Another year and another season of love is upon us. Roses and chocolates are flying off the shelves as well as extravagant gifts for the ones we love. Those boycotting "V" day each year because of the over-commercialization continue to garner headlines but perhaps I can offer a nice compliment for both sides in the unending debate on what to get the ones you love. How about you continue to show your love by experiencing something together?
Read MoreHappy Holidays From the Back Deck
Just want to wish everyone a very joyous and blessed holiday season. This has been a great year and truly looking forward to the next one. A special blessing to all those currently deployed and those away from their families this season. You're on our minds and in our prayers. Happy Holidays and have a safe New Years celebration! Much love from #BackDeckDiaries
Read MoreInside 30 Days Until We All Awaken
Unless you've been hiding under a rock on Tatooine, you probably know we're under 30 days until the release of Star Wars - The Force Awakens. I've elected to burn up some of that time playing the latest release of Star Wars Battlefront on my PS4 and boy it doesn't disappoint. There's also plenty of news of box office records being shattered from ticket pre-sales to both IMAX and general cinema houses.
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Something is different about this photo. Can you spot it?
Something Seems Different
It's time to stand strong with our allies, comfort them in their time of grief and let them know that the future is bright. The loss of life cannot be replaced but if I know the French they will carry on even stronger than ever. Vive La France....we got your back!
Read MoreThe Great Pumpkin is Upon Us
Pumpkin Ales are kind of a love/hate relationship. Every time I read a review it's clear to me there's simply no spectrum. If you're looking for something different to get you into the Fall mood, try some of the many new Pumpkin beers on the market. There's bound to be one that won't disappoint.
Read MoreTime For a New Tassimo Machine
There's been plenty of news about the cleanliness and upkeep of these types of machines but they do meet our intended purpose. I use a Keurig machine at work and I have to say I like the Tassimo better. I just feel I get a better tasting cup of coffee because each T-Disc is barcoded to brew to perfection.
Read MoreFreedom, Root Beer and Air Mobility Command
Have you ever entered a large room filled with an overwhelming number of incredible leaders you've had the pleasure to work with over the course of a career? Well, that happened to me today.
Read MoreSPECIAL GUEST: An Airlifters Nod to the Pallet Gods
This week's guest is a very special one....not only from a great American but someone who was a part of an incredible unit. This photo comes from my good friend Jim, a former loadmaster that I had the pleasure of serving with while stationed at Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina. Jim and I were part of a roughneck, pallet flying, failure is not an option squadron that continues to be the pride of the fleet today. I'm talking about the 16th Airlift Squadron. The 16th has a rich history dating back to the early days of the Second World War. It remains one of the most highly decorated units at Charleston as it approaches it's 75th Anniversary this year.
Read MoreMake Cape Cod Your Next Summer Destination
For over 15 years, the family and I make a point of spending a little Summer time fun at our home on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Cape Cod is literally our second home. We haven't been able to make it every year, but anytime we can we take advantage to escape to the National Seashore. I'm not quite sure I can put my thumb on any one thing that make this place so special, but here are a few of MY favorite things.











The Beaches
And boy are there quite a few. The ones within walking distance of us are First Encounter Beach on the Bay Side of the Cape and Coast Guard/Nauset Beach on the National Seashore....the Atlantic Ocean side for those not so familiar. The Bay side is much warmer than the North Atlantic but if you're in to surfing or boogie-boarding then the Atlantic is where you need to go. Most days are wetsuit days but in the heat of Summer you can go without. When the weather is hot, be prepared for a walk from your parking spot as the people flock to the locations in droves.
The Food
You're in New England and near some of the best fishing on the planet. Of course the seafood is amazing! We try to find the not so nice looking places because they probably know how to serve good seafood. There's no shortage of lobster, crab and chowder and you're sure to be entertained by the locals. But if you want burgers and beer well you can find that in most places. If you really want a treat full of variety, then head out to Provincetown at the very tip. The Restaurants and Art scene are simply the best!
The Atmosphere
Whatever it is you're looking for the Cape has it. If you want to take in some incredible Summer league baseball, check out a game at one of 10 towns hosting the great Cape Cod Baseball League. Every year, some of the best top prospects are invited to play in the Cape Cod Baseball League. The games are fantastic and you need to meet some of the future superstars. Families throughout the Cape host them all Summer long and the games are some of the best baseball you'll see.
If you're a history buff well this is where it all started for America. If you've never read the book Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick then you're missing out on an incredible story of the Pilgrims crossing the Atlantic and landing near Provincetown. Having spent a lot of time on the Cape, this book provided an entirely new context for me to explore as many of the places I visited linked back to the Pilgrims struggles with the local Indian Tribes and the treacherous waters in and around Cape Cod. There's so many historical locations to take in and every spot is a short drive to and fro.
The Cape is something very special for my family and I. Whenever we visit there's always something to be learned and explored. The weather is always hit or miss but that's life on the Cape. If you want a destination that provides some of the best America has to offer then you need to check out the towns and villages of Cape Cod. It's sure not to disappoint.
Summer Fun at 220 mph
For me, Memorial Weekend marks the beginning of Summer and this one started with a heart-wrenching, 220 mph, adrenaline pumping, bang!
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