Page 2 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt, December 2020

2 December 2020 Commentary http://www.luke.af.mil Thunderbolt news Facebook.com/LukeThunderbolt 3
December 2020
Thunderbolt
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PHONE NUMBERS Remembering Christmases past, major military events South Korean immigrant finds future in

Airman and Family Readiness Center .................... 623-856-6550 by
Airman’s Attic ......................................................... 623-856-6415 kATie LAnge
Armed Forces Bank ................................................ 623-535-9766
Base Exchange main store ...................................... 623-935-2671 Department of Defense Air Force, encourages others to follow
Base taxi .................................................................. 623-856-6866
Beauty shop ............................................................. 623-536-1897 On Christmas Day every year, many Americans relax and
Chapel ..................................................................... 623-856-6211 enjoy time with their families. For many of our troops, though,
Chapel (after duty hours) ........................................ 623-856-5600 it can be a day of sacrifice and hardship.
Child development center ....................................... 623-856-6338 Throughout the history of the U.S., several large-scale mili-
Clothing sales .......................................................... 623-856-6310 tary actions have taken place on December 25. The following by Master Sgt. “I grew up in a broken home,” LEFT: Then-Capt. Jay Park
Club Five Six .......................................................... 623-856-6446 are four of the most noteworthy. ChAnCe BABin he said. “My father was bi-polar, takes a photo before his first
Command post ........................................................ 623-856-5600 schizophrenic and physically deployment sortie, prior to the
Commissary ............................................................ 623-935-3821 1776: Washington’s Famous Crossing of the Delaware Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs abusive toward my mother. She walk around in front of his jet
Community center ................................................... 623-856-7152 The winter of 1776 didn’t start well for Gen. George Washing- JoinT BASe SAn AnTonio- worked two jobs. During the day, with his arms around the GBU-
Computer IT service desk ..................................... DSN 945-2900 ton’s Continental Army. They suffered many defeats in the first RAnDoLPh, Texas – When Jay she worked at a salon and during 12, laser guided bomb.
Crime Stop .............................................................. 623-856-6666 few months of the American Revolution and had been pushed
Dental clinic ............................................................ 623-856-2273 out of New York and New Jersey into Pennsylvania. For the Park was 8 years old, his parents the evenings our whole family
Dermatology ........................................................... 623-856-2273 troops, morale was low. Courtesy photo immigrated from South Korea would clean office buildings from RIGHT: Then-Capt. Park holds
Dining hall .............................................................. 623-856-6396 Washington needed to renew faith in the battle for indepen- The Battle of Trenton inspired this famous painting by to the United States in hopes of 5 to 10 p.m. She did it all with his third child and first son,
Dorm management .................................................. 623-856-7841 Emanuel Leutze of Gen. George Washington crossing building a better life for Jay and his many nights of tears and many Josiah.
Education center ...................................................... 623-856-7722 dence, so he decided to surprise the Hessians — German troops the Delaware River. older brother. His parents didn’t nights fearing for her life. I wanted
EMERGENCY ONLY ............................................................. 911 hired by the British — who were stationed in Trenton, New know it at the time, but, for Jay, to help her, but I also wanted to
Equal opportunity .................................................... 623-856-7711 Jersey. He figured that doing so after the enemy’s Christmas that better life would mean serving run away.” BELOW: Maj. Jay Park, director of
Eye clinic ................................................................ 623-856-7965 celebrations would find them groggy and unprepared for a fight, Dec. 18 after North Vietnamese delegates walked out on peace operations for Air Force Recruit-
Falcon Dunes Golf Course ...................................... 623-535-9334 especially as a terrible winter storm was brewing. talks. Nicknamed the “11 Days of Christmas,” the operation in the Air Force. He said, deep down, he knew the ing Service’s Detachment 1, with
Family health clinic ................................................. 623-856-2273 So, late Christmas night, Washington and his troops hopped consisted of 11 successive days of raids by B-52 Stratofortress “Most Asian families push the best way he could help his mom his wife, Anna, and their children.
Family housing ........................................................ 623-388-3515 in boats and waded across the icy Delaware River to test his bombers flown in from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. standard, typical white-collar ca- was to stay out of trouble. Park’s parents immigrated to the
Fire station .............................................................. 623-856-6641 theory — and he was right. At dawn on Dec. 26, about 2,400 The only day that both sides got a reprieve was Christmas, reers — doctors, lawyers, dentists, “After all she had sacrificed, I U.S. when he was 8 years old. His
Firestone Car Care .................................................. 623-271-8104 when troops were given a 36-hour break to celebrate. During etc.,” said now-Maj. Jay Park, di- did not and could not burden her parents wanted to give him and
Fitness center .......................................................... 623-856-6241 frozen Continentals pushed into Trenton, and they did indeed rector of operations for Air Force more with my selfishness,” he said.
