[DeTomaso] NPC WAKE-UP CALL

[Kirk Evans]

Thanks guys---I love ya!  

With the utmost respect pass this on to my favorite other group.




   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" (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 Air Force Base, Arizona