Seeing what it is they go through, how we make combat airpower, so they will have a better view of why it’s important for us "office geeks" to provide the best possible support for these troops that we can give, in an attempt to make their lives as less complicated as we can.
Prior to calling my staff together for this little field trip, Capt Jackson had already briefed me a little on the mission of the A-10, the air-to-air CAP mission of the F-16s, the strike mission of the F-16s, the mission of AWACS, and the mission of the C-130. To learn all of this new information just completely thrilled me. And when we finally were on our way to the flight line for our tour, Capt Jackson just couldn’t talk fast enough for me and I ended up telling "the girls" about these different airplanes and their mission. It just was all so exciting for me to learn and I wanted these girls to feel my enthusiasm and understand why and how we do what we do. They learned and also became very excited and enjoyed this new experience.
As we laughed and talked during our tour, I could tell that these girls were glad that I brought them out on the flight line. As I reflect, I remember the funniest part of our visit. We were viewing one of our allied planes from another country that carried a very old type missile. We jokingly said "I guess it really doesn’t matter how old the weapon is, just ‘put me in the game coach, put me in the game’!" One girl commented "They should paint the bomb a pastel color and call it their new weapon". Of course, we all laughed, but the serious side of this is that our NATO allies have joined with us for a common mission, a common goal, and when I think of the unity between us, even though we speak different languages, it gives me an even greater sense of pride to be a part of this mission, to be a part of this great nation.
We shook the hands of our first family of Buzzard pilots stepping to launch for their first CAP mission in Kosovo. In my mind, I’m thinking, "I wonder if these guys are scared? I would be scared to death to get in that airplane headed for war. My God, these guys are brave". I’m also thinking, "Just come back home to us fellas…just come back home".
Crowds of us are standing at the gate where the jets enter the runway; there’s a Major in his flight suit waving the American Flag as each plane enters the taxiway. He is sure not to miss a single plane. Four hours later, he thinks they’re done and begins to leave. He gets about 200 yards when he spots yet another jet pulling from its hangar ready to taxi for the gate. He takes off running to beat the jet to the gate so he can wave his flag at the pilot and his machine. It is evident that his flag mission meant a lot to him, and we are proud of him for what he represents as he waves our country’s flag: Freedom, Democracy, and Opportunity. To me, he’s taking the last chance before the pilot hit the sky to remind them of what they’re fighting for. I’m sure that if there is one ounce of fear in a pilot, when he sees that flag waving through the air, any fear that remains is quickly suppressed.
As I watch the first of our fighters take to the skies, tears begin to trickle down my face. I even get choked up just thinking about it…wondering what’s in store for them out there and how could I help them. But the only thing I can do is stand planted on the ground and wave at them as they take to the skies, and give them the Buzzard Claw. I look around at the maintenance guys, the specialists, and the weapons loaders, and I wonder what are they feeling and thinking as well. Are they scared for their pilot? Wondering if he will return? Or is it just me who knows very little about what they do? When I see the ground troops with their planes and pilots, they have a genuine bond, respect, and rapport that surpasses my understanding. They have trust in each other’s capabilities, realizing one holds the other’s life in his hands. It’s a bond that only those who live it can truly comprehend it. And when you see that jet and pilot returning from a combat mission, you know that bond stands true, and has grown yet another layer of trust.
