To the Class of 12/1/1997,

Just got the SPA retirement emaill and it looks like to me, from the class of 97, the 28 new hires, we are the five remaining*.

That leaves Joey (the absolute funniest stand-up guy I've ever seen, with that vaudeville shtick with the prettiest girl from the audience, and actually the only stand-up guy I've seen in person because he was generous enough to waive the cover charge, and of course, I doubt any of us had a spare five bucks to get in).

Then Will, who, when I introduced myself as "Kevin", during the interview sit, he heard "Captain" and made me the arrogant BE-1900 "Captain" A-Hole of the interview class. Thanks for that Will ... although I did forgive you for your jet pilot skills and sculpted cheekbones.

Next is Larry "Sky". If you ever have the pleasure to meet Larry, you're blessed. I would trust him with my Debit Card and PIN. We teased him for his nickname because all pilots are jerks, but not him. You want him to be your friend. Trust me on that.

Next is Eric. Thank you for not beating me up in the parking lot of the Ramada the dental clinic/abortion clinic/ training center in beautiful Romulus for being a smart @ss. I was also scared of Cal and Denny, so I didn't need any additional stress. Also, sculpted cheekbones like Will's but a little "meatier", I only say that because they've waived those old charges, and I and finally got approved for my CCW. I promise I'll never mention that "Perineum" issue your AME shared with me while he violated his Hippocratic oath in public. Again. Ever.
Tony, Tony Tony:

My Dad's B-17 lost a prop governor, fell out of formation, and he spent a year in Stalag Luft III,they blew the tail off killing his best best friend (Goldie) and six others, then was forced marched to Stamlageher 7a in January 45 before Patton with his shiny helmet liberated the troops there. Had you been born earlier, and were the Captain of that plane, with the four Wright engines, I suspect you would have taken him back to Foggia instead of where he ended up. I spread his ashes from Nine -O-Nine in 2000. I know you know that tail number.

*KC.

Best pilot I've ever had the luck to know. Walked me through -9 stuff at 3 :am on at 2:am, in January in 98. In the cold plane. Wouldn't have made it without her.