Ruffles, flourishes, pomp and circumstance, I had not heard the beloved sounds in years and here we were surrounded by formality in Air Force Blue yet! Ann and I flew to Little Rock Air Force Base this week to watch the pinning ceremony promoting Nate to Lieutenant Colonel. To be a part of the event was definitely a thrill for this old retired guy.

The new Lt Col Nate, last name Allerheiligen, is a product of the McCook School System. His dad was Doctor David and his mom Judy Hamilton, long time columnist and reporter for the Gazette. Nate graduated from MHS in 1988 and left almost immediately to attend the US Air Force Academy graduating in the Class of 1992. Since then he finished Air Force Pilot training and has flown the C-21 (a Lear Jet in Air Force colors) and has also flown the C-130, our most versatile cargo lifter, all over the world. More recently he has earned a Master's degree, one with Air Force application in logistics.

Nate's parents, now retired, live in Casper, Wyo., and also traveled to Arkansas for the ceremony honoring Nate. I, too, received a formal invitation from the Wing Commander, Brigadier General Schatz, to attend along with my lady. Other honored guests included a contingent of Nate's contemporary officers commanding Squadrons and Divisions in the Wing, his wife Susan's parents and friends from his church.

When I received the invitation I must admit I was a bit confused. In days of yore, my era, most promotions were noted by showing up for work sporting the new stripe or collar brass; no ceremony, little official recognition except for the important increase in the pay envelope. It is wonderful seeing the Air Force creating a tradition of personal recognition and honor. I feel the new tradition fosters a feeling of togetherness almost like family ties that are stronger than found in a mere workplace job. Over the years the Air Force has been considered by its sister services a loose organization with little in the way of tradition. We used to poke fun at West Point for being an institution proud of its 250 years of tradition unhampered by progress. Yes the Air Force has come to understand that traditions are important and I think will be the better for it.

Later Nate arranged a family tour of the 45-year- old airplane he flies, a chance to wear night vision goggles, a formation briefing, a tour of life support equipment and a chance to fly a brand new C-130J simulator. I am now proud to say that I have made a visual landing at Solerno assault strip in Afghanistan, the simulator is that good! It still feels great to be part of the Air Force family.

Speaking of family, Nate and Susan excel in that department too. All were present, Ashley, James, Marc; and three year old identical triplets Sarah, Rachel and Isabel. Well behaved children, they were the true stars of the show. Healthy and precocious, the triplets are quite an experience to watch and talk about proud grandparents!

Nate has done well in his chosen career. He graduated second in his class of one thousand at the Air Force Academy. I see that also as testimony to the excellent education he received at MHS. Assigned to fly the C-130 Hercules (they call it the "Herky Bird") he rose rapidly from copilot to aircraft commander to instructor Pilot and to Pilot Evaluator. Several years ago he was honored for "saving" an aircraft that suffered a flight control malfunction, a hard over aileron, which required full rudder plus two engines on one side to be brought to idle power with maximum on the other side just to fly almost straight ahead. Nate solved the problem of how to keep the airplane under control even though there were other complications like a strong crosswind on takeoff, a low ceiling so he had to fly by reference to instruments only and no close-by alternate landing site as he had just departed a rather isolated runway in northern Canada. A lesser pilot would have crashed and probably no one would have known the reason why.

Nate's dad, Dr. Dave, is a private pilot and I had flown with him after I returned to McCook. At the time I was also serving our church by teaching a high school Sunday school class, including young Nate, Ryan Mousel, Jake and Molly Burton among others great kids. Evidently about that time Nate decided to follow in my footsteps walking the path of Christianity, aviation and a career in service to his country.

I was surprised to be introduced at his ceremony as a member of the first class to graduate from the Air Force Academy and the officer that had administered his original oath of office at commissioning. I was flattered to be so recognized, a little embarassed but deeply honored. I think the lesson here is to walk carefully in life because you never know who you will touch. It is a humbling moment in my life.