On behalf of the President of the United States, the Department of the Air Force, and a grateful nation, we offer this flag for the faithful and dedicated service of S/Msgt. Newton B. Carter

Dad,

I know you must have been in a hurry to go, since you left early. We planned to have breakfast and go to church together, remember? I looked forward to spending Sunday with you. Sorry we couldn't.

Reminds me of those times in the 60's back in Germany when we'd wake up, you'd be gone and Mom said, "He's on Alert." We knew what that meant. During the Cold War, we lived on the front lines, and you were our hero.

I'm sorry to tell you this, but a lot of people are upset that you left. I was at first, but I remembered our talk the other day. I said you were managing nicely, and you answered, "I am, but I get lonely."

We know you missed Mom; we did too, but you gotta know, we'll miss you, and get lonely for you.

I just hang on to the last thing you said to me, “I love you, Son.”

Love,

Sonny