Makes you think a little bit doesn't it?

[Iowawegian]

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! 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 fly by 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 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you....Jesus Christ and the American Soldier. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.

Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr.

USAF

[kenw]

Thanks for the write-up around here people around the airport with boing, I tell them what they are hearing is the sound of freedom!

[T.J.]

GO AIR FORCE!

[Venturous Randy]

I was hopeing this was not just a feel good story that someone had come up with so I had to check with Snopes. Not only is it true, but they have also added the letter of apology from the letter writer.

 

http://www.snopes.com/politics/military/wakeup.asp

 

RandyA

 

 

[FJR Rider]

I guess that one is better than the helicopter from my Rescue unit hovering 200 ft up over a ranch in Placitas NM and looking at the nude female sunbather

 

Curt

MSgt USAF Retired

[Iowawegian]

I guess that one is better than the helicopter from my Rescue unit hovering 200 ft up over a ranch in Placitas NM and looking at the nude female sunbather

 

Curt

MSgt USAF Retired

 

:rotfl::rotfl:

[T.J.]

I guess that one is better than the helicopter from my Rescue unit hovering 200 ft up over a ranch in Placitas NM and looking at the nude female sunbather

 

Curt

MSgt USAF Retired

 

Pictures, we need pictures.

[SilvrT]

It amazes me the numbers of people who willingly choose to move into a residential area that is close to an airport and then start complaining about the noise. What are they thinking? What were they thinking? Who do they think they are? If the noise is bothering them, they should move elsewhere IMHO.

[Sleeperhawk]

At least the guy had the guts to put his name and offer an apology.

Sometimes people insert foot in mouth and it comes back to bite them.

[TATERS]

One died for your soul, the other for your Freedom. . .that is beautiful!

It really makes you proud to be an American. Thank you. . . . to every branch of service.

[Lobo Hurfiano]

Great story-great ending-everyone gets what they deserve.

[Yammer Dan]

I guess that one is better than the helicopter from my Rescue unit hovering 200 ft up over a ranch in Placitas NM and looking at the nude female sunbather

 

Curt

MSgt USAF Retired

 

 

Security Check!!! You don't know what she may have been hiding!!

[Marcarl]

I love that response, that was an excellant way to put it, full of truth, from start to finish.

Let's not steal this thread, it's a way too awesome to ruin it.

[traildawg626]

What is wrong with people? It just goes back to what our mom's taught us... If you can't say something nice, then say nothing." My heartfelt thanks to every member of our nation's elite military men and women both here and abroad and to those who have retired. I reside near a military base in Sumter, SC where they train F16 pilots. No matter the noise, the rumbling of the house, or the formations in which I get to witness... I would never utter a single word that was not a positive repsonse to them for giving up their personal freedoms and any semblance of a personal life, so that I can enjoy my personal life freely and safely.

Sherri:325: