A dog friend's best man

Andrew has been back in the States for a whole month now, having concluded his four-month tour in the Middle East.

He's already come to Columbia for a week-long visit, during which he was reunited with Rambo, and has been back home in Knoxville for two weeks.

I didnt take enough pictures while he was here, but what I have, I will share with you.

One day Andrew wanted the two of us to go out to McEntire Joint National Guard Base, just on the other side of Columbia. It is home to the 169th Fighter Wing.

Staff Sergeant Weber had some informal business to conduct there. Also we hoped for an opportunity to get down to the flight line and watch military aircraft take off.

It was our lucky day because the fine Air Force personnel at Base Ops were kind and welcoming.

They even let me take my camera outside and aim it at the planes. I had to wear a special necklace and the only caveat was that I refrain from photographing aircraft controls.

(I wasn't even tempted to do that; as a rule I do not climb ladders. Especially do I not climb ladders in the presence of a bunch of young strong men. Perish the very thought.)

These are General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcons, the only fighter jets based at McEntire.

Our host onto the flight line was a young man a few years older than Andrew. He is an F-16 pilot and, although he looked like a mere baby to me, is already a family man.

It was that nonstop blue you get sometimes, cloudless, and hot for mid October, even in South Carolina. One could easily have confused it with a mild summer day.

The noise is intense out on the tarmac. I noticed as the planes took off -- I don't know how far they were from us but it seems to me it was less than one hundred yards -- all the airmen and pilots stuffed their ears with fingers.

I couldn't do that because I knew you wanted these photos. You try taking a picture of an F-16 mere seconds after takeoff, with your fingers in your ears. I will wait.

What was that you said? Thank you? Oh. You're welcome. Any time. Any time at all.

I thought I heard, Now you're just showing off. But the fancy little jets, as I pointed out, were extremely loud.

Truth: I was humbled, as is always the case when surrounded by great American heroes. Oh, I know the United States military is not infallible, nor is its rank and file made up of perfect people.

However, they love this country. Each has made a sacred commitment to serve America faithfully, to protect her citizens as well as others around the globe, at significant personal cost. The majority of them signed up in wartime.

South Carolina Air National Guard Airmen share a nickname: Swamp Fox. See it there, beneath the tail number on the next photo?

These airmen were an impressive credit to the community during our recent swampy weather in South Carolina. They did a great deal of valuable rescue, recovery, and relief work after the flooding.

But their adopted moniker is intended as a homage to Francis Marion.

In addition to proving himself exceedingly clever in war, The Swamp Fox was known to be a consummate gentleman. He is remembered for offering a baked sweet potato to a British redcoat and it wasn't even Thanksgiving, and there were no mini marshmallows.

Also I can relate because he was a pirate (go with me on this) who preferred to stay on land. Have you seen The Patriot? That's sort of supposed to be him. The Mel Gibson part. Well played, sir.

And well played, Andrew. Not to brag but you're a good man, a great American. Thank you for your service both past and present.

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God Bless America :: Happy November

Comments

[Judy Miller]

Not only are the planes loud on take-off, but the sound seems to go right through you into your body core! I didn't take any pictures, but I did plug my ears and I remember tears running down my cheeks I was so emotional. I'm one of those born at the beginning of WWII and brought up in the patriotic family. I cry when I hear the Star Spangled Banner and see the flag and armed forces personnel marching by--just closes my throat right up!
Andrew, thank you for your service, young man. May God continue to bless you and keep you safe.

[Heather]

I always get emotional when I see our service men, or when I hear the national anthem. Having a brother who was in the army makes you so thankful for all those who are willing to place themselves in harms way to keep us all safe. Thank you so much for your service Andrew! May God bless you.

[Sally]

Oh my, I know you must be thrilled to have Andrew back in the states. As a child of a career service man, I fully appreciate and thank your son for his service!

Those are some wonderful photo's, Jenny. So glad you and Andrew were able to spend quality time, and able to share that day with us.

These pics remind me of living (as a young girl) on the Naval Air Station here. I loved watching the planes land and take off. Quite an interesting journey, and I feel very glad for having that experience. I'll have to write one day about my first ten years!

Thank you as always, Jenny. :)
xoxo

[Barb]

Wow - I'm impressed, Jenny, with Andrew and with your photos taken at the base. He's a brave young man and a soldier but will always be your baby boy.

[Mari]

However did I miss this post? Of all posts to miss, this would not be one I would choose. Andrew is on my prayer list and I was just wondering when he was coming home. When you mentioned it in today's post I had to scroll back and find this.
Anyway - welcome back Andrew! I'm so happy to have you back on US soil. Thank you for your service to our country. It is truly appreciated.
Jenny - these are wonderful photos. Thanks for risking your hearing to share them with us.