Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: FBRaptor on December 02, 2005, 02:30:30 AM
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Since I am lazy and do not feal like re-typing along farewell letter, I am copying my letter to my squad from my Freebirds BBS message. I know it is long, but I have been flying OL flight sims for almost a decade with this squad and many of you, and feel like I have earned a few lines. If you take the time to read it, you may see the person behind the name. You may see, yourself. >>S<< all!!:aok
Well guys...... what I am about to say is going to be almost unbelievable to some, as it is to myself.
I joined the Freebirds in 1997 in the game Air Warrior. Our uniform at that time was a $ sign at the end of our callsign. My name was Raptor$. Dred was Dred$. We were the Freebird$. The CO and A/CO was Reng$ and Den$. Father and son. I was but just a newbie in the flight sim gaming arenas. I found myself enjoying the feeling of online war flight sims as well as the comradery that I saw within the game. I met Dred and a few others who said I could fly with them and they would help me learn the game. They said they were the Freebirds Squad. I appreciated the offer to help me learn and quickly joined their squad. We flew mostly P-51 Mustang raids and I found myself wanting to learn more and more as I grew to be ....well....addicted to the gaming community. Oh yeah, BTW, we were on the Az side. Back then, there were Az, Bz, and Cz, sides. I started to find myself making actual friends out of people I had never met.
These guys were great!! Many of us had much in common, I learned that the Freebirds, even back then, had a certain feel about them, a certain caring for each other, and love for the game. I.....became.....A Freebird! A year, maybe two, went by and during that time, Reng and Den left the squad and relinquished the command over to Dred. I think it was that year that Dred bacame a father. He was so proud of his little girl. I remember the day she was born. I know, it seems odd, but that is the way we were, a very close nit group of men sharing our spare time together and sharing words and tales of our real lifes with each other. At some time after that, Air Warrior closed its doors. To the ones of us that were truly dedicated, not necesarily to the flight sim game, but to our online friends and family, we decided that even though AW had died, we were not ready to give up what we had together and the team we were. We decided to find a new home.
Many, many squadrons died the day AW went away. In fact, the FB's had quite a time keeping it together as some went to Aces High, Some to Warbirds, some to Fighter Ace, and many to WWII Online. We flew together as what was left of the squad in each of these for a short time trying them out. We decided to make Warbirds our home. Many stayed in other games with no hard feeling and some long time friendships coming to an end. We flew in Warbirds, well, the ones that had so far survived all of the moving for several months. The WB decided to raise the cost to $25 per month. A few more went to the wayside at that time. The ones who stayed wondered around the other games for a brief time trying to find us a new home. We found it, In Aces High. We found that many of the old Air Warrior people had landed here as well. This became our new home, and we adopted the FB uniform at that time. We exchanged Raptor$ for FBRaptor. There were only a handfull of us left. A few names that come to mind are Falcon, Pat, Zrat, Dred, Raptor, and Doom. I am sure there was others, but many of you would not remeber them. We began to learn a new game, we began to grow. We made new friends, we made new squadmates. Throughout the years we have been here, many have come and gone. Some for a short time, so I do not remember their names. Many are still Freebirds. Babies were born, parents have died, divorces have happened, members have had health problems, friends have passed away, and in one case, a squad mate, friend, was murdered.
Life has happened behind the scenes of our OL Game, and many of us have shared it with each other. We have shared Much, over this time. I have shared much with my friends. Some of the current FB are just passing through, many have passed through, many have returned. In my time with this squad, I have known at least 100 people by first name. Some of you reading this I have never met, but feel like you are close friends who would help me if i had a need you could provide. Never forget, we are not just an online flight sim squad, we are friends, we care about each other. That is what the Freebirds have always been about. That is one of the reasons this squad has survived, even prospered, while many others have failed and fallen away.
We are a squad who have NEVER been much for recruiting openly or aggresivly, and we have NEVER, been short of members. People want what we have, the strength, the comradery, the friendships, and the honor, that we represent. When I am 99 years old, if I see that much life, I will always remember the friends, and fellow men I have grown to know in this squad, and this game. Many have left, many have formed other squads, and many have returned realizing that what we have is not just an online fluff squad, but a true group of friends and support group of each other.
Ok, that all being said, here is the point of my message to you.
I must leave the game, and therefore the squad, for a period of time. I do not know how long. I doubt it could be forever. I am sure I will return someday. I cannot tell you how heavy this is for my heart. I feel I am not just leaving a game, a squad, but a group of friends that I have known for years.
I have found myself realizing that I have spent many hours hanging out with my friends here, having fun, that I owed to my children, my wife, and myself. I will miss you guys and this game terribly, but, my family desrves more of my time than I have given them over the last couple of years.
My family lately have cried out in many ways for more of my time. I feel I should be drawing, watching TV, teaching, playing with, listening to music, and so much more with my kids. I feel I should take my wife out, have fun, watch movies, make love, and so much more with my wife. I feel that I must make a choice. And I must chose my family. I know you guys understand. I have not been on much lately, because I have been doing these things. And I realize, that they are the most important thing to me, and that God, expects me to be the driving force in my home.
