KMC Eagles (3) Gets Big Win In Friendly Match

9-4 was the final score.  Normally E3 would be on the losing end of that score line but not on this day.  E3 now knows what it feels like to be on the winning end of a blowout. 

KMC Eagles E-3 played the Wiesbaden Viking’s B team in a friendly match in Mainz.  The team arose early on a Sunday morning to make the drive and play some early morning hockey.  The Eagles brought 3 full forward lines and 2 defense lines however, we lost center Steve Cotta early in the first period due to an ankle injury. 

The game didn't start out so well when, early in the game, the first line dominated possession in the zone but couldn't put one in.  Wiesbaden broke out quick, beat the D and scored the first goal of the game.  After that point, the Eagles seemed to find their legs and quickly dominated for the majority of the game. 

It was a great game for the developing Eagles team to practice some much needed game time situations.  The team showed great improvement overall.  It was also a great confidence booster. 

This team could be trouble for DPL Division 4A come playoff time. 

Goals were scored by :

Todd Lutz (2)

Ludwig Schweinfurth (2)

Craig Domko (2)

Shawn Boos (1)

Kirk Brower (1)

Ruediger Schulte (1) on a penalty shot

Heather Cohen scored but the goalie knocked it out and the ref didn't see it cross the line so it didn't count. 

Goalies Mike Kwain and Gabe Bjorkman split the time in the net.  Both goal tenders played solid with each stopping many shots and only letting in 2 goals apiece. 

New Year's Resolutioners.

The new year is almost upon us and for many people, that means time to make a change and normally that change is with their physical appearance. If you are waiting until January 2nd to get started with your physical goals, my advice to you is to don't even start. If you truly wanted to change, you would have started already. Why wait until a specific date? Only 1% or less of people stick to their new year's resolutions. Let me tell you this. You will NOT see results in the first few weeks you start. That is when most people get discouraged and quit. It takes a lot of time and dedication to see changes in anything you do. Save yourself the money and discouragement.

This may sound a bit insensitive but the people that start the gym on January 2nd and the following weeks are just an massive inconvenience to the people that are there on the regular.  Taking up parking spots and weight stations.  The most frustrating thing about that is that we know that you won't be there for very long. 

If you truly do want to make a change, then you must realize that you have to be in it for the long haul. It is no easy task committing to what you need to do to realize the change you want. So, do yourself a favor. Really think about your goals and be realistic about them. Don't wait until January 2nd. Start right meow!

Hard Day.

Below is something posted by my sister.  I don't know if she came up with it herself or got it from somewhere else.  All I know is that it made me break down and cry.  Today is the 8th anniversary of my mother's death due to cancer.  I don't tend to dwell on it.  I don't actually think about it that much.  Sometimes the fact sneaks up on me.  Maybe pushing it down is my way of coping.  I don't know.  I try not to think about it too much.  I don't take much stock in the afterlife or when people say your loved ones that are no longer with us are still with us in our hearts.  I don't take comfort in that stuff.  My mother is gone and it hurts.  It hurts so bad every time I think about it.  Saying she's still with me in my heart or she's looking down on me doesn't comfort me in the slightest.  My mother is gone and it hurts so bad.  

It hurts the most when I think about how successful I've been in my military career and she hasn't been around to see it.  The same applies to my brother who is in the Navy.  He has been pretty successful himself in his military career.  It also hurts that she's missed the intelligent woman my sister has become.  God, she is so much like her mother.  It hurts so much that our mother has not been able to share our life successes with us.  

Everyone tries to comfort us by saying she's looking down on us or that she's with us in spirit.  I'd like to believe that but it gives me no comfort.  

I look back to the times when our family struggled financially and we had to eat pancakes and french fries for dinner on paper plates off the kitchen floor and now her two sons are serving around the world and her daughter has a bright future in a nursing career.  She gave up a lot so her three kids could have more than she ever dreamed.  The fact that she can't be around to see it kills me the most.  

Another dagger in the heart is that she died on the birthday of her husband, my step father and the father of my brother and sister.  Technically they me be my half-brother and half-sister, but I will never see it that way.  Larry and I may have had our virulent differences in the past but I've moved on.  I don't hold anything against him at all.  I still love him like a father in addition to my biological father whom I have a very close relationship with as well.  

