Tonight we said farewell to Col Russ Cutting and his wife Shannon. I’ve worked with Russ since I arrived on Guam and I’ve had a lot of fun, headaches, stress, and laughs because of him. (excuse the weird mouth thing, I was about to ask a question)
My first memory of him is one of pure comedy. I was standing outside the conference room, looking at the pictures hanging on the wall; I wanted to familiarize myself with the Air Force leadership. He saw me standing there and the banter began!
“Do you need something?” he asked.
“No Sir but thank you” I said.
He looked at me and said “Are you here for a reason?”
“Yes Sir, I’m here for a meeting” I said. With a glimmer of “haha” in my eyes and voice. I wasn’t about to give in.
He said “I’m LtCol Cutting”
I said “I’m aware of whom you are Sir, I’ve heard about you and recognize you from the photo.”
I could tell he was becoming very frustrated with me and then he said “and YOU ARE!?”
I smiled sweetly and said “I’m Kat Francis, Booz Allen Hamilton, I’m the OSD contractor sent here for Joint Basing”. I was professional but you could totally tell that I won this round!
His smile faded and he said “let me guess you are prior Navy"
I laughed and said “No Sir, I was Air Force, a long time ago!”
He grinned and laughed and said “Oh, so back in WWII days!” He had the glint of rascal in his eyes.
I patted him on the shoulder and said “No sir, that would be your generation!” Walked away with a laugh.
His jaw dropped and then he laughed out loud.
We went into the meeting and he introduced the team I was working with to his staff and when he got to me he just said “and that’s Kat!” and kept on going. Round 2 went to me but he got round 3!
It’s been a battle of wills ever since and I loved every minute of working with him. He made full bird (Col) last year. I know from the picture he looks taller than me......I squatted down!! One last rub to get in before he leaves island:)
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