An Open Letter to Terrorists

Dear Terrorists,

I am an Air Force aviator. I was born and raised on a small farm in
Oklahoma. I come from a family of 5. I was raised in a middle class
home and was taught my values by my mother and father.

My dad worked a series of jobs in finance and my Mom took care of us
kids. We were not an overly religious family but attended church most
Sundays. It was a nice small Baptist Church. I was the youngest in my
family. I was the first in many generations to attend college.

I have flown Air Force aircraft for 16 years. For me the flying was
never a life long dream of a "calling", it just happened. I needed a job
and I liked the challenge.

I continue to do it today because I feel it is important to give back
to a nation which has given so much to me. I do it because, although I
will never be rich, my family will be comfortable. I do it because many
of my friends have left for the airlines and someone has to do it.

My government has spent millions to train me to fly these multi-million
dollar aircraft. I make about $60,000 a year and after 20 years will be
offered a pension.

I like baseball but think the players make too much money. I am in awe
of firemen and policemen and what they do each day for my community. I
respect my elders and always use sir or ma'am when addressing a
stranger.

I'm not sure about kids these days but I think that's normal for every
generation. I voted for George Bush because I like him. I think I made
a pretty good choice.

I tell you all this because when I come for you I want you to know me.
I won't be hiding behind a woman or a child like you do. I won't be
disguised or pretending to be something I am not like you do.

I will be in a US issue flight suit. I will be wearing standard US
issue flight gear, and I will be flying Air Force aircraft clearly
marked as a US warplane.

I wish we could meet up close in a small room where I could wrap my
hands around your throat and slowly squeeze the life out of you but,
unfortunately, you're hiding in a hole in the ground so we will have to
do this a different way.

I want you to know also that I am very good at what I do. I can put a
2,000 lb. weapon through a window from 10,000 feet up. I generally only
fight at night so you may want to start sleeping during the day. I am
not eager to die for my country but I am willing to sacrifice my life to
protect it from animals like you. I will do everything in my power to
ensure no civilians are hurt as I take aim at you.

My countrymen are a forgiving bunch. Many are already forgetting what
you did on Sept. 11th. But I will not forget and my President will not
forget. I am coming. I hope you know me a little bit better, see you
soon..........sleep tight.

Signed...........a US Air Force Pilot