Rescue, protest and patriotism

I felt great joy when I read the announcement by our President that the GIB had been rescued in Iran. Great memories from my days flying air refueling tankers in the Vietnam conflict. Actually, it happened all too often when one of our fighters had suffered combat damage over North Vietnam and had to punch out over enemy-held territory. Beep, beep, beep, we would hear their rescue beacon, and then it seemed like the war would stop, and everybody available would head to help in their rescue. And yes, sometimes it took several days until we found out that the pilot F-105 or pilot and GIB in an F-4 had been rescued, captured or had died.

I used the term GIB to describe the defensive operator sitting in the back seat of the F-15 in this case. What the current slang term is, I have no idea. Maybe WhizOh, the current guys know. Anyhow, GIB goes back to my active combat days. Life goes on!

Evidently, the same thing happened in Iran when the crew flying the F-15E was shot down. Rescuing the pilot came quickly, but the GIB had to take to the hills to evade escape from the Iranian forces on the ground who came looking for him. No matter the details, our brave rescue troops won the nail-biter. Yea!

Incidentally, one of my former students, who hails from Imperial, is currently flying the F-15E. Best I remember, we haven’t corresponded for awhile; he and family are stationed overseas. Hopefully not Lakenheath, as that is where the F-15E pilot is stationed before being sent on temporary duty to Iran. Time will tell.

Another hero from my Vietnam War days happens to be the father of your current Gazette Editor. Mike’s father flew the Jolly Green helicopters that were tasked to fly in and pick up crewmembers who had bailed out, no matter which side owned the countryside where the emergency happened. Mike’s dad told me of performing a rescue north of the city of Hanoi, and that was in hostile territory, a long way from home base. Heroes are made, not born!

The word came down:” Stage a ‘No Kings’ protest at such and such a time here in McCook, Nebraska. Here is how you can access banners and materials to join with millions in larger cities across the country.” Yep, the crowd at McCook last week was approximately forty individuals, according to a lady friend who stated: “I was there!” That same sweet lady also brought Grannie and me each a wonderful hot cross bun to enjoy.

But why other than to object to the President’s war in Iran when they feel that “according to the constitution,” Trump didn’t get the war authorized by Congress before participating. Phooey, in my opinion, the Iranian Regime has been warring against the US and Israel for the past 47 years. Thousands of U.S. casualties, but no other president laid a finger to object to the loss of American lives.

Personally, your old columnist thinks that the local demonstration was just an example of TDS—Trump Derangement Syndrome. Mostly Democrat voters object to anything that President Trump does. Disregard the fact that about 80% of Americans are in favor of what Trump is doing versus the 20% objecting.

An investigative report by Fox News shed light on just how extensive the network behind these protests really is — and how much money is fueling them. According to the report, “A network of about 500 groups with an estimated $3 billion in combined annual revenues is behind the coordinated nationwide ‘No Kings’ protest.” That level of backing isn’t just symbolic — it funds everything from marketing and PR to materials, organizing efforts, and the creation of local subgroups across the country, each with its own messaging and targets.

Ah, well, if that is what one feels, why not get out and protest!

Incidentally, the news that Grannie Annie and I watch on TV has reported that the Iranian Regime has shot to kill some 40,000 of their people who have stepped out in the streets to protest. Recently, they hanged a young man, a noted athlete, for making public comments in objection to what was taking place in his country. I think that President Trump is on the right track to eliminate that corrupt Regime.

Beautiful Easter Day here. Clear sunrise ceremony, church service, food, family and friends. Awesome warm weather with no wind. Thank you, Nebraska.

That is how I saw it.