Comments on: Hail Mary And Tom’s Final Flight

By: Tom

Tom — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:26:47 +0000

Thanks Doug for the tribute. I have been blessed with the opportunity to do a job that I have truely loved. It was special to have Ilene and Erin, son-in-law Tate, and daughter-in-law Susan along to share in this final memory. You couldn’t wipe the smile off my face from the takeoff in Newark to the landing in Geneva. On the return flight, there were many poignant moments. It was hitting me hard that everything I was doing was for the last time. The smile on my face was still there, but it was accompanied by tears in my eyes. The aviation door was closing, but a whole new exciteng stage of life is beginning.
It is an Air Force traditiion to hose down a pilot after an initial solo flight or a retirement “fini” flight. When I was taxiing my 767 to the gate on Sunday, I was met by 2 fire trucks that made a beautiful cascading water tribute to a long career. It seems like only yesterday that I was just starting out. Time Flies!!

Thanks again, Tom

By: Jean (Knutson) Hetlet

Jean (Knutson) Hetlet — Thu, 17 May 2012 18:51:02 +0000

Congratulations Tom and Ilene!!! It has been a great career, but now you can fly to all those places and actually see them together!! Hope all is well!!
I really enjoyed your blog about First Lutheran and Sunday School, Doug. Mrs. Hesby was one special lady as were many in our church. It is always fun to read what you and Grouse write about Volga!!

Keep up the great work on all you do!!

By: Judy Magnus

Judy Magnus — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:01:54 +0000

Congratulations to your brother, Tom and his wife , on their retirement. The wives spend many holidays and special events without their husband. The next generation is ready to take over. My sister, Jean Knutson Hetlet, who I think was in Tom’s high school class, youngest son is a captain for Virgin America based out of San Francisco, CA. So if ever flying out of Chicago, CA, several large airports out east, Fl, Mexico and etc. and your pilots name is Jason, your in good hands !!!! We are proud of him as you are of Tom.
Thanks Doug for the great blogs.

By: Denny

Denny — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:32:33 +0000

Brother Tom has flown hundreds of thousands of passengers around the world.
When I once traded a llama for an airplane, I found absolutely no one that wanted a ride with me!
WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?
CONGRATS on a well earned retirement, “Squirt”

By: JDS

JDS — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:40:03 +0000

Boy…He must be from a different family. He doesn’t look anything like Doug or the other Lund’s! –LOL, much sarcasm to be read into that comment.

By: Suzan

Suzan — Mon, 14 May 2012 22:51:31 +0000

Great pics! It’s hard to imagine Grandma T not in the house in Alcester, but so grateful she is still with us and still feisty. It’s also hard to imagine Uncle Tom retiring from flying. Where does the time go?

By: Lynnal Nelson

Lynnal Nelson — Mon, 14 May 2012 22:46:38 +0000

Congratulations to little Tom………..Who knew he could grow up & be so responsible??? He was always Dougs little brother to me!!!

By: Lisa Hirch

Lisa Hirch — Mon, 14 May 2012 21:47:44 +0000

Doug . pass this on to your brother .. I know that he’ll smile….
Because I fly …
.. I laugh more than other men
I look up and see more then they.
I know how the clouds feel.
What it’s like to have the blue in my lap,
to look down on birds,
to feel the freedom in a thing called a stick …
Who but I can slice between God’s bllowed legs,
and feel them laugh and crash with his step?
Who else has seen the unclimbed peaks?
The rainbows secret?
The real reason birds sing?
Because I FLY .. i envy no man on earth ..
~Unknown

Lisa Hirsch

By: joanie

joanie — Mon, 14 May 2012 21:25:15 +0000

What an awesome blog Doug–we were hoping to visit Mary and the rest of the family but our darling
daughters surprised me with a nice cook out at daughter Karin’s! Family-time is always special, especially on Mother’s Day!!
Next, your tribute to brother Tom was amazing—-and, considering I have had the pleasure of spending some time with him, it was well deserved. He is truly a specail person!!