Adam, thank you for your deeply touching tribute to Ukrainian pilots. Of all people, you are the one who knows all well what it takes to fly an aircraft into combat. Every day Ukraine loses some of her best, every day is harder than day before without them. Our hearts are with Ukrainian heroes. Slava Ukraini.
And we as a country can't seem to (at least as of today) summon the wherewithal to resoundingly & dispositively defeat an authoritarian this fall because, well, the price of eggs and pronouns...? What does that say about almost half of our country? As a naturalized citizen, I strongly feel that our professed values (which almost the entire country bought into until a decade or two ago) make us an exceptional and indispensable nation, but I'm not feeling particularly optimistic right now. However, we must continue our fight to defeat the wannabe dictator. The dangers of the alternative should light a fire under our butts and we must redouble our efforts. May we succeed!
Amen. Free Ukraine. Those who bow to Putin will suffer death under him. If our government and NATO do not stand against Putin, he will try to destroy the West even at the expense of all of the Russian people.
To have met these heroes was surely an honor. May their families live in peace because of their sacrifice.
During my time at TAC, I witnessed my share of downed pilots and WSOs, from training missions at the range alone. Our entire squadron was devastated. The picture of you and the two young fellas hit right to the heart upon learning of their passing. I am deeply sorry for Ukraine's loss. And it's a loss for us, too.
Beautifully written, Adam. I can feel your pain in knowing them. Especially being a fighter pilot yourself. I am sad to learn of their deaths and pray for their families/friends. We must help Ukraine end this needless war brought up on them. Thank you for supporting them and please take care of yourself and your family! God bless you.
wow - what an amazing tribute that brought tears to my eyes and sorrow to my heart. What your words did that surprised me is made this war a little more personal to me. I had never had a face or even more so, a "story" and you told Moonfish and Juice's "story" beautifully. More now than ever we need to embrace the people of Ukraine and at the same time find a way to unite this crazy country we live in right now. I closed my eyes and thought of the words you wrote "the silence is deadening" and a level of gratitude not before felt for the blessings we have living in America. Oh Adam, you have been such an educator please do me a favor, would you share this with CNN or all the news stations - beautifully written about two men and their spirits. We all need to hear their story - you made it personal. Thank you yet again.
Linda expressed my feelings beautifully...with tears in my eyes(I do not cry easily) these young men and their families are faces and personalities to identify with in this war. Yes, please, share their stories where you can.... this election is vital for them and all of Ukraine. Thank you Adam for sharing these hero's 💔🙏💔🙏
What a beautiful tribute to these amazing heroes Adam!We should honor them for their sacrifice to protect their country and their freedom-our country should continue to help the Ukraine 🇺🇦!
Oh, my, Adam! This is SO heartbreaking. It makes J.D. Vance's "not one more penny to Ukraine" statement sound so horribly shameful! May the Lord bring comfort to the families of these precious heroes--and to you as their friend.🙏🙏 Thank you so much for sharing!
Here’s a long story to make a short point. I was one of those people who said that if Elon Musk purchased Twitter, I would get off the platform and I did. I also got out off of Facebook because I found it to be too invasive. Mostly I found all of it to be way more harsh than normal life dictates. I found myself being harsh. I’m glad to be done with all of that. Now, having said that, let me be harsh for just one moment and express my thoughts in two words. FUCK putin.
Good for you Chris! I got off social media for the same reasons several years ago! They lie about keeping your data private and people write things most would never have the guts to say to your face! I’m with Kamala,”Say it to my face.”
When it comes to Facebook I got out of there because I was at a restaurant that my wife and I often go to, talking to our favorite waitress with whom I had no social media contact and didn’t even have her phone number. We were looking at pictures of an overseas trip she had taken, on her phone. Later that day I got notice from Facebook asking if I wanted to be her friend. So they knew that I was speaking with her through GPS on both phones or something. Maybe even hearing our conversation through Siri, I don’t know. Anyway, that was it.
So many of the ridiculously rich “tech bros” are turning out to be right wing nuts. It’s very alarming. They have a lot of power and money. And they are not benevolent.
I’m 73 and I never got on any social media to begin with. Seems to me more down side than up side. Never saw the point. This Substack is as close as I’m willing to get.
Adam, these two pilots you have written about exemplify the entire Ukraine nation as they continue to stand for freedom and democracy. We, Americans should take stock of our own resolve to stand firm as the Ukrainians do, if we should face those who would destroy our nation.
Adam thank you for the tribute to these wonderful heroes. Their actions and their memories are a stark reminder of the differences to Trump who believes military members who die for their country are fools.
You honor their legacy with your actions. I was honored to share your insights with my friends during supply trips in Lviv and Kyiv over the past two years. It is safe to say that you are greatly admired there as well as here for the same reasons: a sense of moral duty, compassion, patriotism, inclusiveness and enlightment.
Speaking as a Gold Star family member, freedom does not come for free. Slava Ukraini.
Im sorry for your loss. But you are correct
Adam, thank you for your deeply touching tribute to Ukrainian pilots. Of all people, you are the one who knows all well what it takes to fly an aircraft into combat. Every day Ukraine loses some of her best, every day is harder than day before without them. Our hearts are with Ukrainian heroes. Slava Ukraini.
These two brave men sacrificed their lives to defend their homeland. We all need to summon a small fraction of their courage to fight for ours.
