Any Y'all Typically Fly Virgin America?

[mu03eng]

You must have spent some quality time at Hurlburt then growing up. Don't know if your dad knew him but the AFSOC commander, Brig Gen Jon Weeks just got fired last week. Interesting story so if your father knows him he might want to get the gouge on what happened.

AFSOC owns the MC 130s so we often did our para drops from them over in A Stan. Hitched rides in Talons and Spears many times. The American taxpayer has definitely gotten his money's worth from Lockheed in the C 130. Despite $300 toilet seats it is the most durable, versatile airframe ever constructed.

Worked with Rhinos extensively in Afghanistan. USN, USMC, RAAF, and CAF (eh) fly them. There were significant issues with precision until the Block II's came on line which gave them longer legs and tighter CEPs. Great aircraft but the Hawg is still the finest close air support platform God gave to the Free World.

Did you make it through the RAG before the NAMI Whammy bit you?

Got bounced just short of RAG, stupid astigmatisms and needs of the service    Could not wait to get my hands on one of the Super Rhinos, but alas.

I was born at Eglin, spent a fair amount of time at Hurlbert on several other tours as well as McDill for a stint.  My dad rode the Talon I into a fair number of interesting events including another desert 800 miles west of A Stan.  At that point it was a 20 year old airframe, now it's 50 years old, amazing stuff they could do with it.  They've all since been retired, replaced by the Talon II, Spear, and Commando II.  I believe he knew Weeks when Weeks was a nugget, but I'd be surprised if he's still in touch.  AFSOC and JSOC are just getting decimated and by all accounts from his contacts things are starting to turn into a witch hunt.  There were same pretty shady behaviors back in the day that needed to be curtailed but it's starting to sound like major CYA by upper levels if there is even a whiff of something.

[Coleman]

I am staying at a Ritz-Carlton hotel, in a standard room, in a month or so. The best news is I am staying for free. Mrs. Bleuteaux is traveling there for a work conference and I am going to hack it up on the golf course for a couple days.

Do you guys think the tip thing would work there? What amount should I try?

I worry that this place might actually be "too classy" for such a gimmick and that $50 would mean nothing to those people. Just wondering about your thoughts...

[JWags85]

I am staying at a Ritz-Carlton hotel, in a standard room, in a month or so. The best news is I am staying for free. Mrs. Bleuteaux is traveling there for a work conference and I am going to hack it up on the golf course for a couple days.

Do you guys think the tip thing would work there? What amount should I try?

I worry that this place might actually be "too classy" for such a gimmick and that $50 would mean nothing to those people. Just wondering about your thoughts...

Depends where you are.  I stayed at the Ritz in Sarasota for work not long ago, and while its a gorgeous fancy hotel, its also one of the few larger hotels in the area, so it functions a little less high brow than you would see at the Ritz in Chicago for example.  Additionally, the front desk people are still not rolling in fat stacks just cause they work at a nicer hotel, might be just as apt to work I'd think.

[Coleman]

Depends where you are.  I stayed at the Ritz in Sarasota for work not long ago, and while its a gorgeous fancy hotel, its also one of the few larger hotels in the area, so it functions a little less high brow than you would see at the Ritz in Chicago for example.  Additionally, the front desk people are still not rolling in fat stacks just cause they work at a nicer hotel, might be just as apt to work I'd think.

Ok. Its in Naples Florida, FWIW...

[keefe]

Got bounced just short of RAG, stupid astigmatisms and needs of the service    Could not wait to get my hands on one of the Super Rhinos, but alas.

I was born at Eglin, spent a fair amount of time at Hurlbert on several other tours as well as McDill for a stint.  My dad rode the Talon I into a fair number of interesting events including another desert 800 miles west of A Stan.  At that point it was a 20 year old airframe, now it's 50 years old, amazing stuff they could do with it.  They've all since been retired, replaced by the Talon II, Spear, and Commando II.  I believe he knew Weeks when Weeks was a nugget, but I'd be surprised if he's still in touch.  AFSOC and JSOC are just getting decimated and by all accounts from his contacts things are starting to turn into a witch hunt.  There were same pretty shady behaviors back in the day that needed to be curtailed but it's starting to sound like major CYA by upper levels if there is even a whiff of something.

