Farmer of Dead South Korean Rabbits Wants Money from USAF

Okay, it's Friday and for that I am very happy, but the topic of the post is in fact REAL. This story so warrants a Friday afternoon.

In the Pacific edition of Saturday's Stars and Stripes an article titled, Korean farmer: Jet noise killed 100,000 rabbits, will appear. I kid. You. Not.

For the record, I've been to South Korea plenty of times. But I've never seen a rabbit. Ever.

The article states that "thousands of bunnies in Kunsan have literally been scared to death by aircraft noise, according to rabbit farmer Lee Ho-kyung."

And for his losses this farmer wants to get paid. By the USAF. Here's the deal - he's had a 17 year run of raising rabbits and his farm is very close to the 8th Fighter Wing's runway. (It should be noted that South Korea’s 38th Fighter Group also shares this runway.) And in those 17 years, according to him, he's lost 100,000.

He's quoted in the article saying that the "infertility rates are up 30 percent" among his rabbits and that the "mother rabbits kill and eat their babies right after the babies are born because of the piercing noises from U.S. aircrafts."

Lee has filed a compliant and requested 250,000,000 Korean won (about $170,000) to cover the cost of relocating his farm.

I can only say one thing. Wow. That's it. Oh, and this is crazy! Just thought I'd bring some entertaining reading your way to help brighten your Friday. For the military folks handling this case, I'm quite sorry. While I know that keeping a positive relationship with our host nations is of the utmost importance, this case seems a little far fetched to me. Show me the study on how US aircraft jet noise causes bunnies to eat their babies and then I'll take you seriously.

**Disclaimer: for the record, I like bunnies and want them to be healthy. . . not eaten by their mamas**

OH, and on a final note don't forget to tune in tomorrow for Taking Chance - HBO's nod to military escort duty. Unfortunately, I will not be home to watch it but can't wait to hear what you think! Happy Weekend!

Air Force Band Preps for Inauguration

With one of the most historically significant presidential inaugurations rapidly approaching our boys and girls in blue are taking out their secret weapons . . . their music instruments that is!

The Air Force Band, along with all of the other branch's bands, will be belting out patriotic tunes during the Obama's inauguration parade. Each service band will have 99 musicians, a number reserved only for inaugural parades and state funeral processions.

In regards to the AF band, they've spent quality time practicing at Andrews Air Force Base. Colonel Dennis Layendecker, band commander, and Chief Master Sergeant Elizabeth Schouten (USAF band superintendent) took some time yesterday to let America know about the prep and excitement. I love how Schouten says that she doesn't mind that they're last (because they are the youngest branch) because she feels they have saved the best for last.



"The Air Force Song," will be one of three selections the band will play along the 1.6-mile parade route (begins at 4th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue and goes past the White House) by memory! They'll also play John Phillip Sousa's "The Washington Post March," and Don Keller's "Trombones Triumphant."

While I love all branches of the service, I tend to love the Air Force most because my Dad is a man in blue. I'm also most fond of the Air Force lifestyle. Throughout my life, I've had the privilege of attending many USAF band performances and I can personally tell you that they are spectacular! Stay tuned for more updates leading up to the big performance day! Good luck to the Airmen that are playing that day!