Submitted by Spur 13, Paul Clergy:
~ BECAUSE WE FLEW ~
Once the wings go on, they never come off whether they can be seen or not. It fuses to the soul through adversity, fear and adrenaline, and no one who has ever worn them with pride, integrity and guts can ever sleep through the call of the wild that wafts through bedroom windows in the deep of the night.
When a good flyer leaves the job and retires, many are jealous, some are pleased and yet others, who may have already retired, wonder. We wonder if he knows what he is leaving behind, because we already know. We know, for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie that few experience, it will remain as a longing for those past times.
We know in the world of flying, there is a fellowship which lasts long after the flight suits are hung up in the back of the closet. We know even if he throws them away, they will be on him with every step and breath that remains in his life. We also know how the very bearing of the man speaks of what he was and in his heart still is.
Because we flew, we envy no man on earth.
Author unknown
Roger, I sent this on to a mate of mine that also flew in the 1st Cav. He has come to the end of his flying career and he admitted it is still a bit too raw at this point. We all have to walk away from it at some point, it is comforting to note that I was not alone. -- I kept those old flight suits for 6-7 years in the back of my closet, finally, they were quietly disposed of. -- Terry
Thanks Terry, I’m sure you are not alone in your feelings, it was a significant part of your life.