TEPonta Posted June 8, 2009 Report Posted June 8, 2009 This was sent to me by an old shipmate who lives in Illinois now. There were some images with it, but I can't figure out how to post them with the text. Buddha This makes you think twice before complaining True Story..... 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 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 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 airshow? 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. Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you....Jesus Christ and the American Soldier. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom. Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr. USAF Quote
TonyE Posted June 9, 2009 Report Posted June 9, 2009 Thanks Buddha, a simple, moving, and direct piece of writing there. It rings true to my general melancholy on Memorial Day. You are much more likely to find me wandering the National Cemetary than grilling with friends. I've no problem with a festive weekend, especially when the participants take a moment alone or communally to recognize the sacrifice that allowed the festivities to occur, but that isn't my style. Quote
TEPonta Posted June 9, 2009 Author Report Posted June 9, 2009 The attached .pdf contains the original EMail with all the graphics included for anyone who'd like to view it. Buddha Died4U.pdf Quote
TonyE Posted May 31, 2021 Report Posted May 31, 2021 Saturday we visited some of the fallen service members that served the United States of America and made the ultimate sacrifice. It was encouraging to see the many visitors even before Memorial Day. We normally go on a random day in the Spring and Fall with few other visitors. This is one photo from that visit to Fort Snelling National Cemetery. I'd like to also recognize the families of those who died serving our country. Your burden is a heavy one as well to carry. 1 Quote
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