Wednesday, April 4, 2001

"Free training'? Ask these pilots

So, Mr. Businessman, small-seated, self-sacrificing lawyer who never took a dime from the government, expert on the Delta pilot's contract and way of life, John Wayne imitation, go into battle with just a rifle combat infantryman, doesn't have the jjuevos [sic] to sign his pewling letter. At least Mr. Switzer stood in front of the camera and spoke his mind.

And by the way, so you'll feel you got your money's worth from all that "free" training, here are a few names, aircraft, and places off the top of my head.

Mark Shadbegian, C-130, Arkansas; Art Moxon, A-10, England; Oly Olson, A-10, England; Henry Gagne, A-10, England; Craig Ciolletti, A-10, England; Craig Lovelady, F-15, Germany; Woody Woodbury, F-16, Minnesota; Jerry Allison, F-16, Nevada; Mike (Jabo) Jablonovsky, C-130, Spain; Kirk Peth, F-111, Idaho; Jeff Waterburg, A-10, Louisiana; C.T. Marsh, A-10, Texas.

All these guys were killed in military aircraft in peacetime. They're real; feel free to look them up. And they are only a sampling from my own limited past.

There's an old song, sung by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, and the refrain is, "Find the cost of freedom, buried in the ground. Mother earth will swallow you, lay your body down." Military pilots accept the risk, don't look for the accolades, and bury their own quietly. But don't tell me it's free. It's all been purchased.

And next time, have the dignity to sign your name.

Timothy J. Parker

Peachtree City

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