My Father Is An Air Force Man
Monday, August 29th, 2005This is a poem submitted to me by my wife, Rene. She is understandably proud of her father’s long and distinguished career in the Air Force, from which he retired a full-bird Colonel. He spent over a year in Laos on a top secret assignment where his job was to make sure that the military personnel there had everything they needed to survive. He also served tours at the Pentagon and several Air Force bases around the country.
This poem was sent to Rene by her father with the following note:
I sent a poem to you a few minutes ago written by a daughter of an Air Force Pilot. When I attended the reunion in Louisville, our banquet speaker was Brig General Dan Cherry. He had a distinguished career including being a Thunderbird pilot. He also shot down a MIG 21 in Vietnam. Anyway, during his speech he read a poem his daughter had written about her Dad. He got about 2/3rds through the poem and teared up. Dads like to think they are tough, but their kids are the most important things in their lives. Love, Dad
MY FATHER IS AN AIR FORCE MAN
My father is an Air Force man,
and now I’ve learned to see,
how this life gives as well as takes,
and what it’s meant to me.
Forever moving never still,
from place to different place,
our homes have numbered many,
and each a different base.
I still recall my Father’s way,
the times when he’d come back,
to kiss my Mom, then boldly state,
“We’re transferred, start to pack.�
When I was small I never knew,
or cared just what he did;
or why he’d sometimes hold me tight and say,
“You’re worth it kid.�
I knew of course my dad flew planes,
when most kids’ did not.
I also knew with sad resign,
planes kept him gone a lot.
I watched how Mom would worry when his plane was overdue,
but yet each time I knew he’d come, and bring gift or two.
And what a dazzling sight he gave this small adoring daughter,
dressed in blue and silver, I’d brag, “This is my father.�
My Air Force Dad has taught me much,
his gift to me is rare.
My friends are many races and my home is everywhere.
I know that our country’s great,
and that our lives are free,
because my Dad’s an Air Force man,
and means the world to me.
Sandra Lee Sharp
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