Friday came which meant Kyle's last ride in the mighty Viper had arrived. It was such a bitter sweet day ending our lives of the F-16 chapter, while also eagerly looking forward to our future in the F-35. That morning I ran around making pizza orders, as it is custom for the person having their fini flight provide some food afterwards in the squadron bar for the families that came out to support them, as well as other items such as paper plates, napkins, and drinks. I got the kids all decked out in their cute little flight suits, then we headed to the security gate to the flight line to be escorted to the squadron building.
It was a very cold January day and the wind did not help. I wasn't expecting for many people to show up due to weather conditions, but almost the entire squadron and their families came out for support! It actually was one of the larger fini flight outcomes, we felt so loved and blessed. Even our good friends from the ward, the Hafens, showed up with their kids even though he isn't a pilot at all but is in fact the general surgeon on base. I think they actually got a kick out of it the most. They always think silly pilot traditions are fun and they like to always be a part of the party.
We all waited in the warm squadron building till we heard over the loudspeaker that Budweiser (that's Kyles radio call sign while flying...everyone thinks it's hilarious cause obviously he doesn't drink alcohol so calling him Budweiser is an oxymoron) was landing and taxiing in. As we made our way out to the bitter cold flight line a camera crew approached me saying that they were from the public relations squadron on base and were hoping to film us and the fini flight experience as a promotional document. I said sure why not, and I guess Kyle also gave them permission as well prior to his flight so they started filming everyone and everything. So there we were waiting for Kyle to land meanwhile a bunch of cameras were in our faces, particularly me and the kids. It was a little paparazzi moment for sure.
We were all freezing and saw all the other jets come in one by one, but still no Kyle. Of course he was the last jet to pull around and to get settled near the hanger. as soon as his jet engine turned off and his canopy opened we all charged the jet. The other pilots ran ahead making sure that he couldn't escape, and that's when Kyle busted out his surprise. He had packed a super soaker water gun in his bag in the cock pit and while the other pilots were circling getting ready to tackle him Kyle began to spray them all with water. Everyone laughed and it just egged on the other pilots more to capture him, which they eventually did. They tied him up with duct tape and strapped him to the wing of the jet. Then the kids and I were able to run to the front of the action and take turns spraying Kyle (as is tradition) with water in the face. Apparently the guys got a little too rough while tackling Kyle because he got cut and was bleeding on his forehead just a little bit. The whole "take down" event lasted maybe 15 minutes and afterwards we all quickly got a squadron group picture and ran inside where it was warm. Poor Kyle was drenched and it was probably 22 degrees outside. Hopefully he doesn't get sick.
Upon return to the squadron building everyone ate and after Kyle changed into dry clothes our Squadron Commander, STAC, gave a speech in which he talked about all of Kyle's accomplishments as a Panther, and officially farewelled our family from the Panther Pack. The LPA gave me a bouquet of flowers and Kyle and I both had the opportunity to say a couple words to our whole squadron family. We both thanked everyone for their love and support and for making these past three years amazing for our family. With one last final "CP" yell, the whole squadron echoed and just like that we were officially done with the Panthers. Kyle put his patch on the Panther alumni wall and passed off the eldest Panther patch to Frost Broncheau.
What an amazing three years it has been with the mighty Panthers. We have been so lucky to have amazing squadron commanders, fellow pilots and families, and to have the opportunity for Kyle to not only become a flight lead but a first assignment Instructor pilot. We have had many wonderful opportunities that have helped Kyle attain an F-35 slot. Once a Panther, always a Panther. To the World's Greatest Wild Weasels, CP!
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