Letter appearing in the Arizona Republic on June 23rd:
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.
Tom MacRae, Peoria
-------
The response:
Flyby honored fallen comrade
Jun. 28, 2005 12:00 AM
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
Luke Air Force Base
The writer is commander of the 63rd Fighter Squadron.
Talk about "foot in mouth"...
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Although I am about 40 minutes from Luke Air Force Base, I make a point every time I am in the area to drive by and appreciate the work these men and women do there.
Not surprisingly, the base is becoming enclosed by new residential development on three sides. I cannot believe how many residents, once they move into that area, sign petitions and complain about the jet noise that accompanies the neighborhood.
That was a great response letter. I salute all those at Luke AFB and around the world who defend our country and the rights of others.
Not surprisingly, the base is becoming enclosed by new residential development on three sides. I cannot believe how many residents, once they move into that area, sign petitions and complain about the jet noise that accompanies the neighborhood.
That was a great response letter. I salute all those at Luke AFB and around the world who defend our country and the rights of others.
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