I will always love Larry like a father and think of him often.  Especially on a day like today.  

Anyway, below is what my sister posted and what made me break down on this 8th anniversary of my mother's death.  



You look back on memories you forgot you had,
And at times you'll smile even though it hurts so bad.

Your mother is a special woman and no one can take her place,
You'll find a piece of mind when you remember he smiling face.

Your mother is an angel now she flies high above the rest,
and in your hearts always and forever she will be the best.

She has earned her wings and it's time for her to fly,
I know it hurts no one is ever ready to say good-bye.

She knows you do not understand and that you cry at night,
But as you finally drift of to sleep let her memory hold you tight.

She will be your guardian angel through the rest of your life,
Helping lead you on the path between what' wrong and right.

your mother loves you so very much and her love will always remain true,
Please don't ever think for a second that your mother will forget you.

A mothers love is like no other in the whole world,
d she has the most wonderful memories of a little boy and girl.

She has taken them with her as she's flown away,
Up to Heaven free of pain which is her new home to stay.

So although you can not see her and you wish she could be there,
Your mother can always hear you and your mother will always care.

A mother does not forget the two greatest loves of her life,
And she loved nothing more than being your mommy, and your daddy's wife.

She is so proud of her family and that's in her heart to stay,
Even though she's and angel and has had to fly away.

So as you cry your tears remember your mothers love,
Being sent to you from her, from the beautiful Heaven above.

She will be there through your good times, she will be there through your bad,
She'll be there when you are happy, she'll be there when your sad.

Your mother has become and angel now, it is her time to fly,
And you will never know how bad it hurt me to watch you have to say good-bye.
♥

I miss you with all of my heart mumma!  I wish to hell you could see what beautiful and successful children you've raised!  

I can't be bothered to change the format of this post right now.  I'm drunk and in Morocco so deal with it. 

Rocking Out!

I like to sing karaoke.  I'm not a great singer.  I'm probably not even a good singer.  However, I like to imbibe a bit of liquid tone enhancer then get up there and have fun with some of my favorite tunes.  I did just that recently and my wife recorded it.  This is good for a laugh.

You can't take karaoke seriously!  

Beer Review: Unertl Gourmet Weisse

Greetings!  It's been a little bit since my last review.  I've been busy with traveling and school work.
Today's beer is Unertl Gourmet Weisse.  I got this from my beer man.

UNERTL Gourmet Weisse (5.6 ABV)

It is a dark hefeweissen.  It's cloudier and a bit lighter than your typical dunkel weissen.  (Dunkel is German for dark.)
The color is a dark, rich copper color.  It's cloudy with medium carbonation.  When poured, it generates a thin head that dissipates quickly.  I have a feeling that I didn't pour this one quite right.  I detect some wheaty yet sweet and citricy scents.  This beer is medium bodied and tastes a bit doughy and sweet but with a mild bite to it yet finishes with a slight nutty flavor.  I like this beer.  It goes down like a hefeweizen but with all the flavor of a dunkel.  Overall, I'd give it a B.  If your lucky enough to find this beer in your presence, give it a try.  Prost!

Beer Review: Greif-Brau Weisse

Hello again!  Today's beer again comes from the Bamburg area of Germany.  I got it from my beer man.  It came in the same crate that had beer from the last review.  This beer is a hefeweizen hell beer, which means that it's a light wheat beer. 

Greif-Brau Weisse (5.4 ABV)

 

Appearance:  It is a golden-brown color that is cloudy with heavy carbonation and a thick, one inch, head that dissipates to about a quarter of an inch. 
Aroma:  Can't really place the aroma but it smells kind of wheaty. 
Flavor:  The first thing that hits you is the carbonation.  It has a slight sweet, wheat taste and a faint floral finish. 
Mouthfeel:  This may be a light wheat beer but it's an over all medium bodied beer. 
Overall Impression:  Not the best hefeweizen I've ever had but it was good.  It was a bit different from the others.  Overall, I'd have to give it a C. 


