A collection of ramblings about my family, travel, flying, and our move to Denmark.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
"Esse'" and I in front of our "ops" building
10 comments:
Anonymous
said...
White Tee, I hope at least you are getting some cool patches out of that "vacation" of yours. I'm sure its all sweatrod extreme. I don't know if Ange will like Esse's stach, he's starting to look all-star team Mexican. Save up for those blue valiums at Facecapades and frostys from Chili's bo'. Give Esse the rope. Good luck with the Tour de Sandbox. Artie
TED Looks and reads like you are doing well. Glad you finally updated your site. Alex its always fun to try and decipher your lingo???? I love the combat boots and goggles makes me smile thinking of you in that attire...... Well miss you much, see you soon. Be safe. love leslie
Ed, I'm liking the picture:) Something as normal as the sandbags spelling out 510 behind both of you on the ground was something I didn't notice at first. Jenn
Hey Ed and others, My mom sent this to me and I think it warrants a posting on this or some other site out there. Since I don't know any other F-16 pilots besides Alex, and he isn't cool enough to have a blog because he so often chooses to "black out and bed down", I figured this was the right place for it.
Here goes:
Complaint: Quote: A wake-up call from Luke's jets
Jun. 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 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
[End of Forward]
Just passing along some important reminders of why we are all in this crazy thing called the Air Force. Thanks to all of you out there fighting for the RIGHT reasons... Sacha
With regards to your posting...I thought I ought to "paste" this letter that the original writer of the Opinion letter wrote later to retract his message.
I, too, was pretty taken aback by his original letter when I read it. But, judging from his letter, I believe he did not have the sufficient information of who or what was going on that day with the F-16 fly-by. He seems graciously and sincerely sorry. Here is his letter:
Jul. 9, 2005 12:00 AM
Regarding "Flyby honoring fallen comrade" Letters, June 28):
I read with increasing embarrassment and humility the response to my unfortunate letter to The Republic concerning an Air Force flyby ("A wake-up call from Luke's jets," Letters, June 23).
I had no idea of the significance of the flyby, and would never have insulted such a fine and respectful display had I known.
I have received many calls from the fine airmen who are serving or have served at Luke, and I have attempted to explain my side and apologized for any discomfort my letter has caused.
This was simply an uninformed citizen complaining about noise.
I have been made aware in both written and verbal communications of the four-ship flyby, and my heart goes out to each and every lost serviceman and woman in this war in which we are engaged.
I have been called un-American by an unknown caller and I feel that I must address that. I served in the U.S. Navy and am a Vietnam veteran. I love my country and respect the jobs that the service organizations are doing.
Please accept my heartfelt apologies. - Tom MacRae, Peoria
Again, everyone in all forces are doing an awsome job. I know that I, support all troops 100%. Your work is well appreciated. I am sure that people in Arizona, including this gentleman, had all the sincerest intentions, just did not make a good decision with sufficient background before drafting his original letter. Sincerely, ~Amy
With regards to your posting...I thought I ought to "paste" this letter that the original writer of the Opinion letter wrote later to retract his message.
I, too, was pretty taken aback by his original letter when I read it. But, judging from his letter, I believe he did not have the sufficient information of who or what was going on that day with the F-16 fly-by. He seems graciously and sincerely sorry. Here is his letter:
Jul. 9, 2005 12:00 AM
Regarding "Flyby honoring fallen comrade" Letters, June 28):
I read with increasing embarrassment and humility the response to my unfortunate letter to The Republic concerning an Air Force flyby ("A wake-up call from Luke's jets," Letters, June 23).
I had no idea of the significance of the flyby, and would never have insulted such a fine and respectful display had I known.
I have received many calls from the fine airmen who are serving or have served at Luke, and I have attempted to explain my side and apologized for any discomfort my letter has caused.
This was simply an uninformed citizen complaining about noise.
I have been made aware in both written and verbal communications of the four-ship flyby, and my heart goes out to each and every lost serviceman and woman in this war in which we are engaged.
I have been called un-American by an unknown caller and I feel that I must address that. I served in the U.S. Navy and am a Vietnam veteran. I love my country and respect the jobs that the service organizations are doing.
Please accept my heartfelt apologies. - Tom MacRae, Peoria
Again, everyone in all forces are doing an awsome job. I know that I, support all troops 100%. Your work is well appreciated. I am sure that people in Arizona, including this gentleman, had all the sincerest intentions, just did not make a good decision with sufficient background before drafting his original letter. Sincerely, ~Amy
Amy, Thanks for posting his sincere apology. Up until now I didn't realize any apology was given. I found his original complaint sarcastic and narrowminded. I agree now that he did not have the sufficient information of what was happening that day and feels embarrassed. ~*Jenn*~
10 comments:
White Tee,
I hope at least you are getting some cool patches out of that "vacation" of yours. I'm sure its all sweatrod extreme. I don't know if Ange will like Esse's stach, he's starting to look all-star team Mexican. Save up for those blue valiums at Facecapades and frostys from Chili's bo'. Give Esse the rope. Good luck with the Tour de Sandbox.
