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2008 NATS and Reflections From a Mom
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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 |
RE: 2008 NATS and Reflections From a Mom
1 Attachment(s)
And a few more pics.
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RE: 2008 NATS and Reflections From a Mom
I had the opporutnity to see Brett flying 2-3 years ago in Tulsa. I knew that he will be representing the US in the next few years. I remember telling him "pay attention to the girls but not too much". I was also very happy to see him been part of the US team. I am sure that you will enjoy your trip to Portugal. I went there 10 years ago.
Congratulations, Vicente "Vince" Bortone |
RE: 2008 NATS and Reflections From a Mom
Reflections from a Mom...
As my wife sez, "The apple don't fall too far from the tree"...you and Mike may be very proud of Brett. BERUSTY B.E. "Rusty" Dose III Rusty Dose Boyd E. Dose III Fan of the Wickizer Family Values |
RE: 2008 NATS and Reflections From a Mom
oh geeze she just couldn't help herself :P
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RE: 2008 NATS and Reflections From a Mom
That's what moms are for Brett! :-)
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RE: 2008 NATS and Reflections From a Mom
Could have been worse Brett. She could've started with baby pictures....this was Brett the first time he saw an airplane and such... That is the kind of stuff my mom would've done. You should be VERY thankful. Congrats on making the team. Very well deserved. Have fun at UT Austin,
Hope to catch up to you and your dad soon, Arch |
RE: 2008 NATS and Reflections From a Mom
It's the proud son thing Brett. Like Arch said... at least there weren't the baby pics posted like my mom did...:D.
It's so weird to be the "elder" on the team. Usually Chip was the oldest, then Quique last year… now me. But it's also one of those surreal moments when you see the new team member selected, and then their first Worlds once we get the trip started. I remember mine (thankfully in Pensacola and my family was able to attend) and I get to relive that moment every time a newbie is selected (this will be the 3rd time- Sean, Andrew and now Brett). The best part is, instead of the usual 2 “experienced” members to help Brett, there are 3 of us. This will be my first 4-man team I’ve been a part of going to a Worlds. Just keep the grades up in Austin Brett, otherwise Mom might just have to post those baby pics…lol. |
RE: 2008 NATS and Reflections From a Mom
I wonder what will be Brett's major. Base on his flying, I should be able to guess.
Vicente "Vince" Bortone |
RE: 2008 NATS and Reflections From a Mom
With all the orange shirts the guy has he almost HAD to go to tu regardless of his major!! Being able to share the sky with Brett has been a lot of fun the past few years. The compliments only come because they are true. I know he and all our flyers will do us all real proud in Portugal.
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RE: 2008 NATS and Reflections From a Mom
Thanks guys. Portugal is going to be awesome and it's going to be really cool having a huge community behind me. I've loved every minute of it :)
And yes, I'm majoring in Aerospace Engineering, who'da thunk :P ORIGINAL: 4u2nv-RCU tu |
RE: 2008 NATS and Reflections From a Mom
Well, I knew that was engineering. For sure it was easy to guess aeroespace. It is just about the geometry.....
Vicente "Vince" Bortone |
RE: 2008 NATS and Reflections From a Mom
Congrats Brett, I have always had great fun flying with you and having you as a friend.
ty Matt Liprie |
RE: 2008 NATS and Reflections From a Mom
Sorry...just had to chime in..... I've been fortunate to attend a few contests where Brett has flown and judged him some...What talent! Just an incredible pilot, nice kid, good supportive parents, professional attitude etc.etc.... And he mixed all that in balance with with good grades, band interests....wow so much diverse talent. I'm happy to see that an individual with these assets are going to apply them to the aviation field.....:)
Go Brett ....proud that you are getting the chance to represent the USA! Chris White - Tulsa |
RE: 2008 NATS and Reflections From a Mom
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 I judged the 2007 Nats Finals and saw up close what the hubbub's about. I commented afterwards to seasoned F3A competitors and other finalists that Brett was the most impressive fellow there not because he flew better than any one else, because he didn't.( I think he was third or fourth on my card, I forget.... )He was most impressive because he flew as well as he did with only a couple years experience in this most competitive class. I also mentioned that he would make the team in the next few years. I was wrong on that one Chip might have been about the only one who did as well so quickly out of the blocks, in recent memory. Cudos to you and your husband. And most of all, cudos to Brett for an outstanding showing. Matt Kebabjian |
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