I called my ANG boss and my active duty squadron boss this week to announce its time to schedule a fini flight. After 2200+ hours and 15 continuous years of Eagle driving, its time to move on. I will continue to serve my nation in a non-flying capacity at a nearby job, but my back has finally cried "uncle" and made its vote. After 4 days of a hotel standby laying down for 4+ hours a day with an ice pack on my L4/L4 postion, I think God, the Flight docs, and my family have all made it clear that moving on is in everyone's best interest.

I agonized over the decision but it is truely time...

So...next Thursday is 25 Jan....my 42nd birthday. On that day I will lead 4 mightly Eagles on my last F-15 sortie. Its time.

I tried to speak tonight at a roll call at my squadron. This was not my formal going away, but a few bros asked me to talk. I sniffled like a freakin' schoolgirl on the first attempt. The second went better. But its time.... The avatar will change soon....you'll see my NAV-4 instead. So...thanks for the memories...and the opportunity to serve. God has blessed me more than you'll ever know...
__________________

 

Albie, let me be the first to congratulate you on a difficult decision and to thank you for your service. Please don't change the avatar just yet. If I recall a long ago post, you said you were that bottom most plane? I think it's quite meaningful enough to keep it for now.

 

Albie,
15 years is a hell of a run. Just hit 5 in the Viper and my L5/S1 is still killing me after every sortie...I think if I go to 15, I'll be about 5'2" before I retire. Be proud of your accomplishments and longevity(even if it was in a twin engine/twin tail fighter ) With all the ass pain that goes with the job these days, it's easy to forget how fortunate "we" are getting to do what we do or have done. So congrats! I've got a career ? for you, so expect an email.
Slice

 

I know more than one guy who carried longer than he should have...

Congrats on a successful career mate! It's tough to let it go but good to finish on your own terms.

I'm in a BRAC'ed squadron and we seem to have a fini flight a day right now, so I'm tuned into the emotion.

 

Hope the fini goes great. 15 yrs continuous flying--very nice! That's going to be a bitter/sweet birthday present.

 

Albie, best of luck with it all. It's a tough decision that all career officers have to face at some time. Take care of the back, best you can, it is a lifestyle change for sure. I've also been there and done that with the lower back, 3 times I herniated the L4-L5. Discsectomy surgery to fix it the first two times (2004), the last time 7 months ago and I had to have it fused. I'm on terminal leave now and retire 31 Mar 07. 26 years in the Army, one Helicopter crash and over 9,000 hours of rotor wing and fixed wing flying. I should have got out in 2002 but the world changed and I felt the need to give some more. I have my official retirement ceremony is in 2 weeks, I looking forward to it and dreading it at the same time.

The good news is that I am healing at last and in the hiring pool at SWA (a big thanks to your prep). I've put off the class date twice and SWA was very understanding. Not everyone can dedicate the years you did, and you will know that you gave it your all. Congratulations on your accomplishments!

 

Best of luck. I spent almost a year with the Gorillas @ Eglin, and I do have to say that you guys have an awesome job. Always tough to leave a job you love.

 

Albie, Why don't you publish your F-15 pirep on this forum,a nice piece of writing that, mucho gracias for your service, God bless from a former Marine grunt.

 

Eagles Rule!

<----7 year Eagle Maintainer with the 19th at Elmendorf, 1995-2002

 

Albie,

Best of luck, thanks for your service and passing that fighter pilot knowledge on for the last 15 years. Cheers