In an article posted here a week ago I told the story of Jordan Jones and his fight against Testicular Cancer and the tremendous outpouring of love, care and support from the local Grand Junction, CO community, Tailhookers, the "Cowboys" (VMFA-112) and the "Bloodhounds" (VX-30). I also mentioned Doug Thompson and the support he has always provided the Navy in accomplishing our mission.
Well VFC-13 led by Cdr. Rob "Thumper" Modderman, paid a bit of a surprise visit to thank Doug for all he as done for US Naval Aviation in his FBO support efforts.
Now understand when VFC-13 or any NAVAIR Transient comes to "NAS GJT" as it is unofficially referred to, there is no other place to go unwind after a full day of ACM, than The Schmoldt Ranch!
Where the hospitality provided by Kathy and Hans Schmoldt is Legendary... Ask any of the aviators that have made the stop, and you'll understand! (That's Kathy "The BOSS" in heaven among the Saints!)
Many of the pilots wanted to stop by and see how Jordan was doing too. On the way from the airport to Casa de Schmoldt, several of the 'Saints' stopped off at Jordan's house to visit with him, as he was not feeling well enough that day to go to the airport. Jordan was thrilled!
However, when they took off the next day, his dad, Jeff, took Jordan to visit with the aviators and watch the departure! Again, it provided some touching moments... captured in photos by our own Kathy "The Boss" Schmoldt!
Kathy sent me these photos with the following message:
"Thought you would like to know that the "Tailhook Community" and the pilots are continuing to support Jordan and his family."
You're damn right we do! Thanks Kathy, the work you and Hans do for Tailhook is tremendous and we cannot thank you enough!
Thanks again Kathy, Hans, Doug, Thumper and all of the Saints! And.. Most of all... Jordan! Keep fighting! We're here for you!
Jordan....you're in GREAT hands with Dougie and the Saints! Keep up the good fight. I look forward to meeting you next time I'm in town to see my friend Doug. Thumper...good on ya!
Cyrus
RDML USN
Posted by: RDML Mark | April 25, 2008 at 17:17
Jordan..Never give up.
NAS-GJT is a special place. Some of my most precious memories have come from there. My Pops Doug thinks the world of everyone of you. Thanks for the special moment. Great post.
Thanks,
Seth Douglas Thompson
North Carolina
Posted by: Seth Thompson | April 24, 2008 at 03:30
To Everyone that has touched our lives, Thank you so much for all your support during these past several months. It has been a great honor and privilege to meet and spend time with most of you. When we got word about Jordan's condition going from bad to worse, in January, it was Hans & Kathy, and Doug Thompson who brought joy into our lives. Inviting us out to the airfield and putting a smile on Jordan's face. From the eyes of his mother, PRICELESS! Special thanks to John for this story, Kathy for the wonderful pictures. And Hans for making all of this happen. And thank you for the heartfelt comments that brought tears to my eyes. I have a website for Jordan if you would like to visit. www.caringbridge.org/visit/jordanjones
Sincerely,
Kim (Jordan's Mom)
Posted by: Kim Jones (Jordan's Mom) | April 21, 2008 at 13:37
Jordan, God cares for YOU. I pray for His healing to cover you and lift you up! God is FOR you, nothing can come AGAINST you!
Posted by: Steve Gallimore | April 14, 2008 at 23:38
Jordan,
Keep up the great fight!! Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ken
Mile High Tailhooker det. Puget Sound
Posted by: Ken | April 13, 2008 at 13:42
Hi Jordan,
You ROCK! Just wanted you to know that there's a bunch of us pulling for you here in Nashville, Tennessee. Hope to meet you one of these days.
Love and prayers,
Becky Hobbs
co-writer of "Angels Among Us."
Posted by: Beckaroo | April 09, 2008 at 15:26
Jordan,
Attack it one day at a time. Keep it up! You are in our thoughts in Kingsville, TX.
Take Care,
Tim Tuschinski
Posted by: Tim | April 09, 2008 at 14:35
I hope that you get to feeling better!
Rachel in Tennessee
Posted by: rachel | April 07, 2008 at 16:07
Jordan,
My prayer are with you, keep up the good fight.
Jerri in Alabama
Posted by: Jerri Wood | April 07, 2008 at 13:57
Hi Jordan -
You are in my thoughts and prayers. You are a true inspiration to us all!
Wendy in California
Posted by: Wendy | April 07, 2008 at 11:30
Just wanted to add a big THANK YOU to "Thumper" and all the pilots from VFC-13.
Posted by: The Boss | April 07, 2008 at 11:14
Jordan!
What a great bunch of photos! Thank you for the opportunity to meet with you and your family. I hope to see you at the Air Show on the weekend of Sept. 27th.
Keep up the great fight!
On behalf of all your friends with the Saints, Alien
Posted by: Alien | April 07, 2008 at 10:29
Dear Jordan:
My son developed testicular cancer at the age of 27. He is now cancer free-5 years! I'll be praying the same for you!
God bless!
Sue (San Jose, CA)
Posted by: Sue Sidensol | April 07, 2008 at 08:46
Jordan, came over here from Swampy's place. Just wanted to let you know you're in our prayers. We're hoping for a speedy recovery for you! From PV, KS -- The Lanes.
Posted by: Carrums | April 07, 2008 at 07:46
Good luck, Jordan! You look like a nice guy.
Posted by: M@ | April 06, 2008 at 11:51
Jordan,
Swampy sent us the pictures. We look forward to meeting you on our next trip to Grand Junction and swapping some flying/sea-stories. Best of luck to you my friend! Hang in there!
Gordon
Posted by: Trout | April 06, 2008 at 11:19
Hi Jordan,
I just want to let you know we're praying for a speedy recovery. Hang in there!
Kristie from Huntsville, Texas
Posted by: Kristie in Texas | April 06, 2008 at 