Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 11:09 am Post subject: Civilians often lack the big picture and harbor contempt for
I found this very indicative of a lot of communities and their attitudes:
A friend sent me this recent response to an angry reader's question. I
checked the on-line edition of the newspaper and the article/incident is
legit. It is a poignant reply.
An "Opinions" letter posted in the Phoenix, Az. newspaper the "Arizona
Republic" on Jun 30, 2005.
________________________________
Subject: F-16 noise complaint...
From the Arizona Republic online.....
Quote: A wake-up call from Luke's jets
Jun. 23, 2005 12:00 AM
"Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base: Whom do we thank for the
morning air show?
Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 a.m., a tight formation of four
F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell
Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune!
Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they
trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns' early-bird special?
Any response would be appreciated."
The reply is classic, and a testament to the professionalism and heroism
of the folks in the armed services. The response:
Quote: Regarding "A wake-up call from Luke's jets" (Letters, Thursday):
On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four-ship of F-16s
from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the
grave of Capt Jeremy Fresques.
Capt. Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at
Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day.
At 9 a.m. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland
Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and
friend.
Based on the letter writer's recount of the flyby, and because of the
jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of
taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt.
Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the president of
the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who
understand the sacrifices they have endured.
A four-ship flyby is a display of respect the Air Force pays to those
who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators
and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer
witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects.
The letter writer asks, "Whom do we thank for the morning air show?"
The 56th Fighter Wing will call for you, and forward your thanks to the
widow and parents of Capt. Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was
in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their
lives.
Lt. Col. Scott Pleus
CO 63rd Fighter Squadron
Luke Air Force Base _________________ Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100
The original letter writer is one of those folks that would scream where is the Air Force / Military upon another attack to this country... while he huddles in his closet and complains that his beer is warm... That type are the ones that want to put the military under glass with a label - "Break In The Event Of War"
I live less than a 1/4 mile from Tinker AFB, here in Oklahoma City. I get to see the Navy A3 Command and Control aircraft do touch and goes regularly; along with the AWACS aircraft (Tinker is home to all AWACS). Then if I am lucky I get to see the B1B, B2 and B-52 going thru some of their flight operations after a refit.
On Saturday the 2nd of July, I was able to watch the USAF Thunderbirds perform their routine from my house. Sometimes these aircraft passed a lot less than 500 feet over my house. Quite a show, when they put their mind to it...
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