The Sound of Freedom!

When I was at field training (basic training for ROTC cadets) every time a military jet flew over my flight the TI would yell "What's that sound?" and we would have to yell back "The sound of freedom!" And we meant it. I grew up living on Air Force bases and have never been bothered by the sound of patriots serving their country. Since my current assignment is with the Army, I've been missing the sound of freedom lately. Useful Fools links to a story from Arizona about some folks who don't like the sound all that much.

How often are these jets going to be coming and going? Honestly, its a few minutes a day when those beautiful jets are winging into the wild blue, and you could show a little gratitude, folks.

I was driving back after teaching a class at Fort Monmouth, NJ, and I had decided to take the coastal route instead of braving D.C. traffic on a Friday afternoon. That involved taking the Cape May-Lewes Ferry from NJ to Delaware. We were about halfway through the crossing on a hazy, hot day and couldn't see land when I heard the unmistakable scream of military jets coming at us. Appearing out of the mist at about 500' came two jets sure to strike fear into the hearts of terrorists everywhere: A-10s, flying in perfect two-ship formation. They screamed over the ferry and disappeared into the mist in seconds. I had goosebumps as I stood on the deck of that ferry. The sound of freedom, indeed.