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Posted

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

Posted

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.

 

894_ftsnelling.jpg

  • 11 years later...
Posted

PXL_20210529_161431696.jpg

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.
  • Like 1

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