-Someone once said to me:

"If you live your life the right way, when you are born you are crying and everyone is smiling. When you die....you are smiling and everyone is crying"

I suspect Phil died with a smile~

 

Well said Normy!

 

A toast to Strales. Did a stint on 12AF/IG with him. He was the IG. Great guy. Worked hard, played hard and went the extra mile for "his guys." Here's a nickel on the glass Strales. RIP.

 

Rest In Peace Phil
YouTube - Thunderbirds Missing Man Formation Memorial Overflight

 

Nice words Normy. Clear skies, Phil.

 

What a sobering day. Watching the honor exhibited as Phil was on his last flight home was great. I know that there were people that wanted to attend but couldn't. After talking to people over the last week or so about Phil and listening to their stories, it dawned on me that at least one measure of a man, certainly not the only, is the number of stories told after his passing. Everyone has something to pass on to others about the man they knew and the way he affected them. I have my stories too, but it has been great to hear others reflect in a positive way about a friend taken too soon. I have no doubt that the stories will continue for some time to come and I will enjoy hearing every one of them. I could only hope to have half the affect on people that Phil did. It was certainly an honor and a pleasure to have known him. God bless, Phil...