An 11 out of 10...

Today I finished giving local 5th grade students in Corpus Christi tours on base of one of the airplanes we have. Since it was my last day, I brought some of my extra UPT class patches from Vance to give to some kids I thought deserved them. Throughout the day I watched kids climb into the cockpit and listen to my little talk about what the attitude indicator does and what the altimeter tells you, most of them paying attention but not being overly enthusiastic. But then this one little girl came up with the biggest smile on her face, clearly overjoyed to be finally getting her two minutes inside the airplane. She asked many good questions, and was clearly thankful to be sitting here. It took me back to the enthusiasm I once had as a little kid who wanted nothing more than to be around airplanes his whole life. So at the end of the day I gave away my extra patches to some kids, but tore off the only class patch I ever flew with off my shoulder and gave it to this little girl. I will never forget the look on her face when I told her what that patch meant to me and that I was giving it to her. It was an 11 out of 10 on my scale of worthwhile tasks.... She was an inspiration to me to be excited for what lies ahead. I get to continue living out my childhood dream of flying airplanes in just 10 short days! And I now know at least one little girl who shares that dream with me....

Chris

P.S. I promise to finish my Vance blog about the end of T-6s...it was an exciting time! I've been busy with other things but I promise I'll get back to it!!