From: carnuck@xxxxxxxxxxx To: carnuck@xxxxxxxxxxx Subject: Veteran's day Date: Sun, 11 Nov 2007 08:39:49 -0800 To those who served, we salute you and those who were lost (especially those who can't find their way back) http://www.livevideo.com/video/Mudhooks/8C3A83509E87420FAA3792544455418D/tom-russell-veteran-s-day-.aspx =========== I've a neighbor two doors down, Lt. Al Harris - 81 - a WWII Veteran - . Al is a former Lt. Bombardier of B-17 European Theater action. Back then, you flew 25 missions in order to rotate out, your chances of surviving fell to less than 10% after five missions. In the B-17 glass nose, facing the finest oncoming opposition Europe could field, Al flew 35 missions against: = Fw-190 / Me-109 / Me-262 / Me 163 = Al's Aircrew were taken off active for one Mission, the entire Aircrew that took over his B-17s flight Mission died. I watched the Time Life advertisement just now,for DVD_VHS films of WWII which ends a ravaged smoking & shattered B-17s' rotation out, lifeless. I've only seen the sadness in his eyes once briefly, a certain moments memory alight. Al is up at 8am sharp, motors in a snow white Subaru Sport Coupe to breakfast in town - light shopping - home for lunch. A good book and an afternoon Scotch before evening TMC on basic cable. Both he and his now disabled wife escaped Katrina in New Orleans, they lost everything. They live seperatly now - she visits on her mobile scooter - runs the back roads between complexes - the Police leave her alone. He has two sons, one visits frequently to whisk Al for an outing in the late model Corvette - good guy to talk with - a good Son. I didn't ask why Al went ten extra rounds against Luftwaffe Fighter Command and German Flak Batteries, but I have an idea. I don't call him 'Al' , I address him as 'Lieutenant' at greeting, he smiles. - time to watch 'Von Ryan's Express' . Dismissed . _______________________________________________ Amc-list mailing list Amc-list@xxxxxxxxxxxx http://www.amc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/amc-list