You can trust the Yanks to out-do any of us in dealing with complaints about their aircraft over 'sensitive' civilian spots (and 'sensitive' civilians). This I got in an email some time ago. It doesn't matter if it's factual or someone's creation,
(e.g., I find the "21 gun salute" for a USAF captain a bit suss), the sentiments would strike a chord with many who wear the uniform for a largely unappreciative populace.
(For those who don't know Luke AFB, it's more or less the USAF equivalent of Willy - i.e., fighter central.)
Luke AFB is west of Phoenix and is rapidly being surrounded by
civilization who complain about the noise from the base and its planes,
forgetting that it was there long before they were.
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! Does 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 flyby 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 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, for it
was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of
their lives.
Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you . . . Jesus
Christ and the American Servicemen and Women of the U.S. armed services.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.
Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr.
USAF