2009 MTIA CONVENTION
October 20-23, 2009

PHOTOS NEEDED FOR THE FOLLOWING EVENTS:

Golf Tournament, Command Voice Competition, Airman's Coin Ceremony, BROY Dedication, & Control of the Marching Flight Demo

As most of you know, I became a Physical Therapist after attending college and after
my separation from the USAF in 1987. One of the many physical conditions I treat is Bells
Palsy, a form of paralysis of the facial muscles. In the summer of 2009, I began
treatment for a patient with Bells Palsyat my clinic in Louisville, KY. This patient shared
with me that her daughter, SSgt Michelle Stewart, had just completed MTIS at
Lackland.

When I attended the MTIA Honors Banquet, SSgt Stewart (with the help of SMSgt
Walt Myhre) sought me out and met with me with tears and hugs. Because of the
MTIA, SSgt Stewart was able to meet the therapist who was caring for her mom over
1,000 miles away. I was honored to be able to care for someone who is dear to
this young MTI's heart, and to be able to meet with her.

That is my favorite moment from this year's convention!

2009 MTIA Convention

by John Kanios

San Antonio in the fall, what can you say?

C-5’s and F-16’s flying over bring back memories “From back in the day”.

The Red Roof Inn has become a tradition

Now just sit back, read this and Listen.

Chief Z and Lana, always great to see

The MTIA Convention is “The place to be”

Major Andy and all his hilarious laughing

Where does he get the stuff that just keeps my smile cracking?

Frank and Sandy, and of course the Dog

A pleasure to see them all, and share some stories short and tall.

MAC and Bush: At times made us wonder:

Both of these two can create a serious “blunder”.

Al Bowles, his lovely wife Virginia and his sister Theresa as well

Al’s stories reminded me of the company I was in and it was swell.

Hugo Gamarra, what a site to see

He still has it in him and that is great to see

Dave Mariano, or simply Capt. Dave

Taught me many things about his stories from his days

Dr. Ron, he made me laugh so hard

I thought I pissed my pants…..he’s such a card!

Chief Bob Wood, it was quite a pleasure to meet

We even had a BMT Connection, oh how sweet!

Six degrees of separation, I’m beginning to believe it is true

We all bleed the Blood of the Air Force Blue!

Chief Jay Pavey, as always a wonderful job he did

Thanks for making us feel special and bringing Christine as well.

SMSgt Walt Myhre, he’s a fine host to have

We could not ask for better from our own Mom or Dad.

I cannot express in words the real way that I feel

Therefore, I try to place it here in this poem, so you can try to feel.

Like you were there with us in some way, shape or form

Sitting around the pool, telling stories of which we all conform

From the VFW on Tuesday evening, I knew right away,

Even though I had missed the past two conventions, I am here to stay.

From the general membership meeting, to “hanging at the Red Roof Inn”

We have a special bond, of the MTI experience from within

Wives’, significant others, whomever was included

See a side of us that is usually excluded.

The Tiger Stripe Bar B Que at the confidence Course

Was a great evening but the weather was not on course.

The Toyota Plant tour, was something to behold

Thanks Chief Z, it was awesome and fun, truth be told.

The Homecoming event for all of us former MTI’s

Can put a lump in your throat and a tear in your eyes.

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again

There will never be another place or time, where we will have this sort of kin.

For we are truly brothers of the Hat.

It has been proven once again in an October at Lackland, you can feel it that’s a fact.

A tingle in your spine, a smell in the air.

A trainee walking down Truemper, memories only us MTI’s can share.

I have been re-blued from my head to my toes

That’s just the way it is, that’s how the story goes.

The Blue Rope Ball what a way to close out the week.

I met so many from my past, I did not know if I should smile or weep.

It simply warms my heart, it surely humbles my soul.

To have been part of the BMT world, that is all I know.

So on a fall in San Antonio, a certain feeling in the air

A tingle on my skin, a twitch or a stare.

This will always be e special time for me

Thank you all who attended for letting me share.

Trainee on Latrine Guard at the BEAST!