Ft Lewis, WA, Circa 1977. We are going in OV-1 Mohawks
I checked the book in Flight Ops and saw a flight that had no one scheduled for the right seat. Of course I scribbled my name it. It turned out to be a flight to Gray Army Airfield, Fort Lewis. Chatting with the pilot, I found that quite a few pilots flew there; the crews would get a sedan from the Army Guard unit at the airfield. They would shop at the PX, get lunch at one of the any fast food venders and then fly home.
We land and get a sedan; however I have a different goal. My brother Captain John Snoo has a Support Company on post and I have a vague idea where it was. So, when my pilot went shopping I told him I would meet him back at the aircraft and stated walking towards my brothers unit.
I quickly found his company, and headed in. Remember, I am a National Guard E5, with slightly longer hair, wearing a well-worn flight suit and generally looking less than strac (I look like crap.compared to my regular Army counterparts). I walked up to the First Sergeants desk, he looked up and exclaimed "Who the hell are you?" "Um, ahh, Captain Snoo's brother". He got a little friendlier and asked how he could help. I told him I had just flown in and was taking the opportunity to see him.
He excused himself and got my brother who told me to wait about half an hour as he was giving 3 article 15s. So, I wait and chat with his 1SGT. He is quite curious about what I do. Just before my brother finished distributing Army justice his 1SGT says "So, your full time Guard, but also a civilian and you get paid to fly around in planes taking pictures; how can I get a job like that?" Hell, I didn't know how to answer that question. My brotherβs arrival rescued me.
He asked me if I had time to go with him to CIF (Central Issue Facility, where they issue all the Army gear you would ever want). No problem, so we headed across base. It seems that my brothers unit ran the CIF and he had some business there. We went in and he introduced me to a few of his Soldiers and left me with them while he did some work.
I am getting the eye from these guys when one queries "You are Captain Snoo's brother, right?" "Um, ahh, yes." He continued looking at me and noted "Your flight suit is pretty ratty". "Yeah, the Guard has a hard time turning in old nomex for new". He told me to wait a moment, checked my size and left, returning in 5 minutes with a brand new nomex flight suit. I thanked him profusely while
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Back home we have this Festival of Lights with an awesome drive through light show. Takes about 30 minutes or maybe longer to ride through it all, thereβs a local radio broadcast for scene specific music, and about halfway through there is a cute Christmas village where you can buy trinkets and more importantly: hot cocoa. You can also roast marshmallows around the fire pit for sβmores.
Weβre looking for something like that here in central NJ. Weβre currently in Woodbridge, and are willing to drive an hour or so for the right experience.
Any recommendations fully appreciated! Looking to go tonight. Cost is unimportant if itβs a good time. No kids just wife and I.
Edit: Weβre going to give Shadybrook a shot. But of a drive but promises to tick off most of the boxes. That said, a little leery of how much traffic there will be. Reckon a Wednesday night shouldnβt be the peak of the week though. Please let me know your experiences.
This race was a milestone for me. Although I already had a good performance at the Mt. SAC invite, this race solidified me as one of the fastest guys in Cali. The race was run at a conservative pace until about 2 miles, where our lead pack really separated, and the pace picked up a lot. Without saying time or placement, I was extremely happy with the result, and am looking forward to the State meet in Fresno -Mailman
