Wake up call

I received an email you may have already seen, but it’s worth reading again.  It’s about a complaint and response in the letters to the editor in the Arizona Republic in 2005.  I checked the story out on TruthOrFiction.com, and it’s legit.

Here is the first 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 Mervyns early bird special? Any response would be appreciated.

Here is the response from a LTC at Luke AFB:

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 flyby 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 AFB

To his credit the author of the complaint apologized in a follow up letter. You can read his response here.

F-16 Missing Man Formation

Update from our Europe Field Director

 Dear Rick & Paula,

As we mentioned in our last news letter Debbie and I have taken on a part time role of visiting other Cadence Staff and being whatever help we can be to them while our soldiers are deployed.

At the beginning of the month we led a staff get together where all of our house directors gathered for a day of sharing, praying and encouraging one another. We are finding the health of the missionary on the field is enhanced by times to withdraw from the regular schedule and talk and pray with others who are doing the same kinds of things. For Debbie and I, our staff experience was elongated by hosting overnight the day before and day after some staff who live 4 – 6 hours away from the event. 

In the spring of 2008, Cadence International opened a new ministry to the Air Force at Spangdahlem Air Base. This new ministry is about an hour from where we live and Debbie and I were able to join Roger and Sheila for a mid week study. Their house was full and we had a great time interacting with the airmen and their families.  

Our co-workers Roger & Sheila in Spangdahlem

God also allowed us to spend a weekend in Vicenza, Italy (where we also enjoyed sunshine and warm weather, as well as participating in the thriving ministry of Rob and Karen Hampton). Rob and Karen are doing a great job ministering to an Army community in Northern Italy.  

Our co-workers Rob & Karen in Vicenza Italy

 In Baumholder

Here in Baumholder we had Super Sunday on September 21. Thankfully had no rain, so the children could enjoy one more day outside on our playground, but the temperatures were cool enough that the adults opted for staying inside. We had over thirty folks from the community join us for this wonderful afternoon. It was a treat to have a couple drop by who used to come to the House when they were stationed in Baumholder as well as our new American neighbors from across the street.

Two great kids we love

 Baumholder: A Community with Deployed Soldiers

We miss our soldiers and we regularly send them notes and birthday cards. From time to time they find time to write to us as well. It is always encouraging for us when we hear from them. We are really looking forward to their return. There have been several memorial services in September for men who were killed in action. We thank you for your prayers for our soldiers who are in harms way, and also all the victims of this war.  

Thank you so much for faithfully giving to and praying for us, so that we can be here as your representative.

Sincerely,

Brad Ellgen
Festaburg