After seeing the farewell at Wittmund i went on a search spree, because i was sure i still had a copy of an article written by the wife of a Phantom pilot when US Phantoms were being retired.
I think the piece was at the end of a Airforces Monthly article about the retirement of the USAF Phantoms.
Anyway i was able to find it, but i has been soaking up butt sweat for about 10 years in my wallet, before i retired it and put it in a archive box, so look past the quality of the paper since its still a awesome piece of text.
So the celebration is planned.
Fighter pilots and backseaters and their ladies and many others will be here from all around the globe to bid you farewell.
There will be songs sung, stories traded (a few stretched, reminiscing will abound, and hands will be in the air demonstrating the dogfights won...Because there have been fighters before you and there have been newer fighters since, but none can compare with you. You are one of those rare legends who stands alone. In a class all you own. Yes you are old and tired, and are going to the boneyard. You deserve a rest. You will continue to fly in the hearts, souls, and minds of men and women for a long time to come. You will have the good fortune, however, of living on in the history books forever.
So I say goodbye, faithful old friend. I thank you for a job well done, a country well served.
I could not have said any better than that.
Phantoms Phorever!!
since its still a awesome piece of text.