Flight medicine ....................................................... 623-856-2273 surprise the enemy, who surrendered within an hour and a half. that time, Nixon ordered the North Vietnamese to return to Recruiting Service’s Detachment “She was also very religious and his brother a better life.
Food court ............................................................... 623-935-2671 The mission, which became known as the Battle of Trenton, the bargaining table. The North Vietnamese refused, so the
Fort Tuthill .............................................................. 623-856-3401 was of huge significance to the Continental Army’s cause. Not bombings continued until Dec. 29, when they agreed to resume 1. “It was always understood in so strong in her faith. It led me to
Fraud, waste and abuse hotline ............................... 623-856-6149 only did it raise the troops’ spirits, but it revived the hope of peace talks. my family that I had to make see the strength she found in God
Hobby shop ............................................................. 623-856-6722 the colonists, who were beginning to think their battle for In 11 days, Linebacker II dropped 15,000 tons of bombs via something of myself, which meant and it helped me find my faith in
Housing assistance section ...................................... 623-856-7643 independence wasn’t feasible. 729 U.S. Air Force sorties involving about 12,000 airmen. De- I should pursue one of those stan- God as well.”
Housing facilities section ........................................ 623-856-3007 fense Department records show the raids destroyed or damaged dard, white-collar jobs.” After graduating high school,
Housing maintenance .............................................. 623-935-2676 1864: The First Battle of Fort Fisher Park instead found his future Park almost enlisted in the Army.
Identification cards .................................................. 623-856-7832 For most of the Civil War, North Carolina’s Fort Fisher saw 1,600 structures, 500 rail targets, 10 airfields and 80 percent in a blue-collar job … Air Force “I wanted desperately to help
Information, tickets and travel ................................ 623-856-6000 very little combat. But that changed on Christmas 1864, when of North Vietnam’s electric-generating capacity. Fifteen U.S.
Law enforcement desk ............................................ 623-856-5970 the Union decided it wanted to capture the last port the Con- B-52s were also destroyed in the process, killing 35 men and blue, that is. my mom so I thought the best
Legal assistance ...................................................... 623-856-6901 federates held on the Atlantic Ocean. leading to the capture of nearly 40 American prisoners of war. “Even though my parents were thing I could do was to become
Library ..................................................................... 623-856-7191 It was a debacle for the Union. The resumed peace talks that came from the campaign led both college graduates and had self-sufficient,” he said. “Thank-
Lodging office/switchboard .................................... 623-856-3941 First, the Union tried to pack a warship with explosives to to the Paris Peace Accords in January 1973. The U.S. ended its good paying jobs, the chances for fully, my best friend’s father con-
Maintenance control center ..................................... 623-856-5469 blow up the fort’s walls — but that didn’t work. It just blew up involvement in the war soon after, but the last American troops my brother and me to do well in vinced me to go to college and join
Marine Corps .......................................................... 623-856-2417 Korea were low for many reasons,” the military as an officer. I had no
Marine Corps 24-hour duty desk ............................ 602-421-5806 their ship and alerted the Confederates of an imminent attack. wouldn’t leave the country for another two years. he said. “Looking back on the deci- idea what that meant, but, some-
Marketing ................................................................ 623-856-3245 So on Christmas Eve, the Union tried again, bombarding the 1896: “Stars and Stripes Forever” is Written sion to immigrate, I realize how how, I found ways to get grants to
Medical appointments ............................................. 623-856-2273 fort with heavy gunfire, most of which fell short or missed its While this wasn’t exactly a military action, it’s definitely a
Military equal opportunity ...................................... 623-856-7711 target. symbol of America’s military might. difficult it must have been for help pay for in-state tuition, which
Military pay ............................................................. 623-856-7028 On Christmas morning, Union commanders decided to shell John Philip Sousa, who grew up during the Civil War, was a my parents to leave everything allowed me to put the military on Courtesy photos
Navy Operations Support Center ............................ 602-353-3008 an area north of the fort so troops could land and come ashore. talented musician who became a long-time director of the U.S. — family, friends, jobs and com- hold.” Park as a child, spending time
OB/GYN clinic ....................................................... 623-856-2273 But when they did, more disappointment followed — the fort’s Marine Band. Known as the “March King,” he was a rock star munity — and move to a foreign Even though his tuition was with his mother at a public pool
Office of Special Investigations .............................. 623-856-6821 country where they had no job covered, Park found out during in South Korea in 1988.
