Tuesday, July 27, 2010

July 27th: A Special Day for Me

On July 27th, 1975, 35 years ago, I was awarded my Private Pilot License. One year later, on July 27th, 1976, I pinned on my Air Force Pilot Wings after completing Undergraduate Pilot Training at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma. These two occasions marked the achievement of my lifetime goal to become an Air Force pilot, and they marked the beginning of two tremendously exciting and rewarding careers as an Air Force fighter pilot and, later, an airline pilot.

July 27th is special to me in another way. It is the birthday of my late father who was born on July 27th, 1926. Years after the two events I described above, my father told me I was living his dream. I never knew his life dream was to fly. My father and I had a special relationship, and I am grateful I had the good fortune to be his son.

So, every year on this day, I get a little retrospective. I find it curious, to say the least, that these three events occurred on this day. But, most importantly, on this day, I reflect on what a lucky man I am.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Cogratualtions on your
35th anniversary of getting your wings. Mary and I are very proud to call you our friend!

Phil

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Phil. I feel the same about you and Mary!

Ralph

Helen said...

I am proud of you and your accomplishments. You fulfilled your father's dreams for you to be happy and successful. What sweet memories you have of your father (and mother too)to always cherish!

Anonymous said...

Congratulation Ralph! Thanks to you and to your peers for the dedication and years of service so we and our families can all be living our dreams as well.

Tom

Anonymous said...

Ralph
Congras on your 35th anniversary of getting you first wings, BUT to us getting your Bar's 35 years ago was a very special day for your Mom and Dad and to your extended "mom and dad", graduating from the AFA was the start of all your dreams to be the best fighter pilot and you made your Dad and Mom very proud and we along with them and your extended brother and sisters. You fulfilled your dreams in the air, and we are so proud of you and the other "boy's" that were ours for those 4 years at the acadeamy, then serving our country and keeping us safe and doing what you always wanted to do FLY. Thank You!!!
As your "other Mom and Dad" we are so happy to share this date with you, and we remember your
Dad and Mom with very warm memories. They were very proud of your success and so are we.
All our Love Always George and Sharon Horetski

Anonymous said...

My thanks to all for the kind words.

Ralph

Anonymous said...

I have always been proud of you. Not only on this special day but since you were born. I am proud to be your Aunt and I know Fred did feel the same. we loved you then and I love you now. You are special and have always been so to me.
Love
Aunt
claire