TX_Diesel

I don't think qzilla meant it in a bad way. Not everyone can be a pilot and get to ride in such a cool aricraft. Hell I would buy a smarty for a ride in an F16 or an attack helicopter. That doesn't mean we over look those who make it happen. Heck I almost guarrantee you if we got to ride in one of those, when we got back on the ground, we woudl be thanking everyone and anyone in sight!

Nice pic Four, that's very cool. Q I understand where your coming from.

God Bless our Troops..

cbrahs

Goose, I am not trying to bash you in any way so please don't think that I am. I believe he is part of the air crew if not the pilot of that beast and it was not just an incentive ride.

on a lighter note:

I was a Combat Rescue Helicopter Crew Chief in the Air Force. When stationed in Korea, the pilots would always ask me if I was up for a flight. I would also help them in training with the PJ's. I would "play" a downed pilot and it was a blast (except for the 10 mile hikes to the RP). Would do fast rope training, air rescue training with the litter basket and had the time of my life. There were times when we had real world missions and it sucked. Not fun cleaing out the chopper with blood and such in it.

The pilots always knew how to thank their ground crew (at least they did over in Korea). I also got to help the Navy in some training missions when they used our hangers for land ops. There are times that I would love to forget but I am proud of what I did and I Pray daily that my friends that are still in and over in the sand box make it home safe.

When I got stationed at Kirtland (in albuquerque), getting a flight was like pulling teeth. I had over 80 hours while in Korea and the 6 years I was at Kirtland, I could count the hours on 1 finger. Even being a flying crew chief was hard to get a flight. I guess it was because Kirtland is a training base. I miss being in but they said "you have too many medical problems now kid, see ya". Now my son is in the Marines (graduates basic in september), it makes me nervous with what is happening but makes me proud of what he is doing. Can't wait to see graduation. Anyways, I will stop running on.

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS AND YOUR FAMILIES THAT ARE TAKING CARE OF THINGS WHILE YOU ARE PROTECTING THIS GREAT COUNTRY! COME HOME SAFE AND THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!

qzilla

I think you might have taken me wrong.

First, I never intended any disrespect. I support our guys to the fulles extent I can. I do any and everything that is possible to support them. We even have special things we do for the active duty guys.

Just ask Lary or some of the active duty guys we have done stuff for here on the site!

Second, Heck yes I would just want to pull that trigger. I figured he was giving us a good tongue in cheek comment about spending our tax money which does include my tax money unless I am confused?? So I sent him one back. Its not like it will ever happen, it is more like, he that is totally cool, a totally cool picture and I would love to be there.

So, I don't think it was disrespectful and I would still love the chance to fire one of those bad boys off!!!!!!

txfiremedic

Couldn't have said it better myself!!

Mega07

You do have a point goose, Im an avionics specialist for f16's and at home base here at Luke in Arizona we (as in supporting crew) will never get incentive flights. However I was privileged enough to get a ride in one when I was TDY and it was the greatest experience in my life! But yes I support everything that everyone does and sacrifices for our freedom and I pray anyone in harms way comes home safe!

RoadRacer

My brother Major Lykins would be proud.He was an instructor at Ft. Rucker for a number a years.Was in charge a flight in Desert Storm.Saw some awesome gun camera shots.Hellfires seem to make T-34,s all gone in a cloud of smoke.

XLR8R

My brother is CO of the Hornet strike fighter squadron onboard the Nimitz, flying a tour of duty in the Middle Eastern theatre, but I don't think a flight (much less toggling a pickle!) is in my future... though I was fortunate enough to fly the F-18 simulator at LeMoore years ago!

It takes dozens of people - often young folks who are hardly old enough to legally drink - to keep the combat machines operational. Everyone in our armed forces remain in our thoughts & prayers... "Anytime, Anyplace!"

p.s. I jump at the chance to make stuff go BOOM !

XLR8R

I used to live in Ft. Rucker... when Dad was flying in the Army Air Corps

DiEseLjunKy

Years ago my uncle used to work in a machine shop that built landing gears for f18 hornets.

mjsandt

I will tell you personally my "incentive" for these guys, is the Close Air Support they give us ground pounders. I have not had many so happy a moment when we would hear the sound of inbound Cobras loaded with Hellfires and 20mm to give us a break. Thanks a ton Fourx4Fabber for CAS missions you have flown, even if not for me directly, 'cus I know those boys were happy to see you, and the receiving end wasn't so happy.

M Sandt
SGT USMC

RoadRacer

Holy Cow!!!!!!!!!!! You must be up there in my age bracket.66

I did jump out of a few perfectly good airplanes and flew a few single seaters,but most of my time was spent alone with my sidekick helping rain down NB and some other good @#!* on someone else's head.

Lary Ellis (Top)

I can vouch for Quad and his people for supporting our military personnel. I have witnessed them go out of their way to be sure a military man got his stuff before he got shipped out.

Cobra93

Fourx,

Awesome pic man! I just wanted to say Good Luck, God Speed and keep your head down! All you guys are great over there and CNN and the Liberal Left can all go to hell!! The REAL AMERICANS back you 100%! Now, stay safe and see if you can't arrange a few more "magic carpet rides to Allah" for some of our "peace loving" friends!! God Bless Guys!!
-Cobra93

Proud Rebel

God Bless All You Guys And Gals In Our Great Armed Forces!!!!!!!!!

Eddy Reyes

Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And

SEMPER FI

Class of 85