The one thing they don't mess with in Mil Air is eyeballs. I still have 20/13 and 20/15 but recently began needing reading glasses (you'll find out.) Funnily enough, USAF has started giving out waivers to guys who had certain RK procedures (though not LASIK) so being born with bad eyes is no longer the insurmountable hurdle.

Too bad about that. The Rhino is a great jet. I've taken a few back seat hops in T variants and it is a very sweet ride. It was imperfect at birth but they have retooled her into an awesome war fighter.

You are correct that there is a major blood letting happening with our Spec Ops community. The hand of politics has reached down and taken out a number of fine officers and men in the past two years. Jon Weeks is an outstanding leader; what is happening to him is an outrage. I know a senior enlisted TACP and a SEAL 0-6 who both got bounced. Each had a Silver Star, 3-5 Bronze Stars, and several Purple Hearts paid for in blood. They are consummate Warriors. Their sin? They were dating women who were legally separated. I say again, the women were legally separated. Someone in DC felt that violated the UCMJ standard on adultery and that as leaders they should have exercised better judgment. What is really happening is that numerous SEALs, Rangers, and JTACs are getting skewered for reasons that are more politics and less about ethics. The tragedy is that this is not making our Spec Ops cadre morally superior but, rather, severely diminishing what was once a game changing combat capability.

Since your dad has AFSOC stink on him he likely knows what is happening throughout JSOC.  And like me, I am certain he is saddened by what politicians are doing to our military.

[Dish]

Ok. Its in Naples Florida, FWIW...

My advice is to call the hotel a day or two before, inquire as to the availability of suites during your stay and also ask what the occupancy rate is currently. If it's a high occupancy rate, or suites are limited, could be tough.

The Ritz is tough. Since they are a part of Marriott, I've stayed in quite a few. Their staff is so well trained for the most part, they almost seem like robots. I've never attempted it at a Ritz, but worst thing that can happen is the clerk gives you your cash back.

[Spotcheck Billy]

My advice is to call the hotel a day or two before, inquire as to the availability of suites during your stay and also ask what the occupancy rate is currently. If it's a high occupancy rate, or suites are limited, could be tough.

The Ritz is tough. Since they are a part of Marriott, I've stayed in quite a few. Their staff is so well trained for the most part, they almost seem like robots. I've never attempted it at a Ritz, but worst thing that can happen is the clerk keeps your cash and you don't get any upgrades

ftfy

[keefe]

I've never attempted it at a Ritz, but worst thing that can happen is the clerk gives you your cash back.

Color me odd but I just think slipping money with your plastic then asking for an upgrade is cheesy, if not insulting. When I check in for a flight or a hotel I ask if they can do a military upgrade since the brand names all have that policy. If they have space they will always accommodate you. If I didn't have Air Force stink on me I doubt I would ask.

When I was in Panama once we drove off base looking for roast chicken and beer. Almost immediately after leaving the gate the Panamanian Defense Force cop pulls us over. He spends 10 minutes telling us how much trouble we are in but fortunately there are ways to avoid such unpleasantness. It was clear what he wanted but we refused to give in. He finally got pissed off and let us move on.

[mu03eng]

The one thing they don't mess with in Mil Air is eyeballs. I still have 20/13 and 20/15 but recently began needing reading glasses (you'll find out.) Funnily enough, USAF has started giving out waivers to guys who had certain RK procedures (though not LASIK) so being born with bad eyes is no longer the insurmountable hurdle.

Too bad about that. The Rhino is a great jet. I've taken a few back seat hops in T variants and it is a very sweet ride. It was imperfect at birth but they have retooled her into an awesome war fighter.

