I just found out a few minutes ago that my “Sea Daddy” from my early P-3 Orion days died almost two years ago.
This reminds me of Matt’s post a couple of days ago over on Better and Better, how we lose touch with our Friends. I really feel badly about this, as Charlie was really one of the good guys…
Leonard Charles “Charlie” “Navy Charlie” Six, 63, died Nov. 20, 2005, at his home in Quakertown, Pa. He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Mrs. Six.
He retired in 1988 after 29 years of active duty in the U.S. Navy, which included three tours of duty in Vietnam.
I flew with and learned a TON from Charlie during ’73 to ’76 timframe, including some things that I passed on when I instructed that hopefully kept a few folks alive.
Keep it on centerline Charlie!
Sitting under a wing
under the night sky
as the engine cools in the night air
just sitting after that last flight
amazed at how the scent
of the sky remains in my hair
fireflies sparking the sky
mistaking them for stars
looking up
fireflies and stars
thinking though, about friends gone
looking at the brilliant spots of light
in the night heaven
and the dark shape of airplanes
darker then the sky
for which they sit in wait
thinking how much we miss them
telling their stories out loud
not loud, really, but very quietly
those stories, those fearless days
their courage
saying their names
speaking to them in the night sky
a pilots prayer
for those who went before
to light our sky
to guide us home
– “Scully” 2006
Thanks Scully… Well said.