gb Leighton - From our friends in the National Guard








			From Our Friends...

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From our Friends in the National Guard

From: Wong Jeffrey L. 386 EAS
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2002 2:06 PM
Subject: gb Leighton around the world

Please deliver to Brian & gang.

Here's a story I thought you might like to hear. I am a member of the Minnesota Air National Guard and am currently deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, flying regular missions into Afghanistan and Pakistan. Our missions are long, usually somewhere around 18 hours. We depart Ali Al Salem AB, Kuwait in the late afternoon or early evening. We fly all night, watching the sun go down and then rise up again. On our last leg home in the early morning hours our crew is usually exhausted and fighting fatigue. I have three or four of your CD's loaded on my mp3 player and we listen to your music quite frequently on those early morning return legs. It plays a great role in keeping us awake and alert, allowing us to return to our base safely. At times we even go as far as to broadcast music, on a discrete frequency used for aircraft to talk to one another, for others to enjoy! Your music has also been a great reminder of home and the wonderful freedoms we enjoy in the United States. In a way, you could say gb Leighton has played a role in preserving freedom for our generations to come!

Finally, I would like to say this. One of my good friends, another "guard guy," and I were at your show at O'Gara's the Saturday following the September 11th attacks. However, we were there while on alert, ready to be airborne within 3 hours of getting the call and not able to enjoy ourselves as much as we normally would. Your words were truly heartfelt and meant a lot to what may have seemed to be "just another face in the crowd." Thanks for the great music and all the memories that go along with your shows! You can bet Bunkers will be on my schedule for the first Wednesday after I return home. Thanks again!

Cpt Jeff Wong, Pilot
Minnesota Air National Guard, Deployed

From: Holly Sharp
Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2002 1:19 AM
To: 'Wong Jeffrey L. 386 EAS'

Your message brought tears to my eyes, Jeff. I am proud to work with Brian and to be a part of the gb Leighton family. It is messages like yours and words like Brian's that make it all worth while. I will certainly pass your message along to Brian and they band as I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that it will be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much Jeff. Know you and the others will be in our thoughts and prayers until you are safely home. Let me know if you would be Ok with gb Leighton posting your message on our website. I know the fans would like to know they too are a part of your strength.

Holly Sharp
gb Leighton Inc.

From: Wong Jeffrey L. 386 EAS
Sent: Friday, March 29, 2002 2:41 AM
To: 'Holly Sharp'

Ms. Sharp,

Thanks for the reply. You are more than welcome to post that message on your website, I don't mind at all. There is a tradition, if you can call it that, here where we as a flight crew, fly an American flag on behalf of loved ones, friends, etc. into Afghanistan on our combat missions. My crew and I would like to fly one on behalf of gb Leighton and give it to them when we return. If you think this is something they'd like to have, let me know and I'll fly one on our next mission. We have a nice certificate that explains the significance of the flag, and is presented with it. I'm not sure how this would be received, since I am sure the band is always getting "gifts" from fans. If you think they'd like it or appreciate it, I will fly one for them on our next mission. I can personally say, having their music here has really made a difference, it's like having a part of home here with me. Thanks again, and I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the story!

Jeff Wong

From: Holly Sharp
Sent: Monday, April 01, 2002 12:13 PM
To: 'Wong Jeffrey L. 386 EAS'

Hey Jeff,

What a grand gift that would be for Brian and the band! I shared your emails and I know they would be honored if you would fly a flag for them on your next mission. I can't begin to tell you how privileged they would feel and how much it would be appreciated. We will keep you all in our thoughts, Jeff.

Holly Sharp
gb Leighton Inc.

From: Wong Jeffrey L. 386 EAS
Sent: Monday, April 01, 2002 9:36 PM
To: 'Holly Sharp'

Thanks again,

The flag for the band was flown Sunday 31 March. What a way to spend Easter! I'll get in contact with you when I return, hopefully sometime in the first part of May.

Jeff