Cool Planes and Cool Dudes!

As most of you who read Carmichael's Position know I also serve as the Editor (and writer mostly) of the Tailhook Daily Briefing... cool work if you can get it!

This weekend I wrote a brief article about the 'Saints' of US Navy Adversary Squadron VFC-13 paying a visit to Grand Junction.  While there they also stopped in to visit with a young man Jordan Jones, age 14 fighting testicular cancer.  The Colorado Chapter of Tailhook (of which I am a proud member) has taken Jordan and his family somewhat under our wing, and want to make sure Jordan knows he has tremendous support from a number of folks.

Back to the Saints...  Squadron Commanding Officer, Cdr. Rob "Thumper" Modderman stopped by GJT bringing 9 others of his Squadron, and many saw fit to swing by Jordan's house to wish him all the best and to encourage him in his continued fight!  Who better than those who train Naval Aviators "How to Fight and WIN!" 

Jordan was too ill to greet the aviators as they landed at Grand Junction, but he was feeling much better the next day and his father took him out to the airfield to bid farewell and watch the departures of his new found friends, The Saints of VFC-13!

The men of VFC-13 and the Men and Women of the Colorado Tailhook Ready Room, led by Hans and Kathy Schmoldt deserve our highest gratitude for their dedication to others.  Efforts like these are what help to make all of us Tailhookers proud!

It turns out that the article I wrote has taken on a bit of life as a place where well wishers for Jordan's recovery can leave an encouraging comment.  If you feel so inclined, even though you may not know Jordan, please swing by the Tailhook Daily Briefing and add your wishes... it certainly couldn't hurt, and I bet it would definitely help! [LINK]

   

All the pictures on this post are courtesy of Kathy Schmoldt... and I thank her for sharing!

Comments

[Kim Jones]

http://www.facebook.com/tca.org

[Kim Jones]

Update on Jordan Jones: Almost 5 years later Jordan remains in remission and we have since started a nationally known non-profit in support of awareness and early detection formed October 9, 2009 - Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation. Jordan's inspirational story has inspired many young men battling this disease. We are making a huge difference in the lives of others. We have directed patients to seek expert medical advise and we are saving lives! We offer financial assistance to those in immediate need. We have distributed over 100,000 brochures throughout many places in the nation as well as a few other countries. Please visit our website. We would love to hear from you! http://www.tcafinfo.org - www.facebook.com/tca.org

Jordan Jones: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtpDQsoTuxk&feature=plcp

Thank you again for inspiring my son while he was going through the most difficult time!

Much Love! Kim (Jordan's mom)

[Big Gun Hans Schmoldt]

John,
You da (connector) man! I've enjoyed reading all the comments from all over the U.S. and New Zealand on Jordan thanks to you and Kathy "The Boss". Thanks.-Big Gun

[Swampy aka: THE BOSS]

OOPS!

I left off Grinder from the list. How could I forget Grinder?

[Swampy aka: THE BOSS]

John,
When I started my blog in August of 2006, my reasons were to learn more about my computer and camera AND to share information about the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness.
Now, I am so happy to know this 'idea of blogging' has taken on a "WHOLENOTHER" life for me as evidenced by your post here and at Tailhook Daily Briefing.
Thank you for sharing the news of Jordan and for giving the guys of VFC-13 the credit for putting that smile on his face.
Many of my readers asked for names of the pilots, so, "with your permission," here they are:
Thumper
Alien
Coochie
Norm
Cheese
Haggis
BOR (Box of Rocks)
Marco
Psycho

Scary, isn't it? I always wonder how they ended up with those call signs, and then say, no, I don't want to know.
There is an interesting photo at my place of one of the F-5's that took off that day.