You are correct that there is a major blood letting happening with our Spec Ops community. The hand of politics has reached down and taken out a number of fine officers and men in the past two years. Jon Weeks is an outstanding leader; what is happening to him is an outrage. I know a senior enlisted TACP and a SEAL 0-6 who both got bounced. Each had a Silver Star, 3-5 Bronze Stars, and several Purple Hearts paid for in blood. They are consummate Warriors. Their sin? They were dating women who were legally separated. I say again, the women were legally separated. Someone in DC felt that violated the UCMJ standard on adultery and that as leaders they should have exercised better judgment. What is really happening is that numerous SEALs, Rangers, and JTACs are getting skewered for reasons that are more politics and less about ethics. The tragedy is that this is not making our Spec Ops cadre morally superior but, rather, severely diminishing what was once a game changing combat capability.

Since your dad has AFSOC stink on him he likely knows what is happening throughout JSOC.  And like me, I am certain he is saddened by what politicians are doing to our military.

Yep, the Navy is not as forgiving as the Air Force.  The irony is if I had followed my dad into the Talon community like I thought about instead of blazing my own trail I might have had the privilege to throw you off the tailgate.  Air Force grants waivers and allows RPK correction, Navy not so much but such is life.

It's funny how things are cyclical, in the late 70s and early 80s AFSOC and all SOF communities are red headed step children fighting for morsel.  They literally had to use speed tape one time to secure an engine mount to get the bird back to Hurlbert.  Then Eagle Claw happened, the "advent" of asymmetrical warface and COIN...money came flooding in and SOF was all kinds of sexy.  Politicians liked death from afar and unlinked to American life.  Now SOF is under attack for political reasons under the guise of security concerns and morality clauses.

As pointed out by Chicos, media either ignorantly or willfully ignores it allowing it to continue.  Just blunting the sharpest tip of the spear.

[Dish]

Color me odd but I just think slipping money with your plastic then asking for an upgrade is cheesy, if not insulting.

Consider yourself colored odd.

Front desk staff deals with a holes all day. They make pennies. Be nice to them, show them love by greasing the skids...it works. Those guys/gals appreciate someone who looks out for them.

[mr.MUskie]

Speaking of traveling, warm weather vacation next December...all inclusive...no more than a day of travel...what you got? Location and resort recommendations greatly appreciated. Not looking at a five digit vacation, but somewhere below that mark.

Excellence Playa Mujeres (just north of Cancun).  Was there last December.  Spectacular.  Rated in the top 10 all inclusives in the world.  Short flight from ORD.  Adults only.  If you're bringing kids their sister resort is next door, called The Beloved.  Booked a private maxivan for the wife and me to and from the airport for $60 round trip.

http://www.excellence-resorts.com/caribbean-and-mexico-destinations/excellence-playa-mujeres

[The Lens]

Headed to Four Seasons - Jackson Hole in Feb.  Would appreciate any upgrade tips.

And any recommendations beyond that, too.

[4everwarriors]

Headed to Four Seasons - Jackson Hole in Feb.  Would appreciate any upgrade tips.

And any recommendations beyond that, too.

If Herb's there, don't stand in front of him in any buffet lines.

[🏀]

Excellence Playa Mujeres (just north of Cancun).  Was there last December.  Spectacular.  Rated in the top 10 all inclusives in the world.  Short flight from ORD.  Adults only.  If you're bringing kids their sister resort is next door, called The Beloved.  Booked a private maxivan for the wife and me to and from the airport for $60 round trip.

http://www.excellence-resorts.com/caribbean-and-mexico-destinations/excellence-playa-mujeres

I was actually looking here from the get go. How's the food?

[The Lens]

If Herb's there, don't stand in front of him in any buffet lines.

I knew the Senator has land in WY.   Didn't realize it was Jackson.  I usually see the Senator at The London or Zaffiro's.  I think I'd have a heart attack if spotted him at a Four Seasons.

[mr.MUskie]

I was actually looking here from the get go. How's the food?

Fantastic.  They have I think 7 different restaurants, so you can have Mexican one night, Indian the next, Italian, Mediterranean, Lobster... you get the idea.  They have like 2 or 3 restaurants open each night to choose from. The breakfast buffet is huge.  We also ordered a ton of food from room service.  You can ignore the menu - just tell them what you want, and they'll bring it to your room.  We loved it.  My daughter and her husband went there after we did.  They've been all over the world, and are talking about going back there again.