Give me your thoughts.  Give me a shout or follow me on twitter. 

Prost! 

Beer Review: Alt Frankisches Lagerbier

Today's beer comes from the Bamburg region of Germany.  Bamburg is just north of Bavaria.  I got this beer from my beer man.  He delivers beer to me every other week.  Normally he delivers unpasteurized, fresh beer in a jug.  About every six weeks he has two new flavors.  Sometimes he has specialty crates of mixed beer from different regions of Germany.  I had a couple beers leftover from the last crate he delivered.  Enough about my beer man and on to the beer.
            
    Alt Frankisches Lagerbier (4.8 ABV) which, when translated, means Old Franconian Lager.

Appearance: To me, it appears to have a deep copper color and medium carbonation.  The head tops out to about an inch and dissipates quickly.  What do you think?
Aroma: There seems to be a bit of a floral aroma.
Flavor:  A smooth, hoppy flavor that finishes just a tad bitter.
Mouth feel: It appears to be medium bodied lager.
Overall Impression: A smooth, medium bodied lager that has a good hoppy flavor.  I'd give it a B-

Let me know what you think.  As always, you can contact me or follow me on Twitter.

Prost!

Beer Review: Czech Beer-Demon

Na zdraví! That means "cheers" in the Czech language.  "Pivo" means beer.
I was in the Czech Republic last month for a week of ice hockey camp.  While there, I tried as many Czech beers as possible.  I even brought some home.  Overall, the Czech beer is good!  I particularly loved the Cerny, or black beer.  I only started reviewing beers a couple weeks ago so I drank most of the beers I brought back before I got a chance to review them.  Tonight while searching my beer fridge for a cold, tasty beverage, I came across one last Czech beer, called Demon, I hadn't yet consumed.  Here is my review.

Appearance:  It has a deep caramel, clear, with light carbonation.  The head tops out at about 1 1/2 inches and dissipates quickly.
Aroma:  It seems to have a bit of a nutty aroma.
Flavor:  I must say, I'm having trouble describing the flavor of this beer.  There appears to be some nutty overtones and a slightly hoppy finish.
Mouthfeel:  This beer has a light-medium body.
Overall Impression:  Although I had trouble describing the taste, I found this beer to be smooth and easy to drink.  It has a good overall flavor.  My grade...B.

If you happen to come across this, give it a try.  It's worth it.  If you've tried this beer and disagree with me, let me know.  If you think I got something wrong, let me know.  I'd love to hear your thoughts.  Contact me.   You can also follow me on Twitter. @Domkizzle.

Beer Review: Ballast Point Amber Ale Calico

This my second attempt at reviewing beer.  Today's beer is Ballast Point Amber Ale Calico brewed by Ballast Point Brewing Company in San Diego, California.  I picked up a 6 pack of this at the shoppette yesterday on the way to a BBQ.  I didn't get to it then so this is the first time I'm trying it.

Appearance:  It is an orange/copper colored beer, cloudy with light carbonation.  Pouring generates a 1 inch head that dissipates quickly.
Aroma:  It has a hoppy, lemony aroma.
Flavor:  This is another that is heavy on the hops.  Starts off lemony and finishes slightly bitter and spicy.
Mouthfeel:  It appears to me to be a light bodied beer.
Overall Impression:  When I first tasted it, I didn't care for it but the more sips I took, it kind of smoothed out.  It's OK.  It wouldn't be my first choice but it's drinkable.  My grade...C.

This beer is worth a try.  If you've tried this beer and disagree with me, let me know.  If you think I got something wrong, let me know.  I'd love to hear your thoughts.  Contact Me You can also follow me on Twitter. @Domkizzle.

Beer Review: Fixed Gear American Red Ale

I've drank a lot of different beers in my time on Earth.  I have never reviewed them before, however.  Not in writing anyway.  On a whim, I've decided to start reviewing them.  In order to do that, I found a good video and guide on how to review beer.

