(no subject)
This is an excerpt that I got in an e-mail, about some inconsiderate non-military people.
From the Arizona Republic online.....
Complaint:
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 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