Stella isn't the same doormat whose life shattered on that dreary winter day. She braved screeching training instructors, crawled through fire ants, and endured the world's most awkward showers on her journey to empowerment. Then there's Gabe McCreary, a wounded warrior who is battling post traumatic stress, missing home, and adjusting to his changed physique … Continue reading Taking Flight: Turbulence
– An anagram meaning Could Not Duplicate. “Congratulations, Airman Tobias,” Sgt. Compton called out as she entered Stella’s tiny office. “You’re now officially deployable.” She let out a whoop of joy. The timing couldn’t be more perfect with fall semester starting at the end of the month. She could finally finish her degree. “I’m proud … Continue reading Chapter 16: “CND”
– A coin bearing an organization’s insignia, carried by the unit members, traditionally given to prove membership and enhance morale. Widely collected by service members, they’re normally presented by commanders for recognition of special achievement. Stella knew she had to act fast with SERE because they were always busy, and notoriously shied away from PA … Continue reading Chapter 15: “Challenge Coin”
– An insult insinuating that someone is slow or stupid. The phrase refers to the military entrance exam, and alleges that their results were waived to allow their enlistment despite questionable intellect. The workload in ComRel, though heavy, lacked the constant deadlines, immediacy of action, and tediousness of tending the minute details of newspaper work. … Continue reading Chapter 14: “ASVAB Waiver”
–A derogatory term for the Air Force, often given by members of other military branches. This is in reference to the perception that many Air Force personnel spend their time "flying a desk," i.e. doing office work of various sorts. It was late in the evening when she first spied the bright lights of the … Continue reading Chapter 13: “Chair Force”
– The Force Protection Condition Level that denotes a situation when an instance occurs or when intelligence reports imminent terrorist activity. Stella gulped when she spied the giant stack of paperwork on George’s desk. “Alright Darlin’” George said getting Stella’s attention as she sat in the chair next to him in his home office. “Here’s … Continue reading Chapter 12: “FPCON CHARLIE”
– An alphanumeric code used by the U.S. Air Force to identify an airman’s career field as well as their skill level. Because of a paperwork snag, the school delayed Stella’s start to classes by a few weeks, leaving her in a sort of tedious holding pattern as she waited for the next class cycle … Continue reading Chapter 11: “AFSC”
“I am an American Airman. I am a Warrior. I have answered my Nation’s call. I am an American Airman. My mission is to Fly, Fight, and Win. I’m faithful to a Proud Heritage, a tradition of Honor, And a Legacy of Valor. I am an American Airman. Guardian of Freedom and Justice, My Nation’s … Continue reading Chapter 10: Airman’s Creed
– A state in which everyone is busy, such as while cleaning. Stella and Elaina nervously checked and rechecked their MOPP gear. As wingmen, they looked out for each other, making sure everything was in place on their Mission Oriented Protective Posture, aka chemical warfare suits. It was some seriously intimidating stuff, particularly the gas … Continue reading Chapter 9: “Asses and Elbows”
- The display of good manners and politeness in dealing with other people that builds morale and discipline. Over the next couple weeks, Stella learned her way around basic training a whole lot better, and discovered an appreciation for her new life, especially that they could finally wear only combat boots with her ABUs. This … Continue reading Chapter 8: “Customs and Courtesies”
Donna Faye Writes 