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26 May 01 First, let me introduce myself, I'm United States Air Force Major Bryan "Shadow" Turner. I am currently stationed in southwestern Germany at Spangdahlem AB, Germany (very near the Belgium & Luxembourg borders). I am an F-16 fighter pilot by day, husband and father of four by night. Tomorrow (27 May), I have the privilege of leading a 4-plane F-16 flyby over the "Wall of the Missing" at Margraten, Holland for the Memorial Day rememberance . With keeping with tradition, we will fly the "Missing Man" Formation to honor of those who did not return. As I began preparing for the mission last week, I charged the other three flight members to bring a story from any U.S. conflict to tomorrow's flight briefing in order to make the mission more personal for all of us. Tonight, while looking up information concerning Margraten, I happened upon your web sight that honors the memory of your uncle, SSgt David "Rosie" Rosenkrantz. Your tribute to your uncle is moving and captivating. His memory is alive thanks to you. Having fought in both Desert Storm and Allied Force several years ago over Yugoslavia, I can assure you that the best tribute that a war-fighter can hope for when leaving for battle is to be remembered by those he or she may never see again. You have kept the faith....I thank you. Tomorrow, when I go into the squadron to brief the mission, "Rosie" Rosenkrantz story will be retold. Although the flyby is for all those who have fallen in service to their country in the Netherlands, our flight will carry a special dedication to "Rosie" and the men of the 504th. Thank you for making this Memorial Day more meaningful. The other members of tomorrow's flight will be: 1Lt Jesse "Schultz" Winters, Major Jim "Dibbs" Dibble, and Captain Drew "Drag'n" Wiles. Major Bryan "Shadow" Turner |