ORIGINAL: cindywick

This year at the NATS was unbelievable for our family. I wish you could have all seen the look on Brett's face when he realized he had actually made the USA team! It's how he got to this point that makes it important for me to address this forum. I will never be able to express enough gratitude to this flying community for their generosity, encouragement, talents, hopes, and friendships so many of you have shown Brett. I won't name names. . . there are too many of you and I don't even know some of your names. Suffice to say, so many of you, past (I just know Bob Upton is looking down smiling) and present, have had a huge impact on Brett's life. People have helped in everything from building to training, sponsorships to lending parts, airfields to advice on every aspect of performing. The list goes on and on.

It really does amaze me that the people in this community seem genuinely supportive to their fellow flyers, no matter what age. In most sports you would hear of people that were resentful of someone relatively new doing well, but you folks have broken the mold. Brett has always felt welcome and been proud to call so many of you friends. I will admit to thinking it odd that Brett enjoyed going to the field with his Dad when so many there were of a different generation. However, I have come to respect that you are all so passionate about pattern flying, and that that common denominator crosses all barriers and generations.

Over the past four years that we have been attending the NATS, there have been no prouder moments for me then when complete strangers, upon realizing I was Brett's Mom, would comment on Brett as a promising flyer, but more than that, as a 'nice young man.' I'm happy to hear those things, but more so now how Brett is 'paying it forward' and helping others. What a great example you have all been to him.

I was there at the finals this year; you parents know and can imagine the feeling when he was the last flyer - in the last round - of the last class - to fly at the NATS; and I knew that round would determine whether he got a place on the USA team. He did not need to be nervous. . . I nearly passed out being nervous for him. What a supportive and gracious bunch you are. All I know is that Brett will give 110% to represent the USA in Portugal next year, and that Brett's brother, Kyle, and Mike and I will take our first trip ever overseas to witness this amazing team compete.

Now that Brett has left for UT in Austin, it's just Mike and I at home. I call upon all of the flying community (especially the Texas bunch) to help me; please keep Mike out there learning to fly so he doesn't drive me crazy at home! And once again, thank you so much for all you do and all you are. It's worth constantly having an airplane on my dining room table if it means the guys are having a good time with a great bunch of people.

Jason and Andrew commented after the finals that Brett's life would change now in ways he never would imagine. I would add that it has already changed in so many wonderful ways from his involvement in the flying community.

Okay, enough said. I'm going to attempt to attach a few pictures that I was able to get from the NATS. Will add some more in following post.

Respectfully,

Cindy Wickizer