Though we are still on the waiting list for housing at Vance AFB, we’re spending the next six weeks (Jan 10-Feb 19) in Montgomery, AL at Maxwell AFB for Daniel’s Air and Space Basic Course (ASBC). It’s about 14 hours to drive between the two bases, but Dan and I are seasoned travelers along the highways and enjoyed yet another road-trip together. We took two days to travel and spent the night in the beautiful city of Memphis, TN. We found a gorgeous hotel call River Inn where we enjoyed Italian linens, truffles (and Port Wine for Daniel) at turn-down as well as a wonderful breakfast at their restaurant, Currents, pictured below.
We arrived at our final destination Sunday evening after starting our day off with mass at the Memphis parish of St. Patrick’s. Maxwell is much bigger than Vance so it was a bit intimidating, especially trying to navigate through it at night. Our VOQ (visiting officer’s quarter) is pretty nice- bigger than those at Vance with a nice desk, more closet space and a couch along with a kitchenette that has a garbage disposal!
Another thing that’s bigger at Maxwell- the Commissary- it’s HUGE! Vance’s Commissary is very nice and has just about everything we need, but since Maxwell is home to so many people, it needs more food! It’s a too far to walk there from the dorms but I was able to get a ride from another student’s wife, Brittni, who lives across the corridor from us. Being a military wife has definitely brought me further out of my shell and I've already met some wonderful women while our husbands are gone for the week. The next month will surely be an enjoyable one!
After 18 hours, 1116 miles and one night in St. Louis later, we have safely arrived at Vance Air Force Base. Located in Enid, OK, the base is home to many student pilots and now us: Daniel, me and yet-to-be born Baby. We are currently living in a TLF (temporary living facility) until a base house becomes available. It is very similar to a hotel room (complete with housekeeper)with a comfy bed, a TV directly in front of the bed and perfectly coordinated curtains, chair and lamps. Unlike most hotel rooms, it has a full kitchen with a gas stove, big fridge and countertop which serves as both preparation space and dining table with two bar stools. My first experiences on base as an Air Force officer's wife have been very enjoyable. We visited the BX (base exchange) and the Commissary (aka grocery store) where we stocked up on a variety of things including boots, a paper shredder, laundry basket, and food because man (and woman) cannot live on Pizza Hut alone- despite how delicious their breadsticks are.
Daniel started in-processing this Monday while I attempted to put our limited space into some kind of order. It was a challenge with limited drawer space and a closet that does not lend itself to two people's wardrobes. Yesterday we visited the Base Clinic to enroll me in Tri-Care (military health insurance) and get a list of doctors that offer prenatal care and where I can deliver our little bundle of joy.
The weather went from typical Pittsburgh weather this time of year- cold, gray and rainy but it's been beautiful for the last couple of days. A bagger at the commissary said that we might be getting snow soon- I guess we'll have to wait and see! Our adventure into the wild, blue yonder has officially begun!
