I received the comments below today from a USAFA grad friend of mine; the author is unknown. Passing on October 22nd at age 88, USAF fighter pilot legend "Robbie" Risner's funeral was three days ago at Arlington National Cemetery. In a fitting tribute to his leadership, the lead man pulls away in the missing man formation instead of dash 3.
Subject: Brig Gen Risner Funeral
Shoguns, Cocks and all Airmen,
I had the distinct honor to attend the funeral of a great American, Gen
Robbie Risner, yesterday.
The day before, Col Lee Ellis held "Academics" on "Leadership Lessons from
the Hanoi Hilton" and held court in the Fighter Bar after for a couple of
hours. Stories abounded but the most significant struck a particular cord.
Apparently, during one of the propaganda sessions over the speaker system in
1969, Hanoi Hanna let slip that "If Neil Armstrong visited the DMZ, he would
see what real craters look like." After conversations, the prisoners
figured out we had landed on the moon. The next time Risner's men were let
outside, the gathered group noticed the moon, turned and saluted. "Because
they knew the American flag was there."
In the Arlington Chapel the next day, Ross Perot gave a big Texan eulogy
and talked about the great exploits of Gen Risner. He also noted that
Risner allowed his wings to be used for Ross Perot JR when he graduated from
Pilot training. Ross Perot III will graduate from pilot training soon and
Robbie gave his blessing for the wings to be passed down.
Risner's grandson was also there proudly wearing his Junior ROTC uniform.
Acorn, tree.
Perot (as a Navy man) concluded by saying; "the Marines guarding the pearly
gates will step aside and salute you Robbie, as you enter Heaven."
Our Chief didn't miss a beat (Standard). He started his eulogy with; "Mr.
Perot, I hope those Marines know where the O'Club bar is because that's
where the fighter pilots will be to welcome Gen Risner to Heaven."
Many of you have heard the Chief give speeches and he usually turns most of
us into big old blubbering P words. During this eulogy, he lost it too.
He talked about Risner's character, leadership and what he means to airmen
past and future. He then turned to the former POWs who SERVED with Risner.
And said, "I am not worthy nor capable of understanding what this great
American meant to all of you as he lead with character through 7 awful
years."
He was way choked up. And everyone else was too.
30 minutes later, as he was standing behind the Caisson, I told him he
crushed it. The Chief, with eyes still shimmering with tears, said; "How
can you not be moved by such a great man."
The procession of hundreds moved on to the grave sight. Forecast was for 12
degrees, overcast and possible snow.
It was 25 degrees when we arrived. And as the 336th (Risner's Squadron in
Korea) from Seymour passed over for the missing man, the clouds parted and
the sun shined brightly for the duration of the funeral. God is surely a
fighter pilot.
A great American, a great airman and hero to many.
Nickel on the grass.
Cheers,
