Fighter Pilot Call Sign Protocol.. dumb question?

[Randy Haskin]

Originally Posted by AAFO_WSagar

I call a lot of people sir, to me, it's an "old school" sort of respect thing. Gotta remember Randy, I was born in 1951, back then, it was probably a lot like the military, just going to grade school! You did NOT disrespect the teacher, or the storekeeper, or the mailman, or the milkman or ANYBODY

Yes, I run into that a lot, especially living in the deep South (a real cultural change from a 20-year Pacific Northwest native!). I certainly don't mind it, and I realize that for a lot of people calling gentlemen "sir" is absolutely a form of respect. It doesn't seem as prevalent as it was when you were growing up, but there's certainly a lot of parents attempting to raise their kids that way down here.

Interestingly, though, I find a lot of people who are not in the military feeling like they have to act/talk as though they are...like a military officer is going to be offended if they aren't afforded the same customs and courtesies by a civilian that they are enlisted airmen, NCOs, or junior officers. Then again, there *are* the occasional officers on power trips, heh heh. I personally don't feel it's necessary, nor do I feel slighted if a civilian walks up to me while I'm in uniform at an airshow or something and calls me by my first name, or "dude" or whatever. Only if they start calling me "baby killer" do I start to twitch and freak out.

[AAFO_WSagar]

Originally Posted by Randy Haskin

Only if they start calling me "baby killer" do I start to twitch and freak out.

Ya'know, it's interesting how one can live through an era and not really know so many details of that it. I remember back in the Viet Nam days, in my circle of friends, even if you were not a war supporter (trust me, no matter what anyone says today, supporters were pretty darn few and far between, like Johnson said, when we lost Cronkite, we lost the war ) you did not have any disrespect or resentment for those who were fighting that war. I had several friends who went over, I never thought of them as anything but either unfortunate to have *had* to have endured the mess that it was by the time I was 18+ or just plain brave as hell. Yet, I hear stories of that time where people spat on vets and heckled them.. Man, I'll tell you, at least in my group of buds, we'd have smacked the suckers had I ever witnessed that!

In other words, at least in my opinion, even if you don't support a war, you support the men and women fighting it.

Keep up the good work Randy! Wish you could bring something out to Nellis! Even yer bod would work, I still have yet to get to meet you face to face..

Wayne

[Peashooter]

My AME is a former flight surgeon for a USAF B-36 wing. (Yup, he's in his early 80s!) I refer to him as "sir", especially when he snaps on the rubber glove!

[connie]

[In other words, at least in my opinion, even if you don't support a war, you support the men and women fighting it.

Well said, Wayne.


I had a chance to meet General Hornburg (ACC Commander)at a Captone deal). I was so nervous because I didn't know how to address him. I simply said, "It's an honor to meet you, sir." The man who indroduced us is a retired Lt. Col. and said, He puts his pants on like everybody else. I think "sir" is safe. I know alot of retired "black project" guys from the "Ranch" and one of them was a Major General. How in the heck to you address that?? just....General? And..also to add to your comment about the vets..I come in contact w/ many of them and I am so appreciative of all of them...and these young guys that are just joining up (like Jeff L.'s son) Thank you, Randy and all those serving our country.

[AAFO_WSagar]

Yea Connie, I think they all just deserve a generic "SIR" when addressing them.

You all ready for Vegas? I head down weekend after next!

Man this stuff sneaks up on ya's! I have been practicing drinking water though and I'm doing pretty well, and the doctor says a drink or three will do me no harm... so!

Mebbie "Joker's" (did you meet him?) crew will buy this time..

(Joker was the commander of the .... wing or group or whatever the title of the "fractional" is that brought out the static B-52 and also had the two that made the live runs at the Live Demo..)

Now, once you get drunk with a guy.. you don't have to call them sir anymore..

Wayne

[Randy Haskin]

Technically speaking, guys, General officers are to be addressed as "General" and not "sir".

Interesting, eh?

[connie]

Randy, Oh I guess I blew it with Hornburg, eh?

[Randy Haskin]

Originally Posted by connie

Randy, Oh I guess I blew it with Hornburg, eh?

Probably not...I have a feeling that when you get to the level that General Hornburg is at, little things like that don't bother you!

[connie]

Yes, Wayne,... I'm sort of ready..... Have to figure out my days off, get days picked up, etc. I am "planning" on arriving Tues the 9th. I may just BUY a plane tkt so i don't have to worry about getting stuck. We'll see.
No I don't know the Joker crew...but yes, at that point "sir" does not matter. I remember last year on the ramp..after show..we had a great time out there. I had such a good time that I did not drive. Yikes!!
Yes, I saw note about the quote thing on posts. Thanks!
Connie