Beowulf
09-01-2005, 05:21 AM
I received this in an email. I bet a Lib complained. They got their just due for it too!
The following complaint about low-flying F-16s out of Luke AFB, near
Phoenix, occasioned a response by the 63rd Fighter Squadron commander.
First, read the complaint. Then the commander's response, in which I
believe
you will take pride.
A wake-up call from Luke's jets
June 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
The following complaint about low-flying F-16s out of Luke AFB, near
Phoenix, occasioned a response by the 63rd Fighter Squadron commander.
First, read the complaint. Then the commander's response, in which I
believe
you will take pride.
A wake-up call from Luke's jets
June 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