To:J_F_Shepard who wrote (327531)
From: Thomas A Watson
Tuesday, Dec 10, 2002 2:54 PM
Respond to of 328603
What a wusse you are.
Well I wonder if anyone would ever write this about gore.
A first person speaking of Lt. George W. Bush and his impressions.
My personal bottom line used to be, "Would you follow this person into combat?" Well, I'm a bit old now for
combat, but I respect George W. Bush's leadership abilities, and I would follow him anywhere!
To: martin_fierro
Many thanks to Colonel Lockhart USAF for the following REPORT:
Lt. George W. Bush's Instructor Pilot Speaks Out -- Sets the Record Straight Subject: A Personal Letter of Observation
of Lt. George W. Bush by his former Instructor Pilot Colonel Thomas G. Lockhart, USAF (Ret) Fellow Veterans:
I have heard about all I can stand of the military careers of the two presidential candidates. It's like two combatants
arguing about who's Purple Heart carries the most weight. I have seen e-mails "splitting hairs" and making
unsubstantiated claims against both candidates. I will not engage in this type of childish name-calling. The official
records indicate that both individuals completed their military service obligations and received honorable discharges.
I can, however, give you some personal observations upon which I base my opinion of Governor Bush. George W.
Bush arrived at Moody AFB, Georgia, for undergraduate pilot training (UPT) in 1968 as a member of the Texas Air
National Guard. I was assigned as one of his Instructor Pilots. The atmosphere at this training base was somber and
dead serious, as the student pilots were all either going to Vietnam or subject to being called up for combat duty as
members of a Guard or Reserve unit.
George W. Bush put himself totally into the task of becoming the best aviator in the class. His unit flew Century Series
jet fighters, which required the best pilots. There was no room for error, as these airplanes were unforgiving, and the
price for a mistake was often the pilot's life. George W. Bush appeared to have that "fighter pilot attitude" from our first
meeting. This attitude can best be described as: "I can handle the situation--regardless of the odds." He was extremely
competitive and eager to learn every thing about his machine and the enemy's tactics. He was quick to pick up the
flying skills necessary to maneuver an aircraft into a position to shoot down an enemy aircraft.
Being a fighter pilot is truly like being a modern day gladiator. When two jet fighters meet in combat, there is usually only
one survivor. It is the ultimate test of your skills, and you must hone these skills until you have complete confidence that
you will be victorious--that in the air you are invincible. Cocky? You bet!!! That was the attitude that saved England
during the Battle of Britain, when a small cadre of British fighter pilots turned back the German onslaught. "Never have
so many owed so much to so few," were Winston Churchill's words describing the RAF victory. This standard is part of
the heritage of every fighter pilot.
The traits which, I believe, made George W. Bush a good fighter pilot and would also make him a good president are: a..
Leadership -- a "take charge" attitude. b.. Stamina -- when the going gets tough, the tough get going. c.. Sincerity -- a
love of country and care for your fellowman. d.. Integrity -- knowledge of and willingness to act upon honest principles.
My personal bottom line used to be, "Would you follow this person into combat?" Well, I'm a bit old now for
combat, but I respect George W. Bush's leadership abilities, and I would follow him anywhere!
Respectfully submitted, Colonel Thomas G. Lockhart, USAF (Ret)
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