I did a bit of research on the history of Vandenberg Village, and though it is not as storied as most other towns in Santa Barbara County, this place provides a nice living environment for its residents. Vandenberg Village started as a housing development meant for families from nearby Vandenberg AFB to reside. It has grown over time and there is now a large High School and a good number of businesses that appeal to the slew of young military and non-military families that live here. The thing about military families is that they are always on the move. They have to keep their bags packed in some cases by chance they get orders elsewhere.
Story Time (The names in this story are not real names; I am not divulging actual information about any persons living within Vandenberg Village)
I know a large number of military residents within Vandenberg Village. Two of my co-workers live on the north end of town; Airman First Class (A1C) Johnson and Senior Airman (SrA) Ericson. They are roommates and live just down the street from Major (Maj) Stevens, who I play soccer with on base. Usually when I visit the Village, it's either to check on them (my co-workers), or to geocache on the many trails surrounding the town.
Another one of my troops lives on the next street over; Airman (Amn) St Paul. He's pretty squared away and has a civilian roommate from the local Alan Hancock College. His old supervisor, Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Peters, told me to beware of St Paul's hot temper, but I never saw it. Our Commander, Colonel (Col) Angel, and my Supervisor, Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt) Clausen, briefed me that I should take over supervision of St Paul because I am more familiar with his personal interests and can provide better supervision for him.
After moving out west from the suburbs of Colorado, I've come to enjoy small towns like Vandenberg Village near the coast. The first person who gave me a tour of the local area was Second Lieutenant (2Lt) Fallon, who grew up in Lompoc. He made First Lieutenant (1Lt) before getting medically separated from the Air Force, and now works as a civilian in the Village. He says it's hard transitioning from being an officer to having no rank on the outside.
I stopped by Village Burger the other day and saw Airman (Amn) St Paul eating with a couple of other people. A couple of tables down, I was shocked to see, was Major General (Maj Gen) Oculus with a couple of HQ types. My first thought was, "Gee I sure hope my troop isn't acting up around the Boss." I went over to St Paul's table and saw that he was sitting with Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Michaels and Master Sergeant (MSgt) Fabian, who are also co-workers and also live in town. Apparently they saw St Paul come in by himself and invited him to join them at their table. They said they love the food there and go there often.
I was sure not going to ask, but I had to wonder if Major General (Maj Gen) Oculus was a regular at that restaurant as well. Small towns have some of the best stuff!
End Story
I hope you enjoyed my little story. Really it was a small attempt to help everyone learn a bit more about the Air Force rank (grade) system, since I'm sure some of you at least are not familiar with them. Hope you enjoy visiting Vandenberg Village; Happy Caching!!!
Congrats to the 11 FTF Cachers and the 13 cachers who found this one today.
Here is a Geochecker
