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Note: Tom Penn began writing this tribute the night before Tony B. passed away. Tom said, " I did not know Tony but have heard and read stories about him. Through the many men with whom I had the honor to serve during my 11.5 years in USAFSS/ESC (1968-1980), I feel I knew him a little. I believe there is that little bit of Tony in each and everyone who has flown those missions. I've been blessed to have worked with some extraordinary people over my years and I am pleased to honor any and all who have served our nation faithfully."
Webmaster's Note: See also Butch & Tony B and Tony's Flashlight
TWILIGHT COMMUNION - MOURNFUL REUNION
AS THE MORNING AIR STIRS, THE VESSELS OF LIFE ARE WARMED AND WE ARE REVITALIZED IN THE BRIGHT SOFT CARESS OF THE NEW DAWN.
YET THE RADIANT GLEAM OF THE SUN CANNOT PENETRATE THE SORROW IN OUR HEARTS AS WE PREPARE FAREWELLS TO A FRIEND AND CREWMATE.
THE CRESCENDO MOAN OF THE MOURNING WIND GATHERS US TOGETHER AS ANOTHER COMRADE BEGINS A SOLO JOURNEY, RISING INTO THE HEAVENS.
A FRIEND DEPARTS. A SOUL SLOWLY ASCENDS. LIKE THE EAGLE IT SOARS TOWARD ETERNAL REST IN A FAR-OFF AERIE PREPARED BY THE LORD'S HAND.
WE STAND AT ATTENTION AND SALUTE IN HONOR OF SERVICE RENDERED BY A FAITHFUL SILENT WARRIOR.
WITH GREAT RESPECT WE PAUSE TO REFLECT ON THAT COMRADERIE, THAT SENSE OF MISSION, THAT AIRCREW ESPRIT DE CORPS, SO FEW OTHERS EVER KNOW OR SHARE. KINDRED THROUGH SPIRIT, WE WERE ONE, WE ARE ONE, AND WE SHALL FOREVER BE ONE.
WE BOW OUR HEADS IN QUIET REVERENCE. WE RECOIL AT THE CRISP CRACK OF THE RIFLES. WE WINCE AS THE LAMENTING WAIL OF THE BUGLER'S CRY ASSAILS OUR SENSES, EXACERBATING THE WELL OF SADNESS.
THROUGH A CHILLING MIST OUR EYES GLIMPSE EVANESCENT SHADOWS OF THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE, SPIRITS NOW PROUDLY STANDING IN LINE ABREAST TO RECEIVE THE NEWEST MEMBER ONTO A SEASONED, EXPERIENCED CREW WHO, FOREVER VIGILANT, STAND THAT ETERNAL WATCH OVER US.
IN THIS MOURNING WE ARE REJUVENATED THROUGH MEMORIES AROUSED. WE REMAIN IN TOUCH AS WE COMMISERATE AND WE CONSOLE ONE ANOTHER. WE ABIDE THIS SADNESS IN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT OUR SOJOURN IS FLEETING.
THROUGH OUR KINSHIP WE LIVE FOR ANOTHER MOMENT WITH OUR FRIENDS AND CREWMATES WHOM WE SHALL NEVER FORGET, THOSE WITH WHOM WE SHALL CELEBRATE IN THAT FINAL GREAT AND EVERLASTING REUNION.