Don, Thanks for the kind words. We're adding things all the time, so keep looking around. This is one guy who is doing just fine. Take care, Jack

A very good website. Thanks for keeping alive our efforts in the Vietnam War. I was fortunate enough to fly 100 missions over North Vietnam which included 26 missions in Route Package 6 around Hanoi and Northeast Railroad from Hanoi to a 20 mile buffer zone from Communist China.

I want to remember all those that gave their all......I sincerely hope we never forget them. Of course, we always hold the POWs and MIAs in the highest regard!!

Thanks again, Don Austin, 34th TFS Dec 66 - Jul 67, "B" Flight

Hi Don, Good to hear from you again! I certainly remember all our Thud years together and hope all is well with you. Thanks for the entry. Take care, Jack

I think often about how fortunate I am that my father, through skill and good fortune, managed to return home unscathed from Vietnam. I would not be here to read about you otherwise. His experience at Vietnam, and generally in the Air Force make up a large part of his pride and self. The good values that were instilled in that experience, such as loyalty, strength, pride and sheer guts were shared with me. I look up to my father for his strength of character and I hope to have that strength someday. I can already see it in my brother (see entry 21). I want to thank all of you for providing such a great foundation and giving us opportunity to continue to enjoy freedom and peace stateside. It is a sacrifice you made not only for yourselves, but for your families and country. For that, we are forever indebted.

I am very proud to be a fighter pilot's daughter!!

To all of the men of the 34th Fighter Squadron. My father (Lt Col Donald O. Austin USAF Ret) was a member of this prestigious squadron in 66/67. I was very fortunate to have him return from what appeared to be one hell of a war, especially the "PACK 6" missions. He was a model father to both me and my sister with a typical fighter pilot approach. I have flown in Desert Storm / Desert Fox / Enduring/Iraqi Freedom in both B-52 and B-1 and have experienced combat both in the air and on the ground. I am currently the F-35 Operational Test Director at AFOTEC. To the Point: I have been raised by fighter pilots throughout my adolescence and I want you all to know that this generation of fighter pilots are my heroes and I am quite sure that my friends growing up would concur. Thank you for doing what you did. You all are a credit to your generation and fighter pilot community. You exceeded the standard in all areas. Keep your speed up and Check 6, Kurt L. Austin Lt. Col. USAF