A B-52 crashed this week off the coast of Guam.

Bede Jr. has been back in the states for about 3 weeks, and we were able to spend a couple of weeks with him. He went with us to Idaho to visit relatives and then spent a few days here at home with us. I missed him the moment he left. He called us as soon as he heard about the crash. He knew we were aware that he was not flying, but he knew that I would want to hear his voice anyway. After he called to let us know he was fine, I thought of the 6 wives, mothers, children that were not getting calls from their loved ones to say all was well. I thought about them waiting, calling, panicking, fearing the worst.I prayed for them, for their lost loved ones. I pleaded with God to take them to heaven. To wrap them in his arms and fill them with his love. I prayed for the families left behind, that they be comforted and held in the loving arms of family and friends. I prayed for those left behind who served with these valiant men, that they find strength to carry on. I thanked God for these brave men and women who risk their lives for us and for the families who love and support them.
We received an email from Bede Jr today, this is a portion of it.....

In other news, I just went to the memorial service for the crew of Raider 21, and it turns out I knew 3 of the 6 crew members. I don't want you to worry (Mom!) as I'm still statistically safer in the jet than driving to work, but it brings into sharp contrast how dangerous our business can be. We still don't know what happened to the jet, and may never know (apparently we don't have a "black box"). There were a couple of crew members who where devout catholics, including the man who's desk now sits unoccupied in the squadron right next to mine, so I pray that they, and all the crew members, may enjoy eternal peace. As Miyamoto Musashi, the prominent Japanese Samuri in the 1700s said (as I believe St. Augustine did, as well), we should begin and end each day with the knowledge that it may be our last, and only then can we truly appreciate life. Even though I know you try not to show it, I know that both of you are not thrilled about me going to Iraq. Not that you are opposed to it in any way, but I know it must be difficult to have a child go off into harms way. I know that you will keep me in your prayers, and although there will be many things outside of my control, I can promise you that I will always be careful, never letting complacency increase the chances of anything happening to me. Please keep those who are no longer with us in your prayers, as well as their families.

I look forward to seeing you in a few weeks, thank you again for coming out. I love you both very much, and can't wait to see you again.