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Jun. 23, 2005 12:00 AM
Letter from an irritated citizen.
"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."
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The following response was sent from the Commander of the 63rd Fighter Squadron.
The reply is a testament to the professionalism and heroism of our men in the armed services.
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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
CO 63rd Fighter Squadron
Luke Air Force Base
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Just called my buddy Ken Kleinbach, a member of the 540th. His wife told me he wasn't at home. I told her this was Marion and she relayed that they had taken Ken to the hospital this morning for chest pains. Dang!