bhendrix Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 True Story.... (initially reported as true) 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. The response: Regarding 'A wake-up call from Luke's jets' On June 15, at precisely 9:12a.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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmans Robin Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 That is beautiful. Rest In Peace, Captain Jeremy Fresques Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvel Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 Bill, That was an excellent repsonse. I just had a two day visit from an old friend of mine, who works at the U.S. Army Military Heritage Museum in Carlisle, PA. They recently finished a replica of a Vietnam War era camp, full scale, outdoors. At the ribbon cutting, were Joseph Galloway, the reporter who was with Gen. Hal Moore during one of the more famous battles of the Vietnam War. Bill Beck, Russell Adams and many others were in attendance. If you have never seen "We were soldiers once", it is a must see. The book, by Moore and Galloway, was translated into Vietnamese, and was such an honest enough writing that many of our vets were allowed to return in 1993 to revisit some of the battle sites and meet with surviving 'enemy'. I am thankful that the people of our nation have, for the most part, come to realize we can honor the men and women who serve, whether we like a particular war or not. Bruce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darylomer12 Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you....Jesus Christ andthe American Soldier. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom. I got goosebumps reading this..... RIP Jeremy Fresques Thanks for the good read.. I needed that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zen Traveler Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 I am thankful that the people of our nation have, for the most part, come to realize we can honor the men and women who serve, whether we like a particular war or not. Bruce ...Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you....Jesus Christ andthe American Soldier. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom. Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr. USAF I agree completely with Marvel's statement above, but I think the Lieutenant Colonel got a little presumptuous with his chastising of the complainants in the community in regard to their soul... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest " " Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 Well as a 20 year vet, I am happy to see that my efforts, during my service to this country were not in vein.....if all select americans have to complain about is being woken up at 9:15 by freindly forces then the mission was accomplished. But alas..the mission continues for others...and certainly it's with our deepest regrets that all our brothers did not come home. RIP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSport Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 Speakerfritz...I think your response was just as important...and I thank you for your Service... "...if all select americans have to complain about is being woken up at 9:15 by freindly forces then the mission was accomplished." Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tommyboy Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 This is pretty much the norm; unfortunately. This is my 3rd base so far in 6 years, and the locals complained at all 3 places................. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Islander Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 I'm a bit of a pacifist and think that when it comes to foreign policies, most politicians from most countries are screw-ups, or there wouldn't be so many wars. However, I also believe that anyone who's willing to put himself in harm's way for his country, whatever country it is, is a patriot by definition and deserves respect. That goes double for the unfortunate soldiers, aircrew, marines and the rest who don't make it back alive. I have a theory that there would be very few wars if they were fought face-to-face, one-on-one, by the leaders who are so willing to send their young people to their deaths. Of course that might mean it would come down to a fight for world domination between Arnold S. and Jesse Ventura... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesV Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 Yes, that is a great sorry... Also thanks to all who ever served.... [Y] James Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators dtel Posted January 11, 2009 Moderators Share Posted January 11, 2009 Yes, that is a great sorry... Also thanks to all who ever served.... James I agree, people don't have a clue, or don't want to think about how things could be without all the brave Solders that have stood up for them. Although I would hope if the person who wrote that letter would have a different opinion if thew knew what it was for as they flew over, I would hope. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpinDoctor15 Posted January 11, 2009 Share Posted January 11, 2009 I went to the U.S. Air Force Academy with Jeremy, he was a Senior when I was a Freshman and we were in the same squadron. He "trained" us as Freshman, and although we were the underclassmen, he was always fair with us. He was a truly great person, and all of my classmates (as well as others in the squadron) looked up to him. When he died a couple years back, we were truly sad. I really wish people would think about someone other than themselves, that letter is no different than many opinions I've seen, time and time again... Freedom is never free, of course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stormin Posted January 11, 2009 Share Posted January 11, 2009 ...Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you....Jesus Christ andthe American Soldier. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom. Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr. USAF I think the Lieutenant Colonel got a little presumptuous with his chastising of the complainants in the community in regard to their soul... I don't and not in the least. It happens to be what this country was founded on. The right to serve Jesus Christ our savior freely. It's just got all mixed up over the years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edwinr Posted January 11, 2009 Share Posted January 11, 2009 I went to the U.S. Air Force Academy with Jeremy, he was a Senior when I was a Freshman and we were in the same squadron. He "trained" us as Freshman, and although we were the underclassmen, he was always fair with us. He was a truly great person, and all of my classmates (as well as others in the squadron) looked up to him. When he died a couple years back, we were truly sad. I really wish people would think about someone other than themselves, that letter is no different than many opinions I've seen, time and time again... Freedom is never free, of course. That makes it extra sad having pesonally known him. How must the family feel?. He died a hero. I guess that's something they'll be proud of forever... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zen Traveler Posted January 11, 2009 Share Posted January 11, 2009 I don't and not in the least. It happens to be what this country was founded on. The right to serve Jesus Christ our savior freely. It's just got all mixed up over the years. It depends on where you stand spiritually on who is to blames on getting it mixed up over the years. [:#] I respect your right to serve any spiritual leader/God that you wish as long as it doesn't tread on my rights. ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zen Traveler Posted January 11, 2009 Share Posted January 11, 2009 I agree, people don't have a clue, or don't want to think about how things could be without all the brave Solders that have stood up for them. Although I would hope if the person who wrote that letter would have a different opinion if thew knew what it was for as they flew over, I would hope. I can only imagine that the person who wrote that letter has a completely different opinion and is embarrassed...Then again, if the AFB had a history of low level flyovers that appeared to be for no reason, then one can understand some in the community for not realizing the somber situation. [^o)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Richard Posted January 11, 2009 Share Posted January 11, 2009 A special thanks to all who have and do serve. And a special thanks to the Colonel, for educating those who do not know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacksonbart Posted January 11, 2009 Share Posted January 11, 2009 I am thankful that the people of our nation have, for the most part, come to realize we can honor the men and women who serve, whether we like a particular war or not. Bruce ...Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you....Jesus Christ andthe American Soldier. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom. Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr. USAF I agree completely with Marvel's statement above, but I think the Lieutenant Colonel got a little presumptuous with his chastising of the complainants in the community in regard to their soul... The original post was a bit embelished. From Snope.com, the actual reply was a bit more subdued. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zen Traveler Posted January 11, 2009 Share Posted January 11, 2009 The original post was a bit embelished. From Snope.com, the actual reply was a bit more subdued. Thanks for the detective work jacksonbart. The original post didn't sound like it came from the military and I am appalled that someone would use Capt. Fresques' death as propaganda. [bs] EDIT: WOW! [] Here is the link from Snopes.com: http://www.snopes.com/politics/military/wakeup.asp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvel Posted January 11, 2009 Share Posted January 11, 2009 Without taking sides in this, it should also be pointed out that Snopes has been known to do a bit of embellishing of their own. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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