[🏀]

Fantastic.  They have I think 7 different restaurants, so you can have Mexican one night, Indian the next, Italian, Mediterranean, Lobster... you get the idea.  They have like 2 or 3 restaurants open each night to choose from. The breakfast buffet is huge.  We also ordered a ton of food from room service.  You can ignore the menu - just tell them what you want, and they'll bring it to your room.  We loved it.  My daughter and her husband went there after we did.  They've been all over the world, and are talking about going back there again.

...and booking. Did you do the Excellence Club? Any room recommendations?

[4everwarriors]

I knew the Senator has land in WY.   Didn't realize it was Jackson.  I usually see the Senator at The London or Zaffiro's.  I think I'd have a heart attack if spotted him at a Four Seasons.

Dude may be more of a Motel 6 traveller. Bet The London gets sick of cleanin' the same ratty blue sport coat he's always wearin', a'ina?

[Sir Lawrence]

Dude may be more of a Motel 6 traveller. Bet The London gets sick of cleanin' the same ratty blue sport coat he's always wearin', a'ina?

You think he cleans that thing?

[mr.MUskie]

...and booking. Did you do the Excellence Club? Any room recommendations?

We didn't do the Excellence Club.  They had a separate roped off area on the beach, but it's the same beach, so I don't see the point.  I'm sure there's other stuff as well, but the whole place is so nice I really don't see any reason to pay extra.  The only room I saw was the one we stayed in.  It was their standard room, (jr suite) and it was wonderful.  It was exactly like the pictures below.  If you go on tripadvisor.com people talk about the suites.  I don't know how much extra those are, but I was totally happy with our room.  My daughter booked the trip for us (our kid's sent us - guess we raised them right) and told them it was my birthday.  (It wasn't.)  When we got to the room it was covered in balloons, and flowers, and liquor, and food and.  You could hold a party in the shower, it was huge.  One complaint I read was that because the toilet area was covered in marble, if you tend to be noisy when you go others in the room might hear you.  Big problem, huh?  We also had our own private hot tub in our room, which opened up to our balcony.  Most of the people we met there were back for repeat trips.  I started talking to a guy in a Chicago Police t-shirt.  He said it was their 4th trip.  When you arrive, as soon as you step out of your transportation they hand you a glass of champagne and a cool towel.
We went there for 5 days.  On the 4th day my wife told my daughter how much we were loving it.  My daughter called back an hour later and said she had made the arrangements for us to stay another 3 nights.  Love those kids! 

[keefe]

Headed to Four Seasons - Jackson Hole in Feb.  Would appreciate any upgrade tips.

And any recommendations beyond that, too.

Genevieve and Calico for dinner. You won't be disappointed. Gamefish and Granary are a step up but worth the price.

If it's your first visit grab a beer at both the Moose and Stagecoach so you can say you did. For serious drinking head over to Snake River. Their brown and pale ales are stunning. If you want something shaken and not poured then try The Rose.

I would really recommend checking out the performing arts calendar at the Center. They host world class talent during the season.

Great place to plow some powder.

[The Lens]

If you want something shaken and not poured then try The Rose.

How did you know?

Thanks Keefe, great insight!

[keefe]

How did you know?

Thanks Keefe, great insight!

My three favorite ski towns are Ketchum, Jackson, and Taos/Santa Fe. If this is your first visit to Jackson, you are in for a treat. You cannot help but love it. Enjoy!

[Spotcheck Billy]

 When you arrive, as soon as you step out of your transportation they hand you a glass of champagne and a cool towel.

A lot of places do this and I always like that after a long travel day and you finally arrived.


Never use the glassware you find in your hotel rooms: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6uQC9MM5cQ

[Dish]

Going to NYC in few weeks. Have always stayed at EWR Renaissance because I typically fly into there, then train it into Manhattan.

Marriott Marquis? East Side? Renaissace Times Square?