The Air Force Cycling Classic

An entire weekend of bike racing and riding for everyone on Saturday and Sunday, May 30th and 31st. Amateur and Professional races on Saturday, and a non-competitive ride and another professional race on Sunday.

Come out to race, ride or spectate!

Saturday, May 30th, the Air Force Cycling Classic's Clarendon Cup, now in it's 12 year, will again see the area's top amateurs race in Clarendon. A women's race will follow, leading up to the featured event of the day, the 100km race for over 100 of the worlds top pros. Then, on Sunday, May 31st, cyclists of all abilities will be able to participate in the Air Force Cycling Classic Crystal Ride, challenging themselves for up to 100km, or 8 laps, on the 12.5km course in and around Crystal City in this non-competitive event. Following the Crystal Ride, the worlds top professional cyclists will again take to the streets of Arlington to provide the days featured entertainment as they compete on the 12.5km course. Both days are great for the entire family! Spectator admission is FREE!!

PACKET PICK-UP & REGISTRATION FOR CLARENDON CUP
You must pick up your own packet, as you need to sign the race waiver. Make sure you bring your license otherwise you won’t be racing. We strongly suggest coming out Friday versus race morning so that you don’t hit long lines. Remember; if you pre-registered then you go in the “Fast Track Lane” for number pick up!

Sheraton Nat’l Hotel, 900 S. Orme Street, Arlington (CONCOURSE 1 on the ground floor) Parking fees apply if you park in hotel garage

Saturday, 5/30 6:30-9:45AM
Clarendon Cup Start/Finish Line, Wilson Blvd. (next to Clarendon Metro Stop), Arlington (Registration Tent)

Note that number pick up will close 30 mins. before your race begins

PACKET PICK-UP & REGISTRATION FOR CRYSTAL RIDE
You must bring PHOTO ID and you must pick up your own packet, as you need to sign the race waiver (you can’t send someone to pick up for you.) We encourage you to come out BEFORE Sunday, as time will be limited for registration on Sunday morning and it could impact the length of your ride if long lines exist. You will receive your jersey number, timing chip and T-Shirt. If you purchased additional T-shirts online, you can also pick them up at this time. We suggest you print out the parking packet in advance. Here are the times and locations of pick-up for the Crystal Ride:

Friday 5/29, 2:00-6:00PM & Saturday 5/30, 12:00-5:00pm
Sheraton Nat’l Hotel, 900 S. Orme Street, Arlington (CONCOURSE 1 on the ground floor) Parking fees apply if you park in hotel garage
Sunday 5/31, 6:30 – 9:00AM
Crystal Ride Start/Finish Line, 2100 Crystal Drive, Arlington (Registration Tent)

2008 U.S. Air Force Cycling Classic from Brian on Vimeo.

I'm baaaack!

I am still flying high from a phenomenal event I just experienced - New York City Fleet Week. This comes as a close second to flying around Iraq in a Blackhack helicopter last year!

The residents of New York absolutely love the Sailors (and Marines and Coasties) that occupy their territory for a week, coming off ships and from other parts of the country to partake in many activities around the city. In turn, the military opens their piers for the residents to visit the ships and learn more about their lifestyle and military mission.

Working Fleet Week definitely has its perks! I had some fun times, including behind home-plate seats at the Yankees/Phillies game. I even made eye contact with A-Rod!

It's a quick drive or train ride from D.C. and I definitely recommend it next year for anyone who wants to take a trip over Memorial Day weekend.

On hiatus...

Hello everyone!

I am on my way to Fleet Week NY for the next 10 days (on military orders). If you live in the region, I encourage you to check out http://www.nycnavygirl.blogspot.com/ for information on all things Fleet Week. You can also follow them on twitter @NYCNavyGirl.

Hope to see you there!

Vr,
Jess

(photo from MC1 David P. Coleman from 2004 Fleet Week NYC)

Snowball Express Leaves No Military Family Behind

Just moments ago, I made my debut as DC's Military Living Examiner. Check out my new article on the wonderful organization, Snowball Express.

On Friday I spent time with the families as we visited the White House, Pentagon, and did a meet and greet with the Thunderbirds at an air show at Andrews Air Force Base.

One pilot was kind enough to pose with me in the blazing temps!

Thanks, Major!

Miss Virginia, I salute you!

Today is officially "Armed Forces Day" as proclaimed by my Commander-in-chief, President Obama. In honor of this, I am saluting Miss Virginia, Tara Wheeler (who outranks me as a veteran Air Force officer and represents the fine state in which I reside). Her platform is "Empowering America's Youth," and she focuses on breaking stereotypes and building self esteem and leadership skills through community service.



Recently, she visited the USS Virginia (SSN-774), a United States Navy attack submarine, and I wanted to ask her some questions about her visit with the sailors.

