Luke AFB
Phoenix, AZ
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 the back. Apparently, an individual who lives somewhere
near Luke AFB wrote the local paper complaining about a group of F-16s that
disturbed his/her day at the mall.
When that individual read the response from a Luke AFB officer, it must Have
stung 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 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 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-1 6s 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 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. 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 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
