This August marks our 15th year since we started pilotballcaps.com. This little "hobby" business has been a real gift, especially after I hung up my flying "spurs" for a more grounded life.
The kindness shown by our customers is sometimes overwhelming. It's not the business-end that I am thankful for though: it's the personal interactions, the aviation chit-chat and great stories and pictures we receive.
Here's just a few brief examples: After emailing an Air Force Pilot whose son was an Army Aviator (he ordered both type of ball caps) , I said "I'm guessing this is another Aviator hat for your son... I hope he's doing well." His reply brought me to tears, as I read that the Army Aviator hat was for his grandson, and that his son lost his life in Iraq while serving our country. I felt horrible, and sent my condolences. His response was simple... "thank you for remembering him."
Many of the interactions are just "hey, did you know xxxx?" or swapping random flying stories. We've had customers who flew everything from ultralights to Thunderbirds (and Blues!). Every once in awhile I get someone that I actually knew from my time in the Air Force. I've been able to reacquaint with some of my old crew chiefs, Boom Operators, Navs and Pilots... Squadron Commanders and other ops folks as well. It's been a pleasure to see what's transpired over the many (many) years since I was flying Tankers.
Then, there's our part in some "final moments". The first was George, a fighter pilot waaay back in the day. His daughter bought the cap to remind him that he was the "toughest guy she knew" as he was fighting cancer. I checked in from time to time, and found out he had passed, wearing the hat. You'd think this was an unusual story, but there were a couple more after that! Pure gratitude came from their loved ones, often saying that it was the best gift they could have given their aging fathers. You see, if it's got your wings on it...something that you fought for, worked so very hard for, and wings that you cherished... this often is the best gift. Just a simple reminder of your service, your career, and your accomplishments. So very simple.
Thank you to every customer, the one-timers and the ones who come back year after year. But a special Thank You to all of you who share your lives with us. So, what we actually have learned is that: You are the gift, and you are the reason we keep going!
Spud (and Connie) at pilotballcaps.com