I will be on here and there for a short time longer, just long enough to spend all of my perks can you say 262Tiger heavan!!!???
December will be my last month to have my card charged. I hope to see all of you at least one time, to fly with friends and to be part of the best squad in the game. Please do not let my decision be a negative one for anyone. Please do not let my leaving the game hurt this squad in any way. I expect to find you guys strong, when I return. I will leave the squad site posted and the BBS running for a very long time. Do not worry about losing either one. I will check in on the BBS often just to keep up with what is going on and to say HI once in a while. Anyways, sorry for the long post, but I felt the need to say everything I have said here. I will see you guys up this weekend, get your jets ready
Once I close my account, I will give a final farewell. I promise to make it short and sweet.
PS, oh yeah, very important, I would like to immedietly relinquish my CO#2 position to FBabob. He has more than earned it, and he is more than capable of carrying the weight that comes with it. Abob, please accept this and help Dred in keeping this squad what it is, and has been, for almost a decade!!!!
>>S<< My friends!!! Raptor (Tom Black)
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Sounds like a good plane I must say. A pause from AH (and computers all together) is very nice from time to time.
Take it easy and do all the things you want to do and then come back in the future!
!!!
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Enjoy Rapt! Life should always come first before us dweebs :D
!
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FBRaptor
First off for having the courage to put it all right out front.
Like you I have been part of a group much like your squad. In my case the 332nd Flying Mongrels. I can honestly say that I very much doubt if I would be here today without them. The bond that grows between people who fly together, talk, and share together weekly is nothing short of amazing. We have a saying that cycles around regularly. "This is a place where strangers become friends, and friends become brothers" That kind of says it all for me. Walking away from all that for your family is incredibly hard.
In my case I've been lucky, I have 1 stepdaughter who's 21. She really doesn't need all that much of my time. Also the 332nd have always had our main goal being special events. So our weekly squad time is 2 hours on fri nights during squad ops. It doesn't require a lot of time away from my wife. With young children in the house, and a squad more active in the main that would be a totally different story.
Is there any way you can find an hour a day for you? Leaving the rest of the day for your family & work? Yes at times Aces High is an addiction, and at times right thinking men must put limits on ourselves.
But if you can find 1 hour a day every day for yourself. Both you & your family will be the better for it. Even if it means sacrifisng a half hour of sleep.
Whatever happens I know you will be missed. And not just by the FB's.
Hug your family for us all, take care, clear skys, and cya when you get back.
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FBRaptor, I don't think there's anyone reading this who would find fault with that reasoning. I and many others sympathize with you. In fact, the reason I don't pay for a sub right now is that, although I could easily afford the cost, while others in my family are sacrificing right now, this is one of the ways I set the example for the others: by giving up, hopefully temporarily, one of the things I truly love. (besides, there's always the H2H to scratch that itch).
Have a ball, FBRaptor. In fact, have such a good time that you'll begin to wonder what you ever saw in this game in the first place.
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Farewell and good luck, Raptor. See you next month :)
DmdMax
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FBRaptor
CHECKERS
AW RR PAC CHKRS
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Good Call, Raptor.
Leave this silliness behind, and love your family.
All that matters in the world are those things that might go on your gravestone...'Beloved Husband, Beloved Father'...not 'Outstanding Virtual AH Pile-It'.
You'll always be able to come back to the game...not so the kids, eh?
With Sincere Respect....
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Raptor
sir i know we dont agree sometimes but i sure do respect you and your decision.but i agree with ghosth.Find a hr or 2 late at night personaly i wait til everyone is asleep i have a 14 yr old boy a 7 year old girl and a 38 yr old wife ack lol.anyway whatever you decide to you and your family take car and hope you return fast the game will not be the same without you sir!!!!!
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See you next month.
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SO YOUR MR BLACK!!!!!
:lol
Goodbye friend. :)
-Kyle
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LOL, yes I am Mr. Black, but not the one your thinking of.
Thanks for the suggestions of taking some time for myself at night for an hour or two to play. I had thought of that however, I find that when I do have some "me" time, there are many other things I also like to do. Heck, don't repeat that I said this, but, I might even read a good book now :)
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Raptor
10 years...wow...has it been that long already. It is hard to believe that some of us AW vets have been around that long.
Take care. You will be missed.
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Thanks Crow. I have fond memories of fighting MAWS in AWMV and flying with them in AH. >>S<< MAWS are another great long lasting squad. Not alot of fluff, just stability and great guys. Well, except for that one guy you have, you know who I mean lol:D
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Enjoy a little family time, it goes so fast. I started in AW with my high schoool age son(-NO{SHillelagh}), who is now 28 with a life of his own. I took 5 years away from flight sims, but it is even more fun after a break, AH or equivalent will be here for you later.
