February 4, 2008
Greetings First Fighter Association Members, I’ve included a brief article from Jim "Racquet" Hardenbrook on the 1st Fighter Wing Annual Awards Banquet, which we attended recently. I had the privilege of speaking to the current group of 1st Fighters and it was a great event we wanted to share with you!
Cheers,
Bill
ASSOCIATION SUPPORTS AND ATTENDS
1ST FIGHTER WING ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET
How time flies! It was just a year ago the Pete Marty and myself attended this banquet for the first time. Shortly after our '06 Hampton Reunion your newly [at that time] elected officers met with the 1st FW/CC with the goal of becoming more proactive in our association with the Wing. The outcome of that meeting, among other things, was the decision that the Association would establish and support three annual awards: Expeditionary Airman, Officer and Fighter Pilot of the year. Last year in prep for the first banquet, your trusty treasurer, Pete Marty, did an outstanding job of selecting appropriate recurring and permanent trophies for all three categories.
This year was our second year of supporting the event and Bill "Frito" Lay and Jim "Racquet" Hardenbrook attended. Once again an outstanding event, one of the recipients was a Purple Heart winner for action in Afghanistan, the other for combat action in Iraq. Both a humbling and rewarding experience for both Frito and myself! Frito had a chance to speak on behalf on the Association and express our pride in be allowed to participate in such an event and also put in a plug to all for joining the Association.
Both Frito and I thank the Association for supporting this event and allowing us to represent you. Check 6
Racquet |