Optometrist ............................................................. 623-856-2273 heavy artillery was completely unscathed, so that was a no-go, of his time, eventually starting his own band in 1892. lined up and didn’t speak any his freshman year of college
Orthopedic clinic ..................................................... 623-856-2273 too. It was only then that the Union ordered troops to retreat. On Christmas Day 1896, while crossing the Atlantic on his English. They sacrificed every- that he still needed an income to
Outdoor recreation .................................................. 623-856-6267 While the first Battle of Fort Fisher was a massive failure way home from a European vacation, Sousa’s lasting legacy become more responsible, taught in the end, it was being part of a years but began to realize I was
Pass and registration ............................................... 623-856-4880 for the Union, the second wasn’t. In mid-January 1865, Union came to him. He said the notes for “Stars and Stripes Forever” thing just to have an opportunity cover living expenses. He worked me to manage tasks well, but also community, belonging to a group falling behind.”
Patient advocate ...................................................... 623-856-8968 troops were finally able to capture the fort, effectively cutting were born out of homesickness and fond memories of his time to make my life better. At the time, part-time jobs, but soon realized to be a leader among my peers. It of highly skilled fighter pilots and He also began to notice the cul-
Pediatric clinic ........................................................ 623-856-2273 the Confederates off from global trade and supplies. The Civil as the Marine Band’s leader. I was too young to fully grasp the he would need more money if he also didn’t hurt that the ladies in leaders that drew me in.” ture here in America was vastly
Pharmacy refill call-in ............................................. 623-856-3969 War ended three months later. The iconic song officially became America’s national march sacrifices they made. I was just was to stay focused on finishing my life loved the uniform.” While Park was definitely in different from what he had inter-
Photo services ......................................................... 623-856-6168 happy to get on an airplane and college. It was at this time that Park the minority as an Asian aviator, nalized as a Korean American.
Post Office ............................................................... 623-935-1343 1972: operation Linebacker ii in north Vietnam in 1987. move to America.” “I started looking into ROTC
Public affairs ........................................................... 623-856-6011 American troops were in the middle of the largest bombing This holiday season, while you’re enjoying leave, family, The Parks settled in Oklahoma, (Reserve Officer Training Corps) said he started thinking about he said he never had any issues “Never in a setting of Koreans
Recycling information ............................................ 623-856-4749 mission in military history during the Christmas season of friends and feasts, think of some of your fellow troops, past becoming an aviator. related to his background. would someone younger talk
Retiree Activities office .............................................623-856-3923 1972. The air campaign, called Operation Linebacker II, has and present, who had to forgo their holidays for the greater just a few miles from Tinker Air scholarships because I became “I still remember to this day “Discrimination exists in some directly to an elder and give
Rodgers Travel ........................................................ 623-856-6894 largely been considered the action that ended U.S. involvement good of the country. While you’re at it, you might even want to Force Base. And while the young friends with some of the Air sitting inside the big auditorium, form or fashion, no matter where him feedback,” Park said. “I was
Safety ...................................................................... 623-856-6941 in the Vietnam War. put on “Stars and Stripes Forever” in their honor. Have a great Park constantly saw airplanes Force ROTC cadets in my intro to sweaty and hot at field training in you go,” he said. “But, I never shocked at how young captains
Security forces .........................................................623-856-5970 President Richard Nixon ordered the bombings to begin on holiday season, everybody! flying over his city, he could never engineering class,” he said. “One the middle of the Texas summer once felt or experienced outright would talk to majors or even lieu-
Security incidents .................................................... 623-856-7777 picture himself piloting one of the of them became a close friend of heat, watching a clip of a B-1B discrimination based on my Asian tenant colonels during briefs and
Service calls CE maintenance ................................. 623-856-7232 mighty jets that roared overhead. mine who helped me get in touch Weapon Systems Officer talking heritage. The discrimination you debriefs. So from the beginning, I
Sexual Assault Prevention/Response ...................... 623-856-4878 “I went to a few airshows at
Shoppette ................................................................. 623-266-0040 Thunderbolt editorial staff Luke Air Force Base website and social media and is the source for articles and with the detachments on campus. about how cool his job was and felt in the squadron was mostly went into the squadron with the
Sick call ................................................................... 623-856-2273 Publisher ....................................................Aerotech news and Review photos published in the Thunderbolt. The Thunderbolt editor is authorized to use Tinker, but it never really dawned By the grace of God, I ended up thinking, ‘I want to do that!’” based on your performance in the wrong mentality. I was humble
South Gate VRC ...................................................... 623-856-4768 Editor ....................................................................................... Amy Lamb photos and articles from other .mil or .gov websites. on me that I could be one of the pi- with AFROTC Det. 675.” Park said. jet and your commitment to the and ready to learn, but maybe
Submission deadline is at noon the 15th day prior to the month of publication.
