flite11

Well for anyone that has not been directly in combat, that is a tremendously difficult question, but a very valid one. However combat experienced personnel have a far different perspective that others cannot, if ever truly understand.

Some of the best things I have ever seen individuals do were in war. It had nothing to do with the politics or justification of the war they find themselves. Risking one’s life to save one’s buddy is perhaps the best manifestation of the human condition. Is that ever a “waste?” Whatever the war?

Paradoxically, the horrors of war often do propel the participants to a much higher plane of humanity.

Whatever side of the conflict, Shakespeare captured it: “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,”

Thank you.
Continental Airlines, until the strike and hostile takeover by Frank Lorenzo and Texas International in the early 1980s. Then I flew for the Padres MLB team and Ray Kroc on the B-727. After a short stint with Pride Airlines, I flew many years as captain for America West on the B-737 along with the Airbus A320 and A319. After a merger, I retired from USAirways early, on a medical. My last trip was a trans-con on the Airbus.

I knew I should not have posted this Ima. The questions are really piling up. But yours are good. Yes, I follow the USAir/AWA/AA fray daily. I have opinions (and old friends on all sides, mostly retired) so I don't comment.

I flew many Navy aircraft, but primarily the F-4, the F-14, and the A-4. In addition to some time in a P-3 and others, I have 30-some hours in a Ch-53.

I had quite a number of "holy crap" moments both in combat and elsewhere in normal operations. Each is an interesting story better said later.

I think the "most spectacular" thing I ever saw was the 3rd night of B-52 raids over Hanoi in 1972. I cannot watch holiday fireworks today without flashbacks to that night long ago.

The war left a "bad taste" in my mouth. However I was proud of my service and every mission I did. But there were two that still bother.

Thank you. When I returned from war in 1973, there were no thanks. Sometimes, quite the opposite! But I was not bothered by all that. I did what I believed in, and did it to the best of my ability despite the circumstances, the politics, and the tragedies of war.

No need to thank me. My service was indeed my pleasure, seriously... as difficult as it was.

Thank you for keeping things real.

This addition to my website this should provide the proof: http://flitetime.net/new.html