Got a nice note from an occasional lurker I thought I’d share:
Lex–Thanks for a thought provoking and very entertaining forum, I check in and lurk everyday.
I just listened to your KCET interview and really enjoyed the exchange.
I am a pilot for Polar Air Cargo, and as such have had the privelege to witness some of the service of young Americans from NAS Norfolk to Rota, AFB Charleston to Ramstein AB, Hickam to Kadena, Kuwait to Qatar, Incirlik to Kuwait.
As a Midshipman, I have had the happy duty of delivering early morning donuts up to prifly aboard USS Coral Sea before the morning F-4 launch, and swapping cards on the YUK-7 computer with a proud Chief in the wee hours aboard USS Guitarro (both vessels long gone). Having never commissioned is the great regret of my life, but the Navy showed me more “right” in my 4 years at SDSU than any other institution has shown me since. I get it.
My most poignant views of our warriors have been witnessing the respectful, and quiet before sunrise delivery of the fallen by an Honor Guard and any available personnel who are able to offer a final slow-motion salute before placement aboard our 747 in Kuwait for the long, quiet flights back to Dover AFB and the solemn service (often with late notified families) planeside back “home”. Inflight, it has become a ritual to go down, say a prayer, and recognize the sacrifice and loss those flag draped coffins represent. Too many of those flights… It is an honor to be defended by such people, and so sad to contemplate the cost they have paid.
I agree with the point made in your interview: This other side of the militarys’ story is a crucial input that the MilBlogs bring to the discussion of who we are, who we used to be, where we are going and how we fit into the new world. Is anything worth fighting for anymore? I agree with the notion that much of what we are…is.
I thought your interview might put me to sleep…as I am operating a flight out of Osan AB in Korea in about 4 hours…as usual you accounted for more of my time than anticipated. Oh well, the coffee will be black, the sunrise and conversation will be worth getting up for.
Maybe we could all lose a little more sleep thinking about the young American serving far from home that I will meet in a few hours who will deliver the manifest and say “Thank you Captain, you have a good day.” As I’m headed home to my family, I’ll hope they ALL have a very good day. Thanks again, Lex.
And I thanked him too in my response for providing our fallen and their families a service that is nearly the final kindness.
Thanks for posting this so I can thank him as well…
Sir, thank YOU. Knowing that our guys are taken care of all the way home… and getting a small glimpse of the trip, does my heart good.
Thanks for sharing that one. And to all the pilots flying that difficult mission, a very heart-felt thank-you.
Wow – thank you for sharing that, hidden reader. Come out from the shadows dear Sir. The world needs your perspective, badly.
What a very beautiful letter. I never cease to be thankful for the quality of my fellow citizens.
Ah Cap’n?
Great letter, one wonders why we don’t spend more time considering the sacrifice families make to their loved ones can fight the Good Fight. I agree with Kris, your ‘lurker’ should come out more often.
Being the sort of nit-picker I am, please convey to your reader that the AN/UYK-7 computer is, indeed, pronounced ‘YUK’ (amongst other less charitable names) but is spelled as I did here. I’m acually surprised the Chief would permit someone to play cards on the chassis. The bloody thing would tend to overheat if we got too close to it.
I’m glad someone watches over our fallen as they make their way home. It has to be tough duty, but worthwhile.
More power to him. I hope he decides to jump in — we generally don’t bite!
OK, y’all drew me out…Your kind words and always thoughtful discourse are very much appreciated.
The dignified and expeditious return of our fallen is a heartbreaking task. But, rest assured, these flights are a very great honor for ALL involved.
Isn’t it haunting that we are a nation at war, yet so few bear the burden? It is always that way, of course, but anonymous empathy just doesn?
OK, y’all drew me out…Your kind words and always thoughtful discourse are very much appreciated.
The dignified and expeditious return of our fallen is a heartbreaking task. But, rest assured, these flights are a very great honor for ALL involved.
Isn’t it haunting that we are a nation at war, yet so few bear the burden? It is always that way, of course, but anonymous empathy just doesn’t seem enough… Lex’ reference to “The Greatest Generation v2.0” summed my long-held feelings perfectly, and prompted my response.
God Bless and Protect you who serve…and not just in combat.
On a much lighter note:
Not at all nit picking, SeniorD, and thanks for the proper designation. I should clarify: The “cards” in question were not playing cards, but rather programming cards (circuit boards) which, as I recall, were routinely swapped from one AN/UYK-7 to the other in order to identify or solve a problem. There were two of these large, cabinet-sized computers sharing an environmentally controlled compartment. I defer, as you would clearly know better than I…
Please note: That was my one and only intimate experience with a “YUK-7”. And yes, the Chief did clearly define my limitations within his space. While he was a very nice fellow, I do not recall a hand of Poker while lounging on his computers being among my options. But then, I didn’t ask…
Mark – seems much nicer to say the thank you “in person” than to a shadow. Thank you for escorting our fallen heroes. I’ve read about the process but never from someone who actually does the work. It must take a certain kind of inner strength to carry out such honorable duty.
But then again, I guess we can say that about all our courageous men & women in uniform.
Kris-You’re very nice. Regular reader of your “take” on things, as well. Enjoy it. Agree.
Yes, we are very fortunate that these folks step up…everyday.