A letter to Luke AFB
#1

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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

Reply
#2

I've nothing to add to that response! :pdt34:

Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"
Reply


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