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nodeman
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 Posted: Mar 27, 2012 - 03:24 AM
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 09, 2008 - 07:19 AM
Posts: 2
Status: Offline
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I was just notified of the loss of a great friend and Air Force brother, Carlos Valenzuela “Chili Bean”. I first met Val at our first assignment McDill AFB Tampa Fla. Val was a very unique Airman, he was extremely dedicated to his aircraft F4 Phantom 660. He was meticulous with the care and maintenance of his assigned aircraft.
I can remember when Val was selected as the Maintenance Professional of the year. He was selected from over a thousand aircraft maintenance specialists. Val was considered to be the best of the best of us and was well deserved. This is the most prestigious award any Crew Chief could ever attain. A large banquet was given to the winner and runner ups in each category. The Wing Commander is the speaker for the award ceremony, calling forward the elite few to receive their awards. I was extremely proud of my friend that day, for the accumulation of his efforts throughout the year. Throughout his career Fighter Aircraft was his passion, Val never left his passion behind like so many of us had. Val had a fire in his heart for all things that flys that could never be quenched.
Val was always there for me, and helped me through my darkest hours. He was always steadfast and never wavering in his friendship towards me and others. It’s been over 35 years now and we always managed to find each other. Now once again we are on different paths, I feel a great loss in my heart, I can only imagine what you family is going through…
I will pray for you and yours, Val has a special pair of wings now, Fly high my friend Fly high.
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds, and done a hundred things you have not dreamed of wheeled and soared and swung high in the sunlit silence. Hovering there, I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung my eager craft through footless halls of air. . . .Up, up the long, delirious burning blue I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace where never lark, or ever eagle flew and, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod the high untrespassed sanctity of space, put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
— John Gillespie Magee, Jr. |
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