Russ's Big News!

About a month ago: Russ's Assignment Night!
A few of you may already know this exciting story, but for those of you who do not- please bare with me as I try to share with you this story.  I really hope I am able to explain everything clearly.

Our friends Russ and Heather 

Russ and Heather are both from Washington state.  Russ was a crew chief for several years for a National Guard Unit up near Spokane, WA.  Around the same time as Matt, Russ received a pilot slot to fly KC-135 (re-fueler) for his unit.  He attended AMS in Alabama at the same time as Matt.

After AMS, they both attended IFS (at different times) and then began UPT here in Enid.  Originally, Matt was suppose to be completing UPT in Witchita Falls, Tx and Russ was suppose to be in Columbus, MS.   For some unknown reason, they were both switched to Enid.  Another guy from their AMS flight, Kramer, was also sent to Enid.  We all became very close friends all throughout UPT!

AMS in Alabama

So- Out of all of our friends, Matt is the only "fighter" pilot.  Everyone else are what they refer to as"heavy" pilots.  When the track select (when the class divides into heavy and fighter classes) came for Russ's class, he was doing SO well that his unit gave him permission to train in the "fighter" track.  This was all very exciting and he was jazzed because not everyone gets that opportunity.  Well... as training proceeded, Russ continued to excel and remained in the top of his class.

Now before I continue- I must stress that several people "wash out" (are unable to complete) this training.  There are few people who are cut out for the job.  Several guys hired from Matt's unit have already washed out- meaning there are slots available....

So as Russ continues to excel- a lot of discussion begins on whether or not Russ should be flying "fighters" rather then "heavies".  The Guard liaison then approaches Russ and says that if he continues to do as well as he is, he would do what he could to get him a slot with a fighter unit!  Exciting huh? Well... it just so happens that Russ has always wanted to fly A-10 and to make a long story short: He is now going to finish his training to be a fighter pilot for the 188th fighter squadron in Fort Smith, AR!!!

Again, Congrats Russ on all of your accomplishments!  We are excited to have you and Heather with us in Arkansas:)