.:Friday, September 14, 2007:.
Sharing
| My mom sent me this email. Upon receiving it, I did a very quick Yahoo search which turned up at the top of the list, a memorial page for Capt. Jeremy Fresques. Capt. Fresques met his angels on May 30, 2005 while in the line of duty just one short month before he was due to return home. The reply printed below was one of two responses. There was also a response from Col. Robin Rand that was printed in the paper, but apparently didn't make it to this email for whatever reason. The link to the memorial page and the Snopes page (which is where I found the response from the Col.) are at the bottom of this email. This email is being updated by me to show the apology from the man that wrote in with the original complaint. It went unnoticed for the most part. Right or wrong, he made an ignorant statement. Even had there not been "special circumstances" on this particular day, I wish that people would be more open and understanding in regard to those defending our nation. With a husband that is also a fighter pilot and living right on top of the Air Force base here, I often hear complaints of the "noise" myself. My only response is, "isn't it beautiful, the sound of those men and women that have dedicated their lives to protecting YOU and the seriousness and dedication with which they train daily so that they can better protect YOU and HOPEFULLY come home safely after doing so." Please remember that next time you hear one flying over head and are annoyed by the temporary "noise". 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" (Letters, Thursday): On June 15, 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 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 CO 63rd Fighter Squadron Luke AF An Apology From the Heart to the Airmen of Luke Jul. 9, 2005 12:00 AM Regarding "Flyby honoring fallen comrade" Letters, June 28): I read with increasing embarrassment and humility the response to my unfortunate letter to The Republic concerning an Air Force flyby ("A wake-up call from Luke's jets," Letters, June 23). I had no idea of the significance of the flyby, and would never have insulted such a fine and respectful display had I known. I have received many calls from the fine airmen who are serving or have served at Luke, and I have attempted to explain my side and apologized for any discomfort my letter has caused. This was simply an uninformed citizen complaining about noise. I have been made aware in both written and verbal communications of the four-ship flyby, and my heart goes out to each and every lost serviceman and woman in this war in which we are engaged. I have been called un-American by an unknown caller and I feel that I must address that. I served in the U.S. Navy and am a Vietnam veteran. I love my country and respect the jobs that the service organizations are doing. Please accept my heartfelt apologies. - Tom MacRae, Peoria http://www.fallenheroesmemorial.com/oif/profiles/fresquesjeremy.html http://www.snopes.com/politics/military/wakeup.asp |