MI (SHillelagh):)
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Can I have your Perks ??? (im saving up for my B-29)
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Originally posted by Roscoroo
Can I have your Perks ??? (im saving up for my B-29)
No way sucka!! I'm gonna use em all before I go. :p I was on late last night flying nothing but jet bombers, tempest, and 262's. Maybe late tonight I will go on a Tiger rampage. :aok
Oh, and thanks, >>S<<
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Take Care Raptor. I can understand and relate. Best Wishes in life and family , and stop in and say Hey every now and then.:aok
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Raptor I can totally understand where your coming from, real life sometimes proves to be far more compelling than a silly old game.:D
Take care and enjoy your time away:aok
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Take care man, enjoy your family and good luck with everything. Hope to see you soon.
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A big <
> to you Raptor and all the FB's
On behalf of the LTAR's and myself
Take care bro and best of luck in all your endevors
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>>S<< LTAR and BK's!!!! Still have a few more days worth of perk spending :D Loggin in now to fly some Tempest.
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Raptor,
For all the flack I've given the FBs (including one thread on your own squadron BBs all to myself...heh) over the years there have been a solid number which have earned my respect. You are one, sir.
I wish you the best, wish you back and wish you a safe and prosperous new year with your family.
I speak for all the original ~U.S.M.C.~ members (whether they like it or not, though they can't deny it to be true) when I say you and your squadron have earned a place in our hearts and minds and we will certainly never be able to forget you.
Most of the original AW crew is here and now known as Grim's Reapers.
Grim (CO)
Fergy (XO)
Jazz
Glove
Sicko
Nosey
BillyB
Hawk
NIB
Pitts1c
JohnnyG(Gun64)
7out
rdgip
Golfer
And yes...I still miss RR BigPac. Funny how one map for all those years and we never once complained about which map was up :)
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Cya Raptor and good luck. When things quiet down on the homefront, this game will probably still be around. We all need breaks. I took 2 years off and came back about a year ago. Cya when ya return
:cool:
1i
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Originally posted by mars01
Enjoy Rapt! Life should always come first before us dweebs :D !
isnt that true..
ive seen you around in ma quite a bit, i guess im not the only one that struggles with flight time and family. i know i've postpone movies, kid plays for ma.. in the end.... your family should always go first..
good luck Fbraptor...
Navajo24
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Oh, sorry to see you go.
Family in my case diminished the AH time to something very little. But as it is a good way to let out some steam and it's a non-movement-requiring hobby (my work is rather physically hard), my wife actually sometimes sends me off with the words: "you're in a bad mood, - off you go, fly aces high!"
See my point don't have to have it collide with your personal life - rather look at it as an alternative to other things like reading a book or watching a silly movie, - don' have to fly hours every day do you?
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All the best Raptor, good luck , and I'll see ya when you get back.
it's been quite a few years and MANY FB missions, I'll miss ya .
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when the wifes out with the girls or past out on ya (again), the kids are sleeping, and your sitting there watching your fav elvis movie (jailhouse rock isn't it? :)) for the 4th time in as many weeks, you'll be back .... in the meantime enjoy the family
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hey Raptor, best memory I have is when I smoked your 262 and another FB, I do think you were right about me being alittle laggy then :D That was 2 years ago btw.
Sir and enjoy your family as much as you do AH.
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It was always Uber fun participatng in Missions with you and all the other FB's.Understandable on the "break" from the game situation,wives get tired of being ignored,and the look on the kids faces when you tell them "yea right after i Land this i'll be right there".
When you want some good old fashioned fun,E-mail your squaddies(which i'm sure you'll stay in contact with)tell them your gonna host a H2H room and have some fun.
See ya around FBRaptor \.)s(./
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…but that is the way we were, a very close nit group of men sharing our spare time together and sharing words and tales of our real lifes with each other. At some time after that, Air Warrior closed its doors. To the ones of us that were truly dedicated, not necesarily to the flight sim game, but to our online friends and family…
We made new friends, we made new squadmates. Throughout the years we have been here, many have come and gone. Some for a short time, so I do not remember their names. Many are still Freebirds. Babies were born, parents have died, divorces have happened, members have had health problems, friends have passed away…
You have described in many ways the 332nd Flying Mongrels. As Ghosth said “A place where strangers become friends and friends become brothers”. That has been our squad motto for many years.
I have seen several squadies go through what you are and from what I can tell you are making the right decision. I have found a nice balance with my family and have picked one night a week I can get on “before” all my children (4 of them) are in bed. Take a break. Spend it with your family and come back when you and your wife agree on schedule that will work for you both. Blessings on your home and your squad.
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.On behalf of the 68th, you will be missed. Take care of the important stuff.
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raptor....wow, i must admit that from a womans point of view, that had to take alot to post that letter. to think that men care..hehe
seriously, i haven't been on the game long, but the short time that i have i have met some awsome ppl. in AH its not just an online game to me, it is like a big family. i haven't known u all that long raptor, but i'm glad that i did have the chance to fly with u and the FB's. yall r a great bunch of guys and r fun to fly beside. i hope to see u back in the game someday. till then my friend <> & take care
betty
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< S > FBraptor
Always a classy opponent, you will be missed