The Complaint:
Quote: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 forthe 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 BellRoad at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune! Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this ! wake-up call, or werethey trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns' early-bird special? Any response would be appreciated."
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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 ------- , who was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed atLuke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day.t 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 thejet 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 ----- as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the president of the United States and allthose 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 aviatorsand take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writerwitnessed 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 tothe widow and parents of ----, and thank them for you, for it wasin their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of theirlives.
(name withheld-BA)
CO 63rd Fighter Squadron
Luke Air Force Base
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