A WAKE UP CALL FROM LUKE AFB, AZ:
Jul 19th, 2006 by wwaddell
A WAKE UP CALL FROM LUKE AFB, AZ:
Recently, 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:
Article: “A Wake-Up Call From Luke’s Jets” “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 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” (Letters, Thursday):
On 15 June, 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 Captain Jeremy Fresques. Captain Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on 30 May, Memorial Day.
At 0900 on 15 June, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, a son and a 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 Captain Fresques as I gave them their son’s flag on behalf of the President of the United States, and on behalf of all those veterans and servicemen and women who understand the sacrifices they have endured.
A four-ship flyby is a display of respect the United States Air Force pays to those who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on 15 June 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 Captain 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 Commander, 63rd Fighter Squadron Luke AFB, Arizona
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As a retired Air Force Member, I’m all too familiar with the meaning of the 4 ship missing man formation.
I hope that the next time you see a flight of 4 military aircraft flying low and slow, you take the time to remember the sacrifices of our men and women of the Armed Forces that keep our Countries Free.
Wes
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