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 theytrying 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
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