Flyboy
Pre-takeoff checklist
Saturday I played paintball with my son at a woods feild. One of the scenarios was called the slaughterouse. My team got to defend a small 2 story fort with one rule- we weren't allowed to leave.
When the other team started to attack it got really chaotic. Paintballs flying everywhere, people yelling, the occasional "IM HIT". But it was only a game. When it was over we all walked away laughing and joking about what had just happened.
But on the way home I started thinking about the real thing. Bullets instead of paintballs - and not being able to leave. Men who have charged well defended postions against heavy machine guns and rifle fire and paid the ultimate price. Pilots who have gone into furballs and not come back. What were their last thoughts? I started to get choked up, I'll admit it.
So to those here who have served, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
And for those who have paid the ultimate price I stand the flag, hand over my heart and remember you.
When the other team started to attack it got really chaotic. Paintballs flying everywhere, people yelling, the occasional "IM HIT". But it was only a game. When it was over we all walked away laughing and joking about what had just happened.
But on the way home I started thinking about the real thing. Bullets instead of paintballs - and not being able to leave. Men who have charged well defended postions against heavy machine guns and rifle fire and paid the ultimate price. Pilots who have gone into furballs and not come back. What were their last thoughts? I started to get choked up, I'll admit it.
So to those here who have served, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
And for those who have paid the ultimate price I stand the flag, hand over my heart and remember you.