As someone who has many friends and colleagues who are graduates of Annapolis, I was recently invited to subscribe to the daily updates from a group called "United States Naval Academy-At-Large." The group is a forum for USNA graduates to quickly communicate with one another on issues relevant to the Naval Academy and its alumni. A recent posting caught my eye and reminded me that knowing the context of an event radically changes our perception of that event and our attitude towards it. The story below tells of a complaint by a citizen regarding a fly-by, and concludes with a response to the complaint.
A wake-up call from Luke's jets
Jun. 23, 2005 12:00 AM
"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 reply is classic, and a testament to the professionalism and heroism of the folks in the armed services. The response:
Quote:
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 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
* * * * *
The rest of the story . . .
This morning’s version of USNA-At-Large contained an update to this story.
The original writer fesses up, from Sunday's AZ Republic editorial pages,
An apology from the heart to the airmen of Luke
Regarding "Flyby honoring fallen comrade" Letters, June 28:
I read with increasing embarrassment and humility the response to my unfortunate letter in 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
Hats off to Mr. McRae for his humility and willingness to admit a mistake. The roar of the jets was the sound of freedom. The honest dialogue that ensued in the wake of Mr. McRae's letter to the editor was also the sound of freedom. Let freedom ring!
Al
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