bbarnhouse 0 #1 July 7, 2003 This morning on an early lift, I happened to be sitting next to one of the tandem videographers. Next to him was an older gentleman, well built, with an aire of authority. I figured that this man probably was in the service. Directly across from this man was a younger man. Well built, hair in a crew cut. I surmised that he too was probably in a branch of military service. As I gazed at the young man who was fidgeting in his seat I happened to notice that on his lap was a folded American flag. I thought it interesting, but didn't question it. Upon reaching 1,000 feet, the young man sat forward, and placed his hand over the flag. The gentleman across from him said:"Repeat after me" There, in that plane with Airspeed, Endeavor, the camera flyer and myself. the young man swore an oath of alligiance to the United States of America, as he re-enlisted for six additonal years in the United States Airforce. The officer that swore him in, agreed to go with the young man as the both shared their first experience of body flight. The entire load on the aircraft cheered and clapped in celebration. It was something shared between all of us, we felt part of something special. I leaned over to the young man, took his hand, shook it and offered my thanks. In return, the young man handed me the flag and asked me if I wouldnt mind tucking it into my jumpsuit and seeing it safely to the ground. I felt very humbled, and truely honored. As the tandem reached the ground, I walked over to the young man, removed the flag from my suit, gently placing a kiss on it before I returned it. The young man and the officer were very moved. We all were... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkymonkeyONE 4 #2 July 7, 2003 Nice one. We get that a lot here at Raeford and on Fort Bragg during HALO and SL jumps. Haven't seen a Navy guy do it here, but plenty of Army and Airforce guys and at least two Marines. Actually, one of my co-workers even did it in the wind tunnel; yes, in the cone. with two guys flying a flag in the background. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TEB6363 0 #3 July 7, 2003 That's just cool Thanks for the story.. Once the plane takes off, you're gonna have to land - Might as well jump out!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyangel2 2 #4 July 7, 2003 Wow, that brought tears to the eyes. How lucky you were to witness that special event.May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skycop 0 #5 July 7, 2003 OUTSTANDING!!! Thanks for sharing the moment! These kinds of moments should give us all pause, to reflect on whats important. "Just 'cause I'm simple, don't mean I'm stewpid!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sinker 0 #6 July 7, 2003 WOW! That gave me goosebumps.... thx bb -the artist formerly known as sinker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #7 July 7, 2003 COOL!My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
groovychic 0 #8 July 7, 2003 wow what an amazing story, thanks for sharing it! It brought tears to my eyes, God bless the USA! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bbarnhouse 0 #9 July 7, 2003 QuoteGod bless the USA! God Bless Everyone! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deuce 1 #10 July 7, 2003 Neat. One of our Tandem Masters, Vic, was in the Coast Guard in Hawaii. He told his C.O. he'd re-up if he'd do a tandem with him. So he hooks his C.O. up, takes the oath and goes out the door with him. That's neat too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlueEyedMonster 0 #11 July 7, 2003 I'm jealous...That was so awesome. It makes me very poud just reading it. Thank you for sharing. hmmm I think I got dirt in my eye or something. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
katiebear21 0 #12 July 7, 2003 Bets - your gesture made it that much more special! It's nice to see young servicemen that still bear so much pride and patriotism. So many of the young ones are so cynical these days! Thanks for sharing! Katie Get your PMS glass necklace here Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #13 July 8, 2003 Very nice......I didn't get to do anything cool for my re-up. Although I did 9 years 6 months and 6 days I only re-upped once. Those cermonies are very moving. Glad you guys got to share. Most "civies" don't get to see things like that and have NO idea what it really means. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bbarnhouse 0 #14 July 8, 2003 QuoteGlad you guys got to share. Me too Clay! Many times we forget to thank the folks that help to keep this a great nation. I try to say thank you as much as possible. I am fortunate that I have the opportunity to get to do some things that other "civies" don't. Especially in skydiving. It helps to give one a a different perspective, and certainly an education. xox BB Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingnut 0 #15 July 8, 2003 cool story b2! i could never get anyone i work with that's an "O" to jump. i was thinking of doing that when i re-uped last december but was looking in the regs and found that you are suposed to be A, in uniform, B, on a military instillation.....hmmm.. maybe i can buypas those regs in 2008 and get katiebear to renlist me if she is still in/retired...hmmmm...... ______________________________________ "i have no reader's digest version" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EricaH 0 #16 July 8, 2003 QuoteQuotewow what an amazing story, thanks for sharing it! It brought tears to my eyes, God bless the USA! what she said... but jeez, @ the office? There is no can't. Only lack of knowledge or fear. Only you can fix your fear. PMS #227 (just like the TV show) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shark 0 #17 July 8, 2003 QuoteWe sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm. ---George Orwell Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
katiebear21 0 #18 July 8, 2003 Quotemaybe i can buypas those regs in 2008 and get katiebear to renlist me if she is still in/retired...hmmmm...... you got it! Katie Get your PMS glass necklace here Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zenister 0 #19 July 8, 2003 Quotebut was looking in the regs and found that you are supposed to be A, in uniform, B, on a military installation. IIRC the specifics on place of duty and duty uniform are often up to the digression of the local commander so both those requirements are probably pretty flexible..____________________________________ Those who fail to learn from the past are simply Doomed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunnydee123 0 #20 July 8, 2003 Holy macaroni......smiling and tears! Good story...... Dreams become reality, one choice at a time... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NoShitThereIWas 0 #21 July 11, 2003 That is such a cool story. Wow, thanks for sharing. Edit to add: Hey SunnyDee, that is a great signature quote. That man had the right attitude.Roy Bacon: "Elvises, light your fires." Sting: "Be yourself no matter what they say." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest #22 July 11, 2003 "A man who has nothing which he cares about more than he does about his personal safety is a miserable creature who has no chance of being free, unless made and kept so by the existing of better men than himself." John Stuart Mill (1806–1873) Looks like you met some of those "better men". "The mouse does not know life until it is in the mouth of the cat." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Muenkel 0 #23 July 11, 2003 Betsy, That is a beautiful story. Any chance you can get some photos from the videographer and post them? Chris _________________________________________ Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
littledebbie000 0 #24 July 11, 2003 That is a great Story! Pledging another 6 years of his life for our freedom and you were able to share a part of it! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beerlight 0 #25 July 12, 2003 Dude, you can re-up just about anywhere U wish......Just gotta satisfy the flag and uniform requirement......cheers Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
