The sound of freedom
Just got this one accross my desk, you may have already ready it, if not enjoy.
Body: 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, I hope it 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" (Letters, Thursday): On
> June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four-ship flyby 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 AFB
I personally live near a naval base in northern florida, I have helicopters that do routine training flights over my house, granted it isnt as loud as jet but it is constant.
So what, Every time one flys over I know those crewmen in the helo are on watch and guarding my freedom. I hear the sound of freedom and democracy one helo at a time.
__________________
DUKE
US NAVY CHIEF
INITIATED AND PROUD
2007 Ultra Classic (IDS Installed)
Dyna Beads
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