words (I'm sure you appreciate that for a change) I'll put up pictures for you to: a.) Enjoy or b.) want to rush out for a manicure and a pedicure.

A-26 Invader, it was the longest serving light bomber in the Air Force, from 1943 through 1975.  It served in WWII, Korea and the Vietnam war.

The B-25 Mitchell, a WWII light bomber.  This type of aircraft was the first to bomb Japan in WWII in the Doolittle Raid.

The B-24 Liberator.  It was the most produced bomber of WWII, over 18,000 were built.  There are only a few examples of this aircraft preserved in museums and one example is still flying with the Commemorative Air Force.  It was nice to see this plane honored.

The B-17 Flying Fortress, probably the most famous U.S. bomber in WWII.  With over 12,000 B-17s built, there are actually about a dozen that are still flying today as well as another dozen in museums.  The reason there are so many flying with museum groups today is the B-17 had a peace time mission.  Many were purchased after the war and converted to fight forest fires as fire bombers, dropping retardant chemicals to fight the flames.

The B-29 Super Fortress.  Only about a half dozen of these planes remain today out of the 3,000 built, with one flying with the Commemorative Air Force.  This is a special plane for me, my dad flew and maintained these aircraft during WWII. 

And one last picture, not of a bomber, but a "Gooney Bird."

The C-47 Dakota.  It was used as a WWII cargo aircraft but saw combat while carrying paratroopers and towing gliders loaded with troops.  Designed in the 1930s, many of these aircraft are still flying today all over the world.  They are ruggedly constructed, able to carry heavy loads and land on short and unimproved runways.  Many will still be flying for years to come.  Amazing. And its nickname?  The Gooney Bird.

These planes are part of a history course for the new Airmen that are undergoing basic training on the base.  It is part of the heritage instruction for today's new Airmen to learn about and be inspired by those that served before them.

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A Wonderful Thing For A Sad Time

Here at Lackland Air Force Base are three houses that are very special.  They are Fisher Houses. 

They are located by major military hospitals or veterans hospitals.  When a wounded serviceman or servicewoman has been injured in combat operations and is facing a long rehabilitation to be restored to health, often these hospitals are far from the servicemember's home.  Fisher Houses are for the servicemember's family to come as stay next to their loved one while they recuperate, at no cost to the family.

It has been found that the wounded servicemember's recovery is helped and sped up by having family close by.  It is a wonderful thing for a sad time.  Our servicemembers and their families have sacrificed tremendously to keep our country strong and free.  Fisher Houses help to repay in a small way the tremendous debt we owe our wounded warriors.

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Becoming A Puddle

It used to be: Another day, another dollar.  Now it seems to be: Another day, just like the day before.  And that's not too shabby. :c)

We're slowly adjusting to the slowed down life.  It's nice not to have an agenda, no rushing around, and best of all...no stress.

Today was a do nothing day, just sitting outside in our lounge chairs, watching the fighter jets flying overhead, watching at the comings and goings at the FamCamp and having some wonderful home cooked meals.

In fact it was so relaxing, I'm not sure if I was taking a book or reading a nap.  Sort of being so relaxed, we're feeling like we're becoming a puddle.

We're here at the Lackland AFB FamCamp until Saturday, when we intend to pull out and head for Livingston, TX and visit the Escapee's Headquarters.  Marti is especially interested in seeing the Escapees CARE facilities.  Coming from a career in long term care, Marti is looking forward to seeing first hand how Escapees that no longer can travel due to age or illness are able to live comfortably at CARE in their own RVs.

So we have a two more days to soak up some sun, read some books and catch some stink bugs.  Yes Marti has gotten over her fear of them and has become quite the hunter.  We're still seeing a couple a day in the Journey, the warm weather has been bringing them out of their nook and cranny hiding places.

I'd better stop here and hand Marti a tissue, she's got a bead on one more stinkbug.

Thanks for visiting and feel free to leave a comment.