70 Years of Fortresses'

"There is nothing so likely to produce peace as to be well prepared to meet the enemy." - George Washington

"It is an unfortunate fact that we can secure peace only by preparing for war." -John F Kennedy

On May 13th, 2006 over Barksdale AFB a pair of aircraft flew in formation during the 2006 airshow. I have always had a fondness for the B-17 Flying Fortress and my 6 years as a crewmember on the B-52G/H Stratofortress have endeared it to me.

Just to keep things in perspective, the B-52 first flew in 1952 and entered service in 1954. It is still the backbone of the United States bomber fleet. If the B-17 had seen the same service life that the B-52 has it would have still been flying combat missions in 1985!

Finally a little humor.

Question - B-1, B-2 & B-52.... what do you have?

Answer - Two bingo numbers and a strategic bomber!

Cousins & Friends

George, Quinn, Hayden, Ashley, Madison, Andy)

Tammy's sisters & families came in for Amanda's graduation along with several friends. The kids enjoyed a beautiful morning in the backyard. Breakfast on the deck, a walk around the woods and a pine cone battle. Not a bad way to spend a Wednesday.

Last Days

"All who have meditated on the art of governing mankind have been convinced that the fate of empires depends on the education of youth." - Aristotle

"Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance." - Will Durant

Well, Amanda is done with her 2005/2006 school year. Next Wednesday the 17th she and the rest of the Gulf Breeze High School class of 2006 will walk across the stage at the Pensacola Civic Center and receive their diplomas. I think this past week was quite a realitity check for Amanda and many of her friends as they realized that what they have known as their "normal life" for the past 4 years has changed permanently. Most if not all of Amanda's friends have been accepted to the college of their choice and the kids are ready to enjoy their last summer at the beach together and then start the next chpater in there lives.

We moved to Gulf Breeze, Fl located in Santa Rosa County in July of 1996 predominantly due to the reputation of the public school system. Amanda started 3rd grade during the 96-97 school year at Oriole Beach Elementary with Ashley starting 1st grade. After 10 years participating in the public school experience I can say, "Thank you God for guiding my family to this area and for blessing us so richly over the past 10 years."