G.I. Jess: Where was the USS Virginia? Miss VA: The USS Virginia was in Groveton, CT.



G.I. Jess: How did you go about getting that set up? Miss VA: A volunteer for the Miss Virginia Org, Julius Tolentino, works for the contractor that built the sub and it has becoming a tradition for the reigning Miss Virginia to visit each year


G.I. Jess: Have you ever visited troops before? Miss VA: I actually served four years in the Air Force Reserves as an Air Force cadet at Penn State and my father was in the Army for ten years so supporting and showing gratitude to our nations warriors is something that is very important to me. Before my trip to the USS Virginia, I have visited Walter Reed numerous times and attended several Wounded Warrior luncheons and USO events.


G.I. Jess: Was it your first time on a sub? What was it like? Miss VA: Yes, It was awesome but very claustrophobic. I couldn't imagine spending weeks at a time under water and out of touch with the outside world.


G.I. Jess: What kinds of questions did the Sailors ask you? Miss VA: Many of them had read my bio before my visit so they wanted to know all about my Air Force days, my time as an ice hockey goalie, and just basic questions about life as Miss Virginia... oh, and if I was single :)


G.I. Jess: What did you learn that you didn't know before? Miss VA: Women currently do not serve on submarines, but this new class of subs, including the USS Virginia, have been constructed in a way to allow female sailors a comfortable stay if that rule changes in the future. I also learned that the subs are entirely self-sufficient and they pride themselves on having amazing food!

G.I. Jess: How was your dad involved? Miss VA: My dad is so proud to be the father of Miss Virginia. My parents don't get to come to many appearances with me so he was extremely excited to be able to accompany me on my visit with the troops and share his military experience.

(all photos taken by Julius Tolentino)

Army Wives - Season 3!

I love this show! New season starts soon!

Army Wives - Official Group

There’s so much to talk about! Are Frank and Denise done? Is Roxy losing the bar? Are Michael and Claudia Joy going for good? Will Joan report for duty and leave her family? Talk about it all — the cast, characters, plots and predictions. Or share your real-life stories as a military wife or soldier. You can also ask the show’s stars and creators questions, plus get special messages from them. So have at it!

Tune in to the encore of Season 2, Sundays at midnight et/pt.
Season 3 begins Sunday, June 7, only on Lifetime.

Join the community!
http://community.mylifetime.com/community/army-wives

MilSpot of the Week (Happy Mother's Day)

Find more videos like this on Navy For Moms

Live Videocast With General David D. McKiernan

Saturday May 16, 2009

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Central

This free and live videocast will provide an up-close-and-personal opportunity to hear from General David McKiernan, Commander, International Security Assistance Force – Afghanistan (ISAF). General McKiernan will discuss the United States engagement in Afghanistan, our role in providing security and stability and creating the conditions for reconstruction and development.

After General McKiernan’s opening remarks, you will be able to ask questions as a “citizen journalist” through an email system they will have in place.

Join this unique event from the comfort of your home using your computer and internet connection.

Register today!

Update: This will probably be cancelled, via breaking news about a new replacement just moments ago.

Summer Flicks I cannot wait for...

Is it August yet? If I could fast forward the clock, I would because I cannot wait another minute to see G.I. Joe on the big screen!!

Thankfully, I'll have Transformers 2 in late June to fill the void until it comes out.
On the small screen, I'll be getting my fix at the G.I. Film Festival all next week, starting with some invite-only screenings beginning Tuesday. Tickets are very inexpensive, so get them now so we can show our support!

Get a makeover on national TV!

Now casting for new TLC makeover show with renowned style hosts!

Renowned British style experts and the original UK hosts of WHAT NOT TO WEAR, Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine, bring their stellar expertise and charming wit to TLC with an all new series MAKING OVER AMERICA WITH TRINNY AND SUSANNAH.

The British fashion gurus are about to enter new territory on the other side of the pond, to share their simple philosophy: "Looking stylish is not about following fashion, losing weight, being rich or succumbing to the knife. It's about dressing to show off what you love... about your body”. Making the most of what you've got to look great in any situation!

TLC is seeking a female Soldier in the D.C., Georgia, South Carolina, or Florida area, who have something coming up that they want to look great for, but they don’t know where to start!

Applicants over 21 please fill out the application and send us a close up photo of you, and a full length shot of you and your loved ones, who will be there to support you in this transformation. Making Over America with Trinny and Susannah is produced for TLC by ABC Media Productions.

To download an application, go to: www.belespritcreative.com/casting

Send applications and photos to: MOAcasting@gmail.com

Bring your kid to the Washington Navy Yard!

If you are Active Duty, Retired Military, Civilian Employee for
Department of Defense, or a Government Employee, your 5th or 6th grader is eligible to attend a session of the Starbase-Atlantis Summer Academy at no cost!

