Letter

[JohnH]

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 theback. Apparently, an individual who lives somewhere near Luke AFB wrote the local paper complaining about a group of F-16s that disturbedhis/her day at the mall.

When that individual read the response from a Luke AFB officer, it mustHave st ung 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 lowpass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road atapproximately 500 feet.. Imagine our good fortune! Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were theytrying to impress the cashiers at Mervyn's early bird special?

Any response would be appreciated.
The response:

Regarding 'A wake-up call from Luke's jets' On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four- ship fly by 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 SunlandMemorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend. Based on the letter writer's recount of the fly by, 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. FresquesasI 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 fly by is a display of respect the Air Force gives 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 make the 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.

Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you....Jesus Christ and the American Soldier.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.

Lt.. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr.

USAF

 

[frddyj]

if that doesnt make you impressed by the US Military, then nothing will. Ive have several relatives & friends that have served, & my Grandfather was a POW in WWII, but haven't lost anyone; i can surely feel for those who have.

however, i did lose an uncle who was a firefighter (not to mention his service in the Air Force years ago) & his peers, co-workers & firefighter family gave him the most honorable funeral ceremony ive ever seen. i can only imagine how grateful the family of Capt. Fresques must have been for this show of respect.

very well written response btw

 

[Shaun]

wow thats touching... i bet they will have a problem getting there foot out of there mouth for a while and so they should i live10 miles from the base here in meaford and we hear the heavy guns and helicopters all the time here, i admit theres no jets but there heavy artillery fire shakes the windows for miles around lol and no one complains... thanks for sharing that .....

 

[Crash]

amen Col.









..................................

 

[jcam54]

Proud and Greatfull American

I can't say it enough how proud and greatfull of our Armed Services I am. I truely wish the complaining citizen realizes that everytime he wakes up and sees his wife and kids it is because of our Armed Services and I truely and deeply hope he/she retracts that letter and writes a heart felt appoligy to the family of our fallen heros. I personally attended a close friends...a proud unselfish heroic Marine...funeral and was deeply touched and proud of how his service was honored and the life he gave for our country will never be forgotten. Everytime I here tapps being played I remember my friend and it warms my heart to know that I'm not alone to remember him or are fallen brothers and sisters. We owe more to these heros then we can ever pay, so please think before you speak or write, if that is not possible...the bed of my truck is available to help you move from this great country of ours.

I'm always praying for our soldiers safe return...why don't you join me, it's never to late to start.

Well said and spoken sir my hat is off to you and I raise my glass to all of my brothers and sisters...without you none of our lives are possible.

 

[SunkenMetal]

God i miss being active duty air force....

 

[Shaun]

This is Shaun's G/F and after reading this article it makes me wonder y ppl who live near a military base complain about the noise??? I guess I'm used to it having lived next door to a training base for most of my life... but congrates for the professional reply to a very offensive letter!!!

 

[Larsenracing]

It's a great feeling to know we have such a great power covering and protecting us. This man did a great job in his reply. I don't think I would have been so nice.

I as well lived near a base and had F-16's flying over several times a month but actually enjoyed it. I love airplanes and am very fascinated with them. My Little Brother is also an aeronautical Engineer for a well knows Airplane Manufacturer.

 

[Grumpy1822]

Great response by the col.

 

[Jeremy]

Great letter

 

[f1n3sse]

wow that guy must have felt like a total ******. wish those words could have been spoken face to face..the look on that guys face would be priceless

 

[Dreadnaught]

This is Shaun's G/F and after reading this article it makes me wonder y ppl who live near a military base complain about the noise??? I guess I'm used to it having lived next door to a training base for most of my life... but congrates for the professional reply to a very offensive letter!!!

i have almost the same problem. my dad has been bringing his work truck home, its a semi truck with a 53' trailer, for 25+ years, and never had a problem. now that our little po-dunk town has gotten bigger, there have been 3 subdivisions put in within a 5 mile radius, and at least 10 people from each have started complaining about the trucks being at the house.

they saw them when they moved here, they knew i use the engine brake (makes a whole lot of noise and rattles some windows) when i come into the drive, but thy still moved in and started complaining.