The 1st beer that I will review is Fixed Gear American Red Ale.  I picked up a 6 pack of this at the shoppette on base.  For those not in the know, a shoppette is kind of like a 7-11 on military bases.  Normally, in Germany, the shoppettes sell the typical mass produced, Budweiser, Bud Light, MGD, Miller Lite, and a select German Pilsners and hefeweizens.  A new shoppette/gas station opened on base yesterday.  My wife and I stopped in there tonight on the way home for some wine and I found some new American IPAs on the shelves.  I am Jack's surprise.  I'm not a huge fan of IPAs but I'm always willing to try new things.  I chose Fixed Gear because it said red ale.  I like red and amber beers so I picked up a pack.  OK, now to the review.

Appearance:  It is an amber colored beer, slightly cloudy with decent carbonation.  The head is about a half inch thick with a tan color that dissipates.
Aroma:  This beer is very hoppy which tells me its an IPA even though the title is a bit misleading.  It has a citrus aroma, mostly grape fruit.
Flavor:  Similar to the aroma.  Hops are strong in this one.  Starts off smooth with a strong citrus hops flavor with a bit of a dry bitter finish and a lingering after taste.
Mouthfeel:  The beer appears to be medium bodied.
Overall Impression:  This beer definitely appeared to be an IPA.  I'm not a huge fan of that style to begin with but this beer was OK.  It had character.  I could drink it again.  I could probably see myself getting into IPAs if I drink enough of them.  If I had to give it a grade, I guess C+.

Fixed Gear American Red Ale is worth a try.  If you've tried this beer and disagree with me, let me know.  If  you think I got something wrong, let me know.  I'd love to hear what your thoughts are.  Contact me on Twitter @Domkizzle or Email me.

Why I do what I do

12 years ago yesterday, I joined the United States Air Force.  There are many reasons I joined.  I didn't want to go to college.  I thought the air force was cool.  I thought it would be cool and prestigious to join the world's greatest air force and work around fighter jets.  I thought it was honorable to serve one's country.  Joining the USAF was the best decision I've ever made.  I've learned so much about life.  I've gained invaluable job skills.  I've got to travel and see places I've never dreamed of. 

I never thought, that by joining, I would inspire anyone or impact any one's life.  I received a message from my sister today that almost made me tear up.  Below is the message. 

"Craigy, I remember when you first joined the Air Force and I remember feeling so inspired because my big brother was so strong and brave and I've looked up to you for quite some time ♥. I'm extremely proud of you for doing what you do and sticking through. .. (nice rhyme, huh?).. To me it's always seemed like you've had your life together or maybe you've just been really good at making the right moves, Either way, it gives me hope and you really have motivated me to be the best person I can possibly be and do what I need/want to do to better my life. Thank you for being you, really, and for serving (: I appreciate and love you Craigy. ♥ "

What a proud big brother I am! This inspires me to keep doing what I'm doing for the next 8-18 years. 

As always you can email me at garthvader@gmail.com or follow me on Twitter, @Domkizzle

My current assignment in the USAF.

My current assignment has me in, what we call in the USAF, a staff position.  I am part of the operational planning staff and stationed at Ramstein AB, Germany which is just outside of the town of Kaiserslautern.  I, along with other various civil engineer specialties, use my subject matter expertise to provide inputs to operational plans.  These plans can range from combat aircraft operations, humanitarian assistance, or non-combatant evacuations.  As civil engineer planners, we provide information such as how much CE equipment is needed or how many CE personnel are needed to support the operation.  

In addition to providing CE planning expertise, we also perform site surveys.  A site survey team is comprised of up to 16 subject matter experts ranging from civil engineering, my specialty, to fuels and logistics.  Usually there are 2 civil engineer technicians on these teams due to the many CE tasks involved but sometimes there can only be one.  Our job on this team is to evaluate the strength of the runways, taxiways and parking aprons by drilling a small hole through the concrete or asphalt and testing the sub-surface.  

Testing of the sub-surface is accomplished by using a tool called a dynamic cone penetrometer.  A 17.5 pound hammer is lifted to a predetermined height and dropped to drive a cone into the sub-grade, via the small whole we drilled.  We count how many drops it takes to penetrate 1 inch.  After testing various points throughout the airfield we put the data gathered into a computer program that spits out a number and that number tells us whether it is strong enough for various USAF aircraft.  

