think before you bitch

[Launcelot]

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, 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!
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."


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 9a.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

[Launcelot]

When I read this this morning I was hoping that the person complaining feels like a total douchebag.. I pray they writr and apologize to Luke AFB for the lack of thought involved when writing their letter... as well as the lack of pride in our military personal and customs. Coming from a strong military family and also having served myself, I feel for all of the men and women that serve and die for this great country. God Bless our troops and my thanks goes out to all of the men and womens families who have past away fighting for equal rights and freedom of all.

[Slaynn]

Oh burn!

[Rilrea]

You know, I grew up in Arizona. And I was in ROTC all through High School. I was a Lt. Col when I graduated from High School. And because I was in the top of my class, I got to sit in the cock pit of one of those jets. It was.. an amazing experiance. And.. Lord did I want to fly in it.

Our men and women who serve our country, DESERVE our RESPECT!!! Not our bitching.

I recall when they were going to shut Luke's down. We had to petition for it not to be shut down. Williams AFB was shut down -I lived about 5 miles away from one of the enterances from Willies.- And this also did not help the economy. I just.. I hate it when people bitch about shit like this.

Lukes is where our men and women are trained to fly. One of the main bases anyhow. So instead of bitching.. Show your respect to these people, and tell them thank you, for doing a job, that not all of us have done.

That is all.