Reid says: I don't know Colnel Rosensteel, but I respect his patriotism and his devotion. I wish we had more men like him and less like the complaintant. I know that the complainer didn't realize the signifcance of what he termed a disturbance, but his choice of words sure could have been better.
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 theback. 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 LukeAFB 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, atprecisely 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' (Letters, Thursday) On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four-ship flybyof 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 make the call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques, and thank them for you, forit was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives. Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr. USAF 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
3 comments:
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.
Powerful point.
That was a whole lot nicer than I would have been. It was the nicest way I have ever heard anyone tell anyone else to STFU. thanks for posting that.
My 13 year old son thought this was a great little story. We fundies love that last line, but the entire story is moving.
Post a Comment