I bought my first motorcycle, a Vespa, one and a half years ago. I really adored the look and remain to do so; but, I sold the Vespa because I travelled much too far and for far too long on it; it is simply not designed for such long distances.

Why do I begin with my Vespa? One and a half years ago, I did one of my first rides towards the Kleine Brogel Military Base. It was one of the first stories I published on my blog, and it garnered a lot of favourable feedback.
It is still a favourite hangout of mine. It’s not because I enjoy simple spotting; no, that’s not my thing. But I admire the strength of the plains descending from the sky, and I have a lot of respect for the pilots’ craftsmanship.

I needed to clear my mind after a long day, and it seemed like a good idea to take a drive towards the military facility. It also adds some offroad riding to my ride, which I like.

After a 20-kilometer ride through lush countryside, I arrive at the back of the base. I observed a man standing in the same spot I was in 1,5 years ago. Yes, it was the person I met who showed me the way around this military base and told me a beautiful story.

I was glad to see him again, and we began talking. It seemed like our conversation didn’t end 1,5 years ago. He informed me that his son was ready to take off. There would be a huge amount of people taking off in a short amount of time to do extra training in better weather circumstances.

The father told me more about his son and his job, and it was heartwarming to see how proud he was of it. He informed me that his son had graduated as an airline pilot in Texas. He didn’t typically graduate since his son broke all records. A never-seen pilot who is so devoted to the plane that he refuses to take even a promotion. The passion for the plain is simply too strong to promote in the army and deliver orders from the ground to the guys in the air.

It is a true Air Force pilot with only one desire: to fly that plane and help other people fly better with it. And, without a doubt, the most crucial, they risk their lives for our country at all times.

That is not a misunderstood phrase. Because there is a danger at every moment, and having to deal with this ongoing uncertainty is not easy to bear as a parent.
Friendships have already been lost in combat.

I spotted the dad with his Vespa and fluo-vest waving to his son more than a year ago, and his son waved back from the plain, as seen in the photographs at the time. Today, the father stood next to the tarmac in his fluo vest, waving his beloved son goodbye.

The photos below illustrate their takeoff.

Parental love for children is a joy to witness. It’s fantastic to see them constantly prepared for any situation and never knowing where they’ll end up. His message of family pride and love is heartwarming.

As you become older, you’ll realize you have two hands: one for helping yourself and one for helping others.

Thank you very much.

The older stories:

From Vespa to F16. – From Vespa to F16-2