SASless
9th Jul 2005, 04:49
From the Arizona Republic online.....
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 reply is classic, and a testament to the professionalism and
heroism of the folks in the armed services. 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 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
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 reply is classic, and a testament to the professionalism and
heroism of the folks in the armed services. 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 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