We also assess the overall condition of the pavement by noting distresses.  In addition to testing the pavement strength, we are also responsible for gathering the information about the airfields infrastructure and utility capabilities.  We try to gather information about the electrical, water, and waste capacities and capabilities.  Furthermore, we have to assess the capability of the airfield fire department to assess whether they are equipped to deal with USAF aircraft.  

We then take all of this information gather in such a short time and write a report.  This report is used to provide information on an airfield that is being considered for use by USAF aircraft for some sort of operation.  

This is not normally a career assignment.  These assignments usually last for no more than 4 years at a time.  After I finish this assignment I will go back to maintaining generators and aircraft arresting systems.  

I've enjoyed this assignment very much.  It has given me a great opportunity to visit places in the world I would never have seen in my normal air force job.  From Cyprus to South Africa, I have had to perform site surveys.  The assignment has given me incredible career broadening experience as well.  It can be slow sometimes but I've enjoyed the hell out of it and I will miss it dearly.  

As always if you have any questions or want to contact me, garthvader@gmail.com or follow me on twitter @Domkizzle. 

Chick Fil-GAY

The following words are not my own words but words that I happen to agree with. Let me preface this by saying that I think everyone needs to chill the fuck out over it.  I have nothing against homosexuals at all.  The owner of Chick Fil-A happens is a private citizen that has his own personal opinion about gay marriage.  He happens to be against it.  I don't care.  He is entitled to his opinion.  It is his 1st amendment right.  With that said here are the words of a friend that I happen to agree with.  


So...Just an observation of mine here but all these people saying they're boycotting Chick-fil-a because of what the owners point of view on gay marriage is should really re-think their decision. Instead of boycotting the restaurants and thinking that withholding your money is actually going to affect Dan Cathy and his business, it isn't. What you're going to help happen is lower the sales of Chick-fil-a, quite possibly make them lay off some of their employees who really had nothing to do with this situation anyways and in a few months when America's short attention span will move onto something else that person who lost their job will still not have a job. If you really want to make a difference donate to the numerous charities or action groups that support LGBT causes, put your money where it'll actually make a difference instead of overreacting to a personal comment.


In totally unrelated news, I am in the progress of recapping my trips to Ghana, Kenya, and S. Africa.  I also have to recap my little trips to Ireland, Scotland and Bastonge, Belgium.  Blogging should pick up again.  School takes up a lot of time.  


As always, you can follow me on Twitter, @Domkizzle or email me with your thoughts or questions at garthvader@gmail.com. 

How the Patriots differ from the Steelers

I am by no means an expert on football.  I'm merely an observer of the game.  I'm not a Tebow hater either.  While I was on Twitter Saturday, @NFL tweeted "what team has the best chance of an upset this weekend" and stated that Steve Mariucci thought Detroit had the best chance.  As soon as it came up, I tweeted back this tweet that I thought Denver had the best chance.  Even though I would have picked the Steelers to win that game, I always thought Denver had the best chance out of the underdogs that week.  Guess what?  It happened.  Pittsburgh didn't even try to stop Tebow from throwing.  And that winning TD pass?  Not to take anything away from Tebow, but Thomas made that play and Ike Taylor got burned.  ANY NFL QB should have connected on that pass.  He was wide open!  
Anyway, here's why Denver has LESS of a chance of upsetting the Patriots.  Patriots are healthy.  Tom Brady is better than Roethlisburger.  Gronkowski, Welker, Hernandez.  Wild Bill will find a way to contain Tebow.  The Patriots won't look past them.  It will take a good Denver D in order to beat Tom Brady and the Pats.  Agree/Disagree? Follow me on twitter! @Domkizzle or email me, garthvader@gmail.com.