Artie
TED
Looks and reads like you are doing well. Glad you finally updated your site. Alex its always fun to try and decipher your lingo???? I love the combat boots and goggles makes me smile thinking of you in that attire...... Well miss you much, see you soon. Be safe.
love
leslie
Ed,
I'm liking the picture:) Something as normal as the sandbags spelling out 510 behind both of you on the ground was something I didn't notice at first.
Jenn
Hey Ed and others,
My mom sent this to me and I think it warrants a posting on this or some other site out there. Since I don't know any other F-16 pilots besides Alex, and he isn't cool enough to have a blog because he so often chooses to "black out and bed down", I figured this was the right place for it.
Here goes:
Complaint: Quote: A wake-up call from Luke's jets
Jun. 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 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
[End of Forward]
Just passing along some important reminders of why we are all in this crazy thing called the Air Force. Thanks to all of you out there fighting for the RIGHT reasons...
Sacha
Sasha,
With regards to your posting...I thought I ought to "paste" this letter that the original writer of the Opinion letter wrote later to retract his message.
I, too, was pretty taken aback by his original letter when I read it. But, judging from his letter, I believe he did not have the sufficient information of who or what was going on that day with the F-16 fly-by. He seems graciously and sincerely sorry. Here is his letter:
Jul. 9, 2005 12:00 AM
Regarding "Flyby honoring fallen comrade" Letters, June 28):
I read with increasing embarrassment and humility the response to my unfortunate letter to The Republic concerning an Air Force flyby ("A wake-up call from Luke's jets," Letters, June 23).
I had no idea of the significance of the flyby, and would never have insulted such a fine and respectful display had I known.
I have received many calls from the fine airmen who are serving or have served at Luke, and I have attempted to explain my side and apologized for any discomfort my letter has caused.
This was simply an uninformed citizen complaining about noise.
I have been made aware in both written and verbal communications of the four-ship flyby, and my heart goes out to each and every lost serviceman and woman in this war in which we are engaged.
I have been called un-American by an unknown caller and I feel that I must address that. I served in the U.S. Navy and am a Vietnam veteran. I love my country and respect the jobs that the service organizations are doing.
Please accept my heartfelt apologies. - Tom MacRae, Peoria
Again, everyone in all forces are doing an awsome job. I know that I, support all troops 100%. Your work is well appreciated. I am sure that people in Arizona, including this gentleman, had all the sincerest intentions, just did not make a good decision with sufficient background before drafting his original letter.
Sincerely,
~Amy
Sasha,
With regards to your posting...I thought I ought to "paste" this letter that the original writer of the Opinion letter wrote later to retract his message.
I, too, was pretty taken aback by his original letter when I read it. But, judging from his letter, I believe he did not have the sufficient information of who or what was going on that day with the F-16 fly-by. He seems graciously and sincerely sorry. Here is his letter:
Jul. 9, 2005 12:00 AM
Regarding "Flyby honoring fallen comrade" Letters, June 28):
I read with increasing embarrassment and humility the response to my unfortunate letter to The Republic concerning an Air Force flyby ("A wake-up call from Luke's jets," Letters, June 23).
I had no idea of the significance of the flyby, and would never have insulted such a fine and respectful display had I known.
I have received many calls from the fine airmen who are serving or have served at Luke, and I have attempted to explain my side and apologized for any discomfort my letter has caused.
This was simply an uninformed citizen complaining about noise.
I have been made aware in both written and verbal communications of the four-ship flyby, and my heart goes out to each and every lost serviceman and woman in this war in which we are engaged.
I have been called un-American by an unknown caller and I feel that I must address that. I served in the U.S. Navy and am a Vietnam veteran. I love my country and respect the jobs that the service organizations are doing.
Please accept my heartfelt apologies. - Tom MacRae, Peoria
Again, everyone in all forces are doing an awsome job. I know that I, support all troops 100%. Your work is well appreciated. I am sure that people in Arizona, including this gentleman, had all the sincerest intentions, just did not make a good decision with sufficient background before drafting his original letter.
Sincerely,
~Amy
Oops! I didn't mean to publish my last comment twice! Hee hee! Sorry all!
~Amy
Amy,
Thanks for posting his sincere apology. Up until now I didn't realize any apology was given. I found his original complaint sarcastic and narrowminded. I agree now that he did not have the sufficient information of what was happening that day and feels embarrassed.
~*Jenn*~
Keep safe, you remain in my prayers. Glad to hear you are doing well.
ED
What's going on how about an update!!! I know you are a busy man but we are all interested in whats going on. Be safe
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