Boy in the Trash Can

#63 - 9-11 From Montana.  This episode provides the perspective of the effect of 9-11 from Malmstrom AFB and a look at the changes in the United States and around the world, changing our lives forever. A further impact on the squadron because of Desert Storm and is there another promotion in my future?   #Montana #airforce #afservices #asianamerican  Thank you for listening.  Please share and your...

#62 - Channeling "Dead Poets Society." This episode features guests J and Heather Thomas with favorite destinations from Great Falls; The visit from HQ AF and the results are in. An example of looking at things from a different perspective and a passing in the family. Remember to check out the photos for the episode!    William R. Terwilliger, rest in peace (July 1932-February 2001).  Pl...

#61 - Car Ice Dancing & Special Guests! This episode continues my assignment at Malmstrom AFB in #Montana. Special guests join this week with their perspectives of being assigned during the same time. I share an experience driving in Winter and some very good news about the entire squadron. It's very exciting.    Thanks for Lt Col J Thomas (USAF,ret) and Heather Thomas for being my specia...

#60 - A Patch, A Tattoo, & Lasik.  We move the patch project forward and focus the squadron on guest service with a story and tattoos! We're moving forward and I need a new photo because I no longer wear glasses! What an experience that was such an amazing decision.    Listeners know about my Mom - and this past Wednesday, it's been 40 years since she passed - and though the podcast,...

#59 - Lay of the Land & We Need a Patch! This episode provides a bit of a foundation of Montana, Great Falls, and Malmstrom Air Force Base. Sharing the start of command of the 341 Services Squadron, and some of the early activities.   #podcast #malmstrom #montana #military #airforce     Thank you for listening.  Please share and your rating is greatly appreciated. Princess Kona! invites you to...

#58 - A Last Minute Call & A Long Drive . We have an unfortunate situation within the Corps and keeping in mind that cadets are still college students. The deposit on a newly released vehicle; and a memorable dining-out with two very special guests. Going to commencement and a memorable phone call at my going-away party.    #UTAustin #hookem #afrotc #lexus #military #airforce  Thank you for li...

 #57 - Unique Commissioning Venue, Amazing Story, & What a Project! This is a packed episode. First, commissioning is a very special event and we go to a very Texas location. Then, I share a story how everyone has purple rain and it’s how you look forward and this story is about doing just that. Then, the cadet wing commander has an idea that is both powerful and launched into one of the most...

#56 - You're in Texas NOW, The Major, & Let's do Lunch. This episode has a little about the differing styles of leadership of the cadet wing commanders and a story or two of my interactions with "the law." I get promoted to major and that becomes helpful in working through the labyrinth of getting academic credit for the ROTC courses on the campus. I end with how I looked s...

#55 - A Couple of Leadership Lessons . This episode continues my assignment at UT Austin and cadet activities and leadership lessons for both cadets and staff. A friend visits who inspires cadets by visiting; and a real world situation under Don't Ask - Don't Tell.   Thank you for listening.  Please share and your rating is greatly appreciated. Princess Kona! invites you to visit her web...

#54 - 1st Anniversary, the Lost Decade, and Moving Forward . Welcome to a special episode celebrating the first anniversary of the podcast! It's been quite an adventure. As a listener caution, this episode has content that some listeners may find challenging. Here's a fun fact. Before the pandemic, I travelled a lot - and travelled to 18% of the world. The podcast has been heard in 17.9%...

#53 - Settling into UT & It's Too Hot to Mow! This week continues a bit of orientation into the University of Texas at Austin and arrival of a new boss. It's always an honor just to be nominated - although, not really. I venture to the "circus" and realize it's just too hot in Texas to mow the lawn!   This episode is dedicated to Dr Hans Mark, who was a luminary at UT...

#52 - Back in Texas and a HUGE Snake! Starting my next adventure, as assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin and a huge project right off the bat. This episode provides a background on the organization, the campus, and the AFROTC program. I get a unique welcome to the organization and there is a huge snake - run for. your life!   Keep sharing and remember to rate on Apple Podcasts...

#51 -When Unconscious Bias is Overt & Who Put in White Carpet? This episode talks about how unconscious bias isn't so unconscious with an example of prejudice and the ending that was compassionate. The decision is made to go for the Air Force ROTC assignment at the University of Texas at Austin while finishing up the Air Staff assignment.  Then, to build a home and it is a lot of choices...

