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Post by pat perry on Oct 10, 2004 4:06:44 GMT 9
Hey Jim, I was having a gut wrenching post-chemo attack when your package arrived. When I opened the box the pain left and the tears came. Thanks is not enough for this recognition. When I get touched emotionally I sometimes try to write a poem - here's yours. I plan to put this on the Pat's Forum if it's OK with you. Ode to the Old Sarge In Pine Arizona lives a man named Jim Gier Whose skill and attitude couldn’t be any higher. His love for fellow airmen is a wonder to behold As are the projects he builds and the stories he’s told. From his salvaged materials and box of old treasures He has created great tributes that bring us much pleasure. Working all day his shop tools will grind As he assembles his gifts that are one of a kind. For groups and individuals he has tirelessly labored To recognize their achievements as F-106 savers. After gathering background and history on each He then chooses materials that customize the piece. On the back of each piece is a hand-written surprise That recipients admit brings tears to their eyes. Old Sarge is so good at all the things he can do Because he’s Irish, of course, and a Leprechaun too. God Bless You Jim Pat Perry October 8, 2004 Jim, I gratefully accept this beautiful plaque on behalf of the 456th Alumni Committee who have worked so hard to save the last few sixes: Bruce Gookin, Jim Arnie Arnold, Bob Justus, John Marcotte, Paul Ketchum and Lou Pizzarello Description (PICTURE ATTACHED): 13 1/2 x 19 inch plaque with wood gold-trimmed frame. Blue textured metal background with three etched F-106 silhouettes climbing skyward. Gold ADC Eagle emblem. 456th FIS Luther patch. Brass plate inscribed "Patrick Perry USAF F-106 Saver". Hand written on back: "Thanks Patrick Perry for your ongoing efforts in saving an important part of our country's past - the F-106, ultimate and last of the Fighter Interceptor Aircraft. This plaque is made from items originally intended to be used in the clocks presented to Castle AFB, KI Saywer AFB, and McClellan AFB. The door was for the SAMA clock, the blue metal background for the KIS clock, the etched glass for the Castle clock. Design change, a defect or a lack of appeal had relegated these items to the "might have a need for" pile. Oh yeah, conned the "Luther" patch from a "Sixer" by the name of Pat Perry. From all of us on the Forum - Thanks Jim Gier SMSGT USAF Ret 15 Jul '52 - 1 Dec '77 27th FIS Jun '56 - Dec '63 Recognize the hanging string?" (By the way, the hanging string is really from the early days of the F-106- before the advent of zipties.....wire bundle lacing- remember the half hitches about 6 inches apart? Believe the spool was 6' tall and about 2 1/2 " dia-about 1000'.....got about 10 feet left...Damn that is a lot of picture frames in the past 40 yrs...HEHEHEHEHEHE)
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Durden
F-106 Qualified
Founding Member
Currently: Offline
Posts: 70
Location:
Joined: March 2004
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Post by Durden on Jul 2, 2005 22:38:44 GMT 9
The Old Sarge strikes again and again and again and again. I received one of the Irish Master Clock Maker's latest creations yesterday. It is a small desk clock made of walnut that Jim salvaged from a 125 year old barn in Pine, Arizona. It has a small clock inset in a F-106 silhoute made of 6061 T-3 A/C aluminum set on a walnut triangle that is protruding from the walnut base at an angle as if it were taking off. I was awarded the clock for my efforts in helping to save a six. Saving a six is reward enough and the clock is more icing on the cake. Thanks Jim for considering me worthy of such an honor. The clock is beautiful and the design and workmanship are truly the Ultimate craftsmanship not seen much these days. I can't say it any better than Pat Perry, so I won't even try but I do echo the words in his poem. I am proud to know you and call you my friend. I will cherish the clock forever. Thank you again 106 million times.
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