Fallen heroes

Here’s an interesting story making the internet rounds. It’s a true story and was confirmed on Snopes.com.

Luke AFB is located in Arizona and is home of the 56th fighter wing. Their mission is to train the best F-16 fighter pilots in the world. A disgruntled citizen felt the need to write to his local paper and complain about being disturbed by the planes. I have come from a long line of military veterans so I found this story disturbing. Here is the complaint and the response from an officer at the base.

The letter to the editor:

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 Mervyn’s early bird special? 

Any response would be appreciated. 

The response:

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 Captain Jeremy Fresques, who was an Air Force officer previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base. He died in Iraq on May 30, which was also 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 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 Captain 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 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 airshow? The 56th Fighter Wing will make the 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. 

Only two 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.