NCAA Post Season

First, I wish I could have written this yesterday when it was all fresh in my mind.  I just didn't have enough time with studying for promotion testing and hockey practice.  Second, I'm sure you've heard or read just about everything there is about how the BCS system is so jacked up etc.  Well, you haven't read MY thoughts on it.  Lastly, before I get started, I don't follow college football closely.  I watch it when it's on but I don't obsess over it.  That maybe because where I'm from, there's not a good college football team.  The main team I do root for in college is Michigan.  I have since the 8th grade.  Not sure why but I just do.  OK, so to the point of today's blog.
The BCS system is jacked up.  Everyone knows that.  Every December and January, crappy teams with a 6-6 record play in the Maxi Tampon Bowl game that doesn't mean anything to anyone but school officials.  Look at this season.  Alabama had their chance to beat LSU but they couldn't.  Let Oklahoma State take a shot at it.  The only reason the BCS exists is because of money.  Nothing more than money.  The mathematical formulas are inaccurate and the rest of the ranking is super subjective.  It does not accurately reflect how good a team is.  Ask anyone who lives in Idaho.  That's not going to change, however.  Too much money is in he system.  How many professional sports writers have written about how inaccurate and unfair the BCS is?  No one in power is going to listen.  Like I said, too much money in it.  The only reason 6-6 teams play in bowl games is because the school gets corporate sponsor ships and TV deals.
My solution?  A playoff just like everyone else's solution.  But here's my idea.  Reduce each conference or sub-conference to 6 or 7 teams each.  Screw scheduling those weak D1A schools for confidence builders.  Each team in the conference plays each other twice, a home and away series.  The top of that division goes to the national tournament, kind of like the NCAA basketball tournament.  If a conference has sub-divisions like the SEC East and West, the top of each one play each other to represent the SEC.  That game can be a "bowl" game and corporations and networks can throw money at it.  We do this for every division in D1.  Each playoff game in the tournament is a "bowl" game.  Again, corporations and networks can throw money at it.  There you go.  Want to be the best in the nation?  Dominate your conference then dominate the nation.  Remove the subjection and keep the money!
Someone may have suggested something like this before but I don't read a lot about college football.  I was thinking about this while eating BBQ brisket and talking college football with guys in the office.  So, did I miss anything?  Got suggestions of your own?  Let me know what you think.  Garthvader@gmail.com.  Follow me on Twitter @Domkizzle

A bit about this blog and me.

I'm not a professional writer or blogger.  I started this blog to share my experiences in the Air Force with people.  Here are a few things about me.
I'm 30.  I've been in the Air Force for almost 12 years.  Currently, I am stationed at Ramstein AB, Germany.  My occupation in the AF is Electrical Power Production.  I work with generators and aircraft arresting systems.  I'll explain more in future blogs.  My current job is that of a planner.  The Air Force is always planning.  I provide occupational expertise to the war/contingency planners.  Again, more will come later. I am married to a beautiful English girl that I met when I was stationed in England.  We don't have any kids yet.  We have a 2 year old hyper Golden Retriever named Brady.  We also have 2 cats.
I play hockey for the KMC Eagles, which is a hobby team comprised of military members and their families that live in the Kaiserslautern area.  The team plays in the biggest hobby league in Germany.  Read beer league.  I love experiencing beer from around the world.  Speaking of around the world,  I love to travel.  My job for the past 2 years has taking me to places that I'd never thought I'd see.  I'll mention all the places later.  My favorite music is pretty much anything rock.  I love classic rock, contemporary rock, hard rock and metal.  I also don't mind a little country and the occasional rap or hip hop.  I also love fishing.  Whenever I visit back to the states, I try to get a little fishing in.  Video games are another hobby of mine.
So that's a bit about me.  Here is a bit about the blog.  I won't blog everyday about everyday stuff.  I'll typically blog about anything exciting I'm doing.  For example, I should be going on some trips in the near future.  When I go on them, I'll blog about my experiences in Africa or other European countries.  I'll even tell some stories about my past trips or maybe tell a story about something in the past.  Basically, I want to give you a little insight into the life of an average Airman and what the AF has to offer.
On a side note, I'll gladly welcome any constructive criticism about my writing.  Like I said, I'm not a professional but I would love some input to improve.  Suggest anything from grammar and punctuation or prose.  If you have any questions, you can email me at garthvader@gmail.com
Oh, a quick explanation about the blog name.  Kizzle is short for Domkizzle.   A Snoop Dogg play on my last name that a few past coworkers came up with.