The sound of freedom...

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 airshow? 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

courtesy of Jim (the anti FB) and Diane. Thank you for the little reminder of how to keep things in perspective. As a former 20yr resident of Hampton Roads Virginia, the sound of jets was common. While sometimes it made it hard to hear, I was never far away from the known that the sound of our Air Force and Navy fliers, IS the sound of freedom.

Dear God,

On this Thanksgiving day, just a few things I want to acknowledge.
* Thanks God, for placing me in this most awesome family. It's a perfect fit (as you know) and I love them all, even the weird ones. Give Dan a hug for me, I miss him.
* And especially thank you God, for my children. They make my heart swell with love and pride every time I think of them. Ok, some times they can be a pain in the..; well you know, but they're the best kids in the world, even at their worst.
* Thank you God, for giving me the capacity to believe in you. As you know, there have been times in my life, where my faith was shaken, but then you go and do something totally awesome, and I love you for that.
* And God, I know it's your world and you control the seas I sail, but thanks for letting me steer the ship.

microwave cake in a mug!

Subject: Most Dangerous Cake Recipe.
THE 5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE CAKE FOR ONE PERSON
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug (MicroSafe)
Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well..Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired. EAT!

(courtesy of Diane)