Category: History

Chanute AFB Illinois

I’m coming up on the 34TH Anniversary of my graduation from USAF BMT. That stands for United States Air Force Basic Military Training. I was stationed at Lackland AFB in San Antonio Texas from June 13TH 1985 (early in the morning – like right after Midnight) to July 29TH 1985 (at dawn). It was the roughest and toughest 46 days / 6½ weeks of my life at that point. (I had just turned 18.)

On July 29TH 1985 (a Monday) I boarded a plane (with others) from San Antonio Texas to Champaign County Illinois. I got food poisoning on the plane. That was when full hot meals were still served on airplanes. After landing we were transported from the airport to Chanute Air Force Base (near Rantoul Illinois). Everyone else was taken to their respective squadrons for in-processing. I was taken to the Base Hospital where I spent a couple of days and nights recuperating.

On the 3RD day I rose again – out of my hospital bed fully recovered, and I was released to my squadron. I moved-in to my dormitory room – my home for the next 3 months. School started soon for me. I would soon learn how to be an Aircraft Maintenance Systems Analyst (think “Statistician”). I was in a class of 4.

Today – 34 years later – I am an Analyst / Statistician, and I work for the United States Air Force.

Animals Career Driving History Life Military Music Radio Travel

My Top 5 Hits RETRO – 2004

Post author By Chris M. Day
Post date July 12, 2019

Every Friday night I post the Top 5 of one of my classic hit music charts based on personal preference and influenced by radio airplay from either 10, 15, 20, or 30 years ago this weekend (rotating each week).

It’s the 2ND Friday of the month, so I go back 15 years ago. Here it is – for the week ending Sunday July 11TH 2004:

“Ocean Avenue” – Yellowcard
“Meant To Live” – Switchfoot
“The Reason” – Hoobastank
“Hey Mama” – The Black Eyed Peas
“Pieces Of Me” – Ashlee Simpson

15 years ago this weekend seems so long ago. I had recently flipped away from electronic dance music and returned to my roots in calmer pop music. I actually don’t remember much about 2004, and I really choose to not remember much about that year. It was a forgettable year. I wasn’t happy at work, and I wasn’t particularly happy at home either. I came home to my cat every afternoon, and he adored me. He was my best friend at the time. I still miss him over 12 years after his passing. #Boots

It’s interesting what I discover when I review old E-Mails. 15 years ago TODAY – the 12TH of July of 2004 (a Monday) I drove about 650 miles from a hotel very near Walt Disney World (like a mile away) to a suburb south of New Orleans. I was TDY (military term = temporary duty) at NAS JRB New Orleans during that week. According to my extensive records I filled-up with gas twice that day during my drive westward, and I paid $1.959 and $1.919 per gallon for gas.

It’s halftime my friends. I’ll be back on Sunday afternoon and Monday night with two more blog posts for this weekend. Enjoy your Saturday. Thanks for going RETRO with me !

Tags 2004

History Music Radio

My Top 5 Hits RETRO – 1967

Post author By Chris M. Day
Post date May 31, 2019

Every Friday night I post the Top 5 of one of my classic hit music charts based on personal preference and influenced by radio airplay from either 10, 20, or 30 years ago this weekend (rotating each week).

This week it’s a special. My birthday is coming up next Wednesday, and the festivities have already begun ! I’ll be 52, and so this week I look back at the Top 5 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 when I was born. Here it is – for the week ending Sunday June 04TH 1967:

“Respect” – Aretha Franklin
“Groovin'” – The Young Rascals
“I Got Rhythm” – The Happenings
“Release Me (And Let Me Love Again)” – Engelbert Humperdinck
“Creeque Alley” – The Mamas & The Papas

Birth ID

As I was entering the world these were the biggest hits on AM pop radio stations from coast to coast. I know 3 of the 5 hits above (from Aretha Franklin, The Young Rascals, and Engelbert Humperdinck. My Grandmom was a huge fan of Engelbert, and she had most of her 33s and 45s. Kids, Teens, & Millennials – 33s were what we called “albums” (multiple songs), and 45s were the “singles” of the day. We went to the local record store to buy our music on vinyl, and we played them on “record players”. #GoodTimes

Starting next Friday night it’s a slight format change for “My Top 5 Hits RETRO”. Every month (starting with June) I’ll be following this rotation:

1ST Friday = 2009 = 10 years ago this weekend
2ND Friday = 2004 = 15 years ago this weekend
3RD Friday = 1999 = 20 years ago this weekend
4TH Friday = 1989 = 30 years ago this weekend

For those months with a 5TH Friday (such as today) I’ll be doing a special.

It’s halftime my friends. I’ll be back on Sunday afternoon and Monday night with 2 more blog posts for this weekend. Until then – enjoy your Saturday. Make great memories that will last a lifetime !

Tags 1967

Bible History Holidays Scripture

Memorial Day

Post author By Chris M. Day
Post date May 27, 2019

2008 Memorial Day Poster #3.

It’s Memorial Day here in the U.S.A. It’s not appropriate to say “Happy Memorial Day”, for this is a truly solemn holiday. It’s the day each year that we honor our fallen heroes – those military personnel who served their country in a time of war – and who gave the ultimate sacrifice to keep our freedom strong. They gave their life.

This is not a day for those like me who once served in the U.S. Armed Forces, for I am still alive. My day is Veterans Day on November 11TH. It is not a day for those who are currently serving in the military. That day is Armed Forces Day – the 3RD Saturday of May.

On this day I remember our fallen heroes. I will never forget.

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:13)