Subject: Noise complaint
> This just happened here in Phoenix. Understand, the first letter is a
> complaint to Luke AFB and the second is the response from the senior
> officer.
>
>
> 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 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 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 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 s ure 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