Luke AFB is west of Phoenix and is rapidly being surrounded by civilization that complains about
the noise from the base and its planes, forgetting that it was there long before they were. A
certain lieutenant colonel at Luke AFB deserves a big pat on the back. Apparently, an individual
who lives somewhere near Luke AFB wrote the local paper complaining about a group of F-16s that
disturbed his/her day at the mall.
When that individual read the response from a Luke AFB officer, it must Have stung quite a bit.
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’ On June 15, at
precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four- ship fly by 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 fly by,
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 fly by is a display of respect the Air Force gives 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
make the 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.
Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you….Jesus Christ and the American Soldier.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.
Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr.
USAF
How ALL phones SHOULD be answered!
GOOD MORNING WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
My hats off to those who served 
and those who gave their lives
My heart and prayers go out to all prior and present military personnel and I thank them for their sacrifices!!!