The Commanding Officer of the 63rd Fighter Squadron 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. Probably NOT!

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