I'm just...so done with 2020...

flieger83

flieger83

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Hey everyone...

I'm done.

This has been...well, let's recap life: I've gone to war, several times, I've been shot at (ever see a 20' long missile with your name on it coming at Mach 3?) and I've shot back...and more and more...

However...after the sudden loss of my father-in-law in July (88 1/2 years young, retired USAF E-7)...today struck. I learned that Brigadier General Don Harvel, USAF, Ret., suddenly died on September 5th. He had just turned 66 and I had just communicated with him a week earlier. This gent, who I met a year ago, had a profound effect on me...his sense of honor and integrity...if you want to know about him, research his name and CV-22 or "Osprey" or "Rotors in the Sand" and you'll learn a ton. This man took "Duty, Honor, Country" to the extreme. He sacrificed his career and his second star for honor; both his and that of a man that died saving lives.

I learned he passed suddenly on September 5th (he lived 25 minutes away). I was writing him an email today when I learned this; fortunately, I was able to watch his memorial this afternoon.

I am SO done with 2020.

Steve
 
In my mind I saw @flieger83 flying two somber, yet beautiful, Missing Man Formation flights in tribute to his father-in-law and Brigadier General Don Harvel, USAF, Ret. Life is richer and more meaningful for having met, and loved, such people along the way.
 
Flieger, I am so sorry. It is indeed too much with this unexpected loss amidst all the other events and deaths. Do what rituals you need to do to mark his passing, and continue your own life with a commitment to emulate him. He saw something in you, no doubt you are a mentor to others.

It’s always good to post this verse from the Laurence Binyon poem:

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.”
 
"This gent, who I met a year ago, had a profound effect on me...his sense of honor and integrity..."

Steve,

You've certainly had some harrowing escapes (no, I've not dodged a missile at Mach 3)!

I am saddened for the losses of your father-in-law and Gen. Harvel. We have too few examples of honor and integrity. Thanks for relating Gen. Harvel's influence and sacrifice.

2020 will soon be a memory passed. But the influence of an exemplary life will not pass with the change of calendar.

“Let us praise famous men and our fathers that begat us. All these men were honored in their generations and were a glory in their days ..." Nigel Havers -as Lord Andrew Lindsay "Chariots of Fire"

John
 
#007Boa said:
" “Let us praise famous men and our fathers that begat us. All these men were honored in their generations and were a glory in their days ..." Nigel Havers -as Lord Andrew Lindsay "Chariots of Fire"

John
Click to expand...
I had forgotten that quote...thank you for bringing it back!

Very apropos.

Steve
 
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