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Memorial Day Thoughts

sj

Staff member
Northwest Arkansas
Every year on Memorial day I try to take time to reflect on those who by their choice, or not by their choice, have served for the rest of us in some capacity in our military.

I put aside the questions I may have about right or wrong, justified or unjustified, purpose or no-purpose, and focus only on remembering the sacrifices and efforts so many have put in to defend our country's values. I know there are many of you out there, in supercub land, and my hat is off to you. Thanks for what you have done, or are doing, for me.

Today I will attend a funeral of another great veteran, Ed Duckworth. I met Ed first because he was the Safety Program Manager for the local FSDO, in fact, Ed put on more safety programs in one year than any other SPM in the country - by almost a factor of 2 - AFTER he retired from TWA. Ed took us under his wing when we were first starting our little safety show that we eventually went on to do at Oshkosk 2000, and a numerous national aircraft type conventions.

Ed served in the Korean war, and he flew WWII fighters all the way to 747's with TWA. I will never forget the stories he told me about checking himself out in a Beech 18, and in a PBY - both times with numerous folks along who wanted the flight time.

Ed was a great friend to aviation, and to everyone he met. He was, without doubt, also a noble military servant to all of us. We will miss him, and those like him.

Thanks again, to all of you who have selflessly served the rest of us.

sj

Link to Ed's obit:
http://www.legacy.com/kansascity/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=2276435
 
Very well chosen words as usual Steve.

Memorial day this year seems to have hit home much more so than in the past several years. Those of us who are vets really appreciate the thoughts.

:flag

Ernie
 
i served in an ang unit in california. we plucked all the off-shore rescues that the coast guard couldn't reach. the unit's motto was 'so that others may live.' the creed that the unit still carries, should be used by all the services in our armed forces, even in these trying and unpredictable times. my hat goes off to those who still serve their country proudly, w/ distinguished valor, even though this country stands devided, by so very few.

the attached article was printed in washington, october 1942
http://www.supercub.org/gallery/view_photo.php?set_albumName=planes&id=ada

the article brings tears to my eyes every time i read it. i can't imagine the hell that was survived by all the men who went through it, on that day in october. i would like to personally thank Major Robert B. Keck of allentown pa, his unnamed Co-Pilot, and their 'Wonder Machine,' for bringing home my grandad Sergent Carl H. Drake, that day.

pappy lost his leg, brought home the distinguished flying cross and a purple heart. you were a great man. granny served as a nurse in the army air corps. Carl & Virginia, you are BOTH missed by alot of people :angel: !!!

i'd like to take this time to thank those of you who have taken the short time out of your life to serve this great country, and for those of my brothers and sisters still in, GOD SPEED!

i'm not a religous man but GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!

thanks Steve for mentioning all of us, and don't forget the fallen warriors who paid the ultimate price for our freedom!!!

:flag
 
Very nice Steve,

Amen to the thanks to the men and women in uniform, past, present and future. God Bless you All

DennisB.
 
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