"I thought I would share this. It is pretty cool (and actually happened). For me it just drives home the fact the America is not at war the military is at war and America is out to lunch. "
Luke AFB is west of Phoenix and is rapidly being surrounded by civilization that complains about the noise from the base and its planes, forgetting that it was there long before they were. A certain lieutenant colonel at Luke AFB deserves a big pat on the back. Apparently, an individual who lives somewhere near Luke AFB wrote the local paper complaining about a group of F-16s that disturbed his/her day at the mall.
When that individual read the response from a Luke AFB officer, it must have stung quite a bit.
The complaint:
'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:
Regarding 'A wake-up call from Luke' s jets' On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four- ship fly by 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 fly by, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of t aps, 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 fly by is a display of respect the Air Force gives 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 make the 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. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr.
USAF
Monday, February 23, 2009
America is out to lunch.
Posted by Bryan and Rebekah at 2:18 PM
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4 comments:
Very sobering
The writer later wrote an apology letter:
"I read with increasing embarrassment and humility the response to my unfortunate letter to The Republic concerning an Air Force flyby ("A wake-up call from Luke's jets," Letters, June 23).
I had no idea of the significance of the flyby, and would never have insulted such a fine and respectful display had I known.
I have received many calls from the fine airmen who are serving or have served at Luke, and I have attempted to explain my side and apologized for any discomfort my letter has caused.
This was simply an uninformed citizen complaining about noise.
I have been made aware in both written and verbal communications of the four-ship flyby, and my heart goes out to each and every lost serviceman and woman in this war in which we are engaged.
I have been called un-American by an unknown caller and I feel that I must address that. I served in the U.S. Navy and am a Vietnam veteran. I love my country and respect the jobs that the service organizations are doing.
Please accept my heartfelt apologies.
I read this when dad sent it around. I have a hard time when people complain about the hard working, sacrificing, selfless, honorable, caring people who serve our country. It is appalling that people do not respect and appreciate the sacrifice that all service men (and women, of course) give. They are a volunteer army...VOLUNTEER. We are dang blessed to have VOLUNTEER service people...no draft, no automatic enlistment, nothing...just selfless volunteerism. Thanks, both of you, for VOLUNTEERING of yourselves to protect the rest of us.
Wow. I agree entirely that America is clueless. We have a young man from our ward who is leaving for Afghanistan in a month or so and we are creating a care package for him. I wrote something like this in his card:
"I am humbled by men and women who like you sacrifice selflessly for me and all who live in this great country. You are an inspiration and I feel great pride to know that you are willing to serve your country and other individuals who so deeply crave the freedom that we all take for granted.
Respectfully,
Joan Koplin"
Ps: Well done on the 1/2 marathon! I am SO impressed, Bek!
Oh...and the house looks amazing. Bryan is a stud for doing all the labor...and you are turning into quite the homemaker :) The paint colors & decor look great.
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