Several years ago, I got an email from someone I didn't know. She got my email addy from a friend of a friend. Her email said she had a photo of the two greatest dads in the world and wanted to know if I was interested in seeing it. Hmmm? I had no idea this was the photo I'd see. I was so happy and excited to get it too!
I think this photo was taken in late September or early October 1973. Just look at those big smiles! That's my dad on the right in his USAF flight suit/g-suit and cap, and that's her dad on the left. This was a celebration! My dad had just finished his "Freedom Flight" in the RF-4C and her dad handed him his Freedom Beer. After five and a half years as a POW in Nam, my dad was home and flying the jets he loved again. I could not have been more happy and thrilled for him then, and I was so happy and proud to have this photo.
My darling daddy died of cancer in December 1997 and his ashes are buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The gal who sent me the email has been a close friend since then. Her dad has also passed and is buried in Kansas. This is what Memorial Day is for... to remember those who served, are gone, but NOT forgotten.
What a wonderful photo to have. It was a great gesture of the other daughter to send you a copy of the photo. You must be so proud of your dad, it sounds like he had a torrid time whilst serving his country.
@salza Thank you, Sally. It was a great gesture for her to send this to me. I won't speak of the horrors he suffered. He celebrated every day when he came home, so glad to be alive, and always celebrated his release day in March 1973 as his second birthday.
@milaniet You are sweet, Milanie! I still thank God for the time I had with my dad. He was a wonderful man in more ways than most could ever imagine. There are some folks who will never focus on this, I learned that the hard way during the Vietnam War while campaigning for the MIA/POWs. But there are those who do and I am grateful to them.
Blurry screen here. What an incredible story and such a treasure to have that picture. Your Dad is a hero and I am always grateful for those who have served our country. We must remember!
A wonderful image and story for memorial day. Your dad gave so much, and I am glad he was able to return home. So many didn't. Let us resolve to only sacrifice precious lives when there is no option.
@linnypinny Thank you, Lin! Appreciate their service.
@granagringa Thank you! He could overcome anything except his cancer and he tried so hard to fight it.
@gamelee Thank you, Lee. Yes, a long time. He was stationed in Saigon a year, came home and went back a few months later to fly missions out of Udorn AFB Thailand. He only had a few missions left to fly, then he could come home. He didn't make it as his plane was shot down 50 miles from Laos. Just 50 miles from freedom. Some POWs were there for seven years. Some died there too.
@jernst1779 Aww! Thank you, Jean! You are a sweetie.
@chesney_7 Thank you, Cheryl. Very kind.
@larrysphotos Yes. Thank you, Larry.
@speedwell It is precious. Thank you!
@cashep19 Thank you, Carrie!
@ludwigsdiana Thank you, Diana!
@kjarn Thank you, Kathy!
@sangwann Thank you, Dione!
@yoland Thank you! I remember him often throughout each day. =)
@ljmanning Thank you, Laura! It is a treasure. =)
@blueberry1222 Thank you, Krista!
@kvphoto Thanks, KV! I do too. =)
@granagringa Thank you! He could overcome anything except his cancer and he tried so hard to fight it.
@gamelee Thank you, Lee. Yes, a long time. He was stationed in Saigon a year, came home and went back a few months later to fly missions out of Udorn AFB Thailand. He only had a few missions left to fly, then he could come home. He didn't make it as his plane was shot down 50 miles from Laos. Just 50 miles from freedom. Some POWs were there for seven years. Some died there too.