Exactly
And we as a country can't seem to (at least as of today) summon the wherewithal to resoundingly & dispositively defeat an authoritarian this fall because, well, the price of eggs and pronouns...? What does that say about almost half of our country? As a naturalized citizen, I strongly feel that our professed values (which almost the entire country bought into until a decade or two ago) make us an exceptional and indispensable nation, but I'm not feeling particularly optimistic right now. However, we must continue our fight to defeat the wannabe dictator. The dangers of the alternative should light a fire under our butts and we must redouble our efforts. May we succeed!
Like voting democratic💙
What wonderful tribute to Juice and Moonfish. Ukraine is close to my heart. I pray that monster doesn’t succeed to the White House.
You and me both
Amen. Free Ukraine. Those who bow to Putin will suffer death under him. If our government and NATO do not stand against Putin, he will try to destroy the West even at the expense of all of the Russian people.
To have met these heroes was surely an honor. May their families live in peace because of their sacrifice.
Ukranian pilots are being trained in my state. Their instructors have been very impressed with the dedication and ability of the Ukrainians.
Yep! Ive talked to those instructors. Very impressed
During my time at TAC, I witnessed my share of downed pilots and WSOs, from training missions at the range alone. Our entire squadron was devastated. The picture of you and the two young fellas hit right to the heart upon learning of their passing. I am deeply sorry for Ukraine's loss. And it's a loss for us, too.
Beautifully written, Adam. I can feel your pain in knowing them. Especially being a fighter pilot yourself. I am sad to learn of their deaths and pray for their families/friends. We must help Ukraine end this needless war brought up on them. Thank you for supporting them and please take care of yourself and your family! God bless you.
Its an empty feeling. Thank you
May their memories be a blessing. 💔
Amen
Slava Ukraini, heroyam slava. Thank you Adam for the touching remembrance of these two heroes.
Thanks for reading
wow - what an amazing tribute that brought tears to my eyes and sorrow to my heart. What your words did that surprised me is made this war a little more personal to me. I had never had a face or even more so, a "story" and you told Moonfish and Juice's "story" beautifully. More now than ever we need to embrace the people of Ukraine and at the same time find a way to unite this crazy country we live in right now. I closed my eyes and thought of the words you wrote "the silence is deadening" and a level of gratitude not before felt for the blessings we have living in America. Oh Adam, you have been such an educator please do me a favor, would you share this with CNN or all the news stations - beautifully written about two men and their spirits. We all need to hear their story - you made it personal. Thank you yet again.
Linda expressed my feelings beautifully...with tears in my eyes(I do not cry easily) these young men and their families are faces and personalities to identify with in this war. Yes, please, share their stories where you can.... this election is vital for them and all of Ukraine. Thank you Adam for sharing these hero's 💔🙏💔🙏
What a beautiful tribute to these amazing heroes Adam!We should honor them for their sacrifice to protect their country and their freedom-our country should continue to help the Ukraine 🇺🇦!
Yes!
I STAND WITH UKRAINE AND SEND THEM MONIES EVERY MONTH!!!
Thank you!
Me too. Many of my family as well. Slava Ukraini!
Oh, my, Adam! This is SO heartbreaking. It makes J.D. Vance's "not one more penny to Ukraine" statement sound so horribly shameful! May the Lord bring comfort to the families of these precious heroes--and to you as their friend.🙏🙏 Thank you so much for sharing!
Here’s a long story to make a short point. I was one of those people who said that if Elon Musk purchased Twitter, I would get off the platform and I did. I also got out off of Facebook because I found it to be too invasive. Mostly I found all of it to be way more harsh than normal life dictates. I found myself being harsh. I’m glad to be done with all of that. Now, having said that, let me be harsh for just one moment and express my thoughts in two words. FUCK putin.
Good for you Chris! I got off social media for the same reasons several years ago! They lie about keeping your data private and people write things most would never have the guts to say to your face! I’m with Kamala,”Say it to my face.”
When it comes to Facebook I got out of there because I was at a restaurant that my wife and I often go to, talking to our favorite waitress with whom I had no social media contact and didn’t even have her phone number. We were looking at pictures of an overseas trip she had taken, on her phone. Later that day I got notice from Facebook asking if I wanted to be her friend. So they knew that I was speaking with her through GPS on both phones or something. Maybe even hearing our conversation through Siri, I don’t know. Anyway, that was it.
So many of the ridiculously rich “tech bros” are turning out to be right wing nuts. It’s very alarming. They have a lot of power and money. And they are not benevolent.
I’m 73 and I never got on any social media to begin with. Seems to me more down side than up side. Never saw the point. This Substack is as close as I’m willing to get.
Hell ya, and a fervent FUCK putin back right back atcha Chris! 💪🇺🇦
Adam, these two pilots you have written about exemplify the entire Ukraine nation as they continue to stand for freedom and democracy. We, Americans should take stock of our own resolve to stand firm as the Ukrainians do, if we should face those who would destroy our nation.
Adam thank you for the tribute to these wonderful heroes. Their actions and their memories are a stark reminder of the differences to Trump who believes military members who die for their country are fools.
You honor their legacy with your actions. I was honored to share your insights with my friends during supply trips in Lviv and Kyiv over the past two years. It is safe to say that you are greatly admired there as well as here for the same reasons: a sense of moral duty, compassion, patriotism, inclusiveness and enlightment.