Straight-Talk line ..................................................... 623-856-7064 Designer .................................................................................tinna Sellie Contributions for the Thunderbolt can be made via email to amy@aerotechnews. lots,” he said. “Did I want to? Prob- After college, Park said his He set his sights on becoming organization and fellow aviators.” too humble. I did not know how
Telephone repair (Base) .......................................... 623-856-4400 Advertising sales ................................................................ 877-247-9288 com. The editor can be reached at 661-310-5712 or amy@aerotechnews.com. ably. But, internally, it seemed too plan was to do four years in the an Air Force WSO. Park said he struggled to fit to speak my mind. I didn’t know
Thrift store .............................................................. 623-935-5782 Luke Air Force Base The Thunderbolt uses material from the Armed Forces Information Service, Air far of a stretch for me. No one ever Air Force, thank the military for “Training to become an F-15 in mostly because he did not how to fight for myself and just
Ticket/tour office ..................................................... 623-856-6000 Commander.................................................Brig. Gen. Gregory Kreuder Force News Service, AETC News Service and other sources. All advertising is han- said to me directly that I couldn’t helping him pay for his education Strike Eagle WSO was long and understand the dynamics of the did whatever they asked me to do.
Travco ......................................................................855-896-7939 Public affairs chief ................................................Capt. Candice Dillitte dled by Aerotech News and Review. They can be reached by calling 877-247-9288. be one, but I also never heard
Travel management office household goods ........... 623-856-6425 Command information ...................................... tech. Sgt. Clint Atkins Contents of the Thunderbolt are not necessarily the official views of, or en- and giving him a job, and then challenging to say the least,” squadron, which felt and func- I was passive.”
TMO passenger travel ............................................. 623-856-7035 dorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of Defense or the Department someone tell me I could be one, quickly transition to life in the he said. “But, it was definitely tioned like a fraternity. The major said he eventually
Transient alert ......................................................... 623-856-6204 Editorial Information of the Air Force. nor did I ever see anyone like me civilian sector. rewarding and the sense of ac- “You have to earn your way in learned how to better integrate
Travel pay ............................................................... 623-856-7028 For past issues of the Thunderbolt, go to The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supple- flying one of those awesome jets.” “What I failed to realize was that complishment was amazing. I — nothing is given,” he said. “I within a squadron and speak up
Vehicle maintenance ............................................... 623-935-6576 www.aerotechnews.com/lukeafb/ and click on PDF edition ments, does not constitute endorsement of the products or services advertised by While Park said he was glad his the Air Force began to shape me would be lying if I told you there didn’t understand the importance for himself. More importantly, he
Veterinary services .................................................. 623-856-6354 The Thunderbolt is published by Aerotech News and Review, a private firm in no the DOD, the DAF or Aerotech News and Review. Everything advertised in this family decided to make the move and mold me into a leader,” he said. weren’t times when I wished I of camaraderie and teamwork. I hopes his successful Air Force
Weather ................................................................... 623-856-6805 way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with the 56th publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to the United States, life was not “It taught me many lessons and had gone an easier route — same thought if I just came to work and career will encourage more Asians
to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap,
Wellness center ....................................................... 623-856-2273 Fighter Wing, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. This civilian enterprise Air Force news- political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. All
paper is an authorized monthly publication for members of the U.S. military services.
Youth center ............................................................ 623-856-7470 The 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office prepares all editorial content for the photographs are Air Force photographs unless otherwise indicated. all roses for young Jay, his broth- allowed me to experience so many rank, same basic pay, regardless did my job that was good enough. to consider a career in military
I got by on that for the first few
aviation.
ers or his parents.
wonderful things. It forced me to
of your job in the military. But,