Your child will be engrossed in "hands-on, minds-on" experiments and
technology projects which introduce them to topics such as forces of
flight, three laws of motion, properties of matter, and computer aided
design (CAD) programming. Students will also build and launch a rocket using their newly acquired knowledge of the Forces of Flight. To enroll please call 202.433.0532 and/or tara.greene@navy.mil.

The session dates are as follows:(children only attend one week)
July 13-17
July 20-24
August 10-14

The time is from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm each day.
Call 202.433.0532 and/or tara.greene@navy.mil to enroll today!
More about the program:

DoD STARBASE is a premier educational program, sponsored by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. At DoD STARBASE students participate in challenging "hands-on, mind-on" activities in aviation, science, technology, engineering, math, and space exploration. They interact with military personnel to explore careers and make connections with the "real world." Students also learn teamwork, goal setting, and the importance of staying off drugs.

To learn more about Starbase Atlantis please visit:
http://www.starbasedod.com/

Airshows, Airshows and more Airshows!

Blue Angels AND the Thunderbirds are in the area this month! Mark your calendars and pack a picnic basket!

Andrews Air Force base is having a Joint Service Open House featuring the Air Force Thunderbirds, the Golden Knights, and other exciting aerial and ground attractions. The three-day extravaganza takes place May 16th-17th. Friday, May 15 is open to Department of Defense card holders, retirees and school-sponsored children only. Anyone who has a DoD card that allows normal access to any military installation may attend on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Admission is FREE. Security and parking space prohibit unauthorized vehicle admission to Andrews Air Force Base. Guests can park at FedEx Field where shuttle buses will provide transportation to Andrews. Shuttles will also run from the Branch Ave Metro Station. Visit www.jsoh.org for more details. If you are concerned about inclement weather, please call the information line to check on show delays or cancellations. 301-981-4600.

May 20th at 2:00 is the Blue Angels Flight demonstration on the Naval Academy. They do this in conjunction with commissioning week for the graduates. It's free and open to the public, but I believe you have to get their by noon before the gates close. There is a shuttle for the general public located at the Naval Academy stadium. For more information, call 410-293-8687

MilSpot of the Week

Honoring our Nation's heroes with the Wounded Warrior Project

This week was the start of the Wounded Warrior Project's "Soldier Ride" here in Washington D.C. President Obama kicked off the national tour at the White House on Thursday, and I was able to attend the reception on Capitol Hill that evening. Members of Congress that are involved with military legislation were on-hand, and it was such an honor to meet the service members who selflessly sacrifice for our country. They were so nice and humble - I am still in awe of this event and I want to do everything I can to help this cause.It was also fun running into a huge military supporter, actor Matthew Modine. People in the military remember him from the unforgettable movie, Full Metal Jacket, because of the infamous boot camp scene.

Here's some more info on the Soldier Ride, from their website.

The Wounded Warrior Project’s (WWP) Soldier Ride is a rehabilitative cycling program for wounded warriors and an advocacy program for today’s wounded warriors. For many of these combat-wounded veterans, Soldier Ride provides the first and important step in their return to an active lifestyle. Many of these men and women have been physically active throughout their lives. Soldier Ride offers them the chance to get on a bike and prove to themselves, "I can still do this." Soldier Ride is not about politics; it's not about the war. It's simply about the soldiers. It’s about mindshare for the men and women that serve or have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Through helpful support from our generous sponsors and donors, WWP is able to offer these veterans a chance to experience again what they have experienced in the past. Namely, they can taste the fruits of victory and the power of winning and completing a task as they ride their bikes over miles of regionally selected places in the United States; they can feel the unity of teamwork as everyone drives each other to the end, to the culmination, to the climax that is success in completing the road ride.

These men and women are not average. They are the brave and the volunteers that chose to defend the country, to answer the country’s call and they have been injured. Now they are taking the next step in their recovery and returning to activity, to the road, and their riding speaks so much louder than words can tell.

These wounded veterans are the embodiment of the spirit of this country and they should make us all proud to say we are Americans.

May is Military Appreciation Month

This is going to be a GREAT month to blog and honor the military. And there are so many ways to serve, other than wearing the uniform. Whether it be volunteering, donating to military charitable organizations, writing to your Congressman or by thanking a veteran...you can make a difference.

I just attended a Capitol Hill reception for the Wounded Warrior Project, and I will be posting pictures on Sunday. This month I will also be attending the G.I. Film Festival and supporting Snowball Express.

I have to get up early for Gold Cup, so I will be blogging on Sunday. To those that serve and support our troops - thank you for your service!

Make it a great month!

Vr,
Jess

PS - I just found out that I made "Famous D.C." today. Could it be someone is a fan of this blog??

Update: What do you think of the hat?