#50 - Check the Flag, Next Assignment? & Lost Decade. This episode starts with fixing flags that are being flown upside down, working to set the future for Services' personal progression up to the most senior director of Air Force Services and making a plan for the next assignment. A little background on the lost decade is set.   #podcast #airforce #military #pentagon #flags #adoptee #asi...

#49 - Pie Making While Babysitting & White House Fellowships.  Lesson learned from a big project to develop career development, a god-son and two new nephews. A story about making a pie while babysitting that doesn't go as well as planned. An experience in the command post, and the White House Fellowship program experience.   #asianamerican #podcast #adoptee #military #airforce  Thank you...

1 Year Uniform Change; Why The Photo?; &  Capt 1: Lt Col 0.  This episode has some fun stories on the Air Staff with senior leaders; that crazy uniform change in the '90s, and when a captain outwits a lieutenant colonel. My first mobile phone and a wedding.    #LGBT #AirForce #military #pentagon #adoptee #AsianAmericans #KoreanAmerican  Thank you for listening.  Please share and your rati...

#47 - New Position, Crazy Accident, & Lets Save Newborns. This episode starts with a new position while still on the AF Air Staff, a not so funny thing happens on the way to the rehearsal dinner, and my thoughts for National #PTSD Awareness month. Ending with some great news for philanthropic work to help minimize future newborns in trash cants.   #AirForce #Family #podcast #PTSDAwareness #asi...

#46 - Finally - Ed. D.; First AF-wide Project; DADT Law. This episode starts with a couple of lost stories; finally commencement from William & Mary; and a sad family loss. At work, my first Air Force-wide project is launched and I meet the Air Force Chief of Staff! In 1993, (wow, 30 years ago) the Don't Ask - Don't Tell law comes into play with experiencing meetings that revealed, i...

#45 - U.S. vs T.H.E.M. & Dissertation Defended! This episode has me getting settled into my new place in Northern Virginia; shares experiences making policy alongside the other military services and new personnel with familiar faces! The dissertation gets defended at William & Mary finishing that achievement. These episodes share both the challenges and projects that impact the entire Air...

#44 - The Big Move & Potty Training. This episode makes great progress with my dissertation at William & Mary and after completing my tour at Langley AFB, headed to the Pentagon in Washington DC. This episode shares a story of how I potty trained a friend's daughter and some other stories along the way.     Thanks for helping grow the podcast.   #podcast #airforce #veteran #Williamand...

#43 - Research Turmoil & Capt T Goes to Washington! In this episode, I get approval and then cancelation of my research venue for my dissertation. Natural disasters destroy bases, and a good friend and colleague passes. Then, I get the news that I'm headed to the Pentagon next! This is going to be a great new challenge.   This episode contains sensitive content.   Dedicated to Betty Gofor...

#42 - W&M Progress and Another AF Challenge! We continue with progressing at William & Mary with a challenging oral exam. I help a friend buy a car - and what an experience; then we'll see what's going on with the busy work at HQ Air Combat Command. We'll finish up with making it through a RIF or Reduction in Force board! A lot is going on as we round the corners at Langley...

#41 - Arriving at W&M; Briefing a 4-Star!, and Godparent . This episode starts my journey at William and Mary. The base is going through so many changes and then Congress adds to the mix. I "get" to brief the 4-star general commander of TAC and change the entire command. Then, an amazing call from Ken.   This episode is dedicated to Colonel Jim Horney, mentor, leader, and friend.   #...

#40 - AAPI, Some Trips, and Desert Storm . This episode starts with some thoughts on my perspective of Asian American Pacific Islander Month; the continuation of the busy activities with so much going on and then, add to that the launch of Desert Storm when Iraq invaded Kuwait. It was both a learning period as well as the building of experiences in policy making and Air Force organizational develo...

#39 - Is it W&M?; Big Air Force Changes! This episode continues my time at Langley AFB and some changes in the Air Force with a birds-eye view. At nearly the same time, HQ TAC is engaged with the merger of MWR and Services career fields, the creation of Air Combat Command (ACC) by combining TAC, Strategic Air Command (SAC), and parts of Military Airlift Command (MAC); along with the second rou...