This is going to take some time so please keep checking back to read the complete version of the update.

STRENGTH AND HONOR

Joey was given a great honor today.  On October 12th, 2005 Joey and the rest of the family got to enjoy the pilot for a day program at Luke Air Force Base.

We arrived at 9:00AM and met with Major Tom "Opie" Stewart.  He has been an F-16 Pilot in the Air Force and Air Guard for 15 years.  He was a great tour guide.  He had plenty of patience when Pop asked him questions and really spent a lot of time with Joey.  We even got to meet his wife at lunch.

After a ride in the Blue Steely - a big blue van, ew arrived at the herritage room of the 308th Emerald Knights.  Joey was greeted by Lt. Col. "BC" Lacy.  Knight 1 asked Joey why he was not in uniform and promptly provided Joey with his own flight suit.  It was complete with his name, call sign and patches. 

A reporter amd a photographer from the Arizona Republic were there along with the Air Force's photographer.  With all of the photos being taken it felt a little like a movie premier.  Joey was a little shy at first but he warmed up quickly once he was in uniform.