What a thrill to see it up close...
Earlier this year, friends Barb and Mark secured an invitation to take G up in the tower at a military bombing range here in Northern Michigan. Our first opportunity came in October. It was truly a "WOW" experience.
While the planes were still outside range airspace, we toured the facility--all of us amazed at the level of training that occurs here, right in our own backyard. At any given time, there are Navy SEALS and/or army personnel on the ground and F16s in the air--training for missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Working together to ensure a precision that allows our airforce the ability to destroy targets sometimes within 300 yards of ground forces. Awe-inspiring and sobering.
For G, it all provided context. After a long explanation of how ground troops work--in constant communication--with the folks in the air during combat, G looked at me and said "so these guys keep Kevin safe?" Kevin is our soldier pen pal.
When the planes arrived, we observed their exercises from the tower's outside platform. Everyone, including G, craned necks to keep track of the planes as they circled and bombed targets. But when they finished and began doing 'fly-bys', G was instantly less enthused than the rest of us. I don't think he was as confident that the planes would not hit the tower. And he didn't appreciate the noise so much. Especially because it always came after the plane was already gone--took him by surprise every time.
Overall, an incredible learning experience for all of us and thrilling. Just thrilling. (Thanks to Mark for such fabulous pictures.)
While the planes were still outside range airspace, we toured the facility--all of us amazed at the level of training that occurs here, right in our own backyard. At any given time, there are Navy SEALS and/or army personnel on the ground and F16s in the air--training for missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Working together to ensure a precision that allows our airforce the ability to destroy targets sometimes within 300 yards of ground forces. Awe-inspiring and sobering.
For G, it all provided context. After a long explanation of how ground troops work--in constant communication--with the folks in the air during combat, G looked at me and said "so these guys keep Kevin safe?" Kevin is our soldier pen pal.
When the planes arrived, we observed their exercises from the tower's outside platform. Everyone, including G, craned necks to keep track of the planes as they circled and bombed targets. But when they finished and began doing 'fly-bys', G was instantly less enthused than the rest of us. I don't think he was as confident that the planes would not hit the tower. And he didn't appreciate the noise so much. Especially because it always came after the plane was already gone--took him by surprise every time.
Overall, an incredible learning experience for all of us and thrilling. Just thrilling. (Thanks to Mark for such fabulous pictures.)
posted by Jennifer B. | 9:25 AM
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