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Saturday, July 18, 2009

Saving the World, One Runway at at Time

Yesterday I had the chance to participate in a spouse taxi day with Josh's squadron.
I looked important.

And I was! I made radio calls, steered with the rudders, and even threw the jet into afterburner for our little jaunt down the runway.
And if it weren't for a little thing called motion sickness, I think I would have liked to actually leave the runway too. But it's not legal, so it's probably best for all involved that we stuck to just the taxi. (I did however make sure I was carrying a little bag just in case the thought of taking off overwhelmed my sensitive stomach. I think I was being laughed at for that.)


But it could have just been how ridiculous I was looking in Josh's flight suit.

I have to tell you that I have a new respect for what they do every day. All of the equipment they wear, the endless strapping into the ejection seat, and the tight quarters for those long flights! Oh, and all that technical stuff too...like actually flying the airplane, dogfighting, and bomb dropping. I'm sure it's a piece of cake.

I'm thankful for all of the guys & gals who do this and put their lives at risk for the rest of us. Thinking especially of the families of the F-15 crew that lost their lives early this morning in Afghanistan. As we spent a lazy Saturday morning together eating pancakes, families across this country were receiving news they hoped they might never hear. And if they never had the chance to tell their loved ones how they felt, I don't want to make the same mistake:

We love you baby! You're our hero!

(but even heroes have to change diapers)

1 comment:

Jen McD said...

The picture of you both in the place is priceless!

Thank you Josh for doing what you do. I guess you're pretty smart ;-) Thank you Erin for supporting him and being family to all the other families there. We miss and love you both.

Now, Josh... I think a dirty diaper might be waiting. Tru dat