William Petredis wrote:

</span>Note to all:

If anyone has any doubt about to whom they owe for their freedom, just read this email.  It will answer that question.

As a very proud American and ex-military aviator, I salute each and every American who wears the uniform today.

Freedom is not free so do not take your freedoms for granted.  Honor and protect them.

Best wishes to all,

Jim

--
Jim Chappelear
-

 Subject: A letter of Complaint & Response
 

This just happened here in Phoenix. Understand the first letter is a
complaint to Luke AFB and t he second is the response from the senior
officer.
Complaint:
Quote:

_____

A wake-up call from Luke's jets

Jun. 23, 200512:00 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 respo nse:

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 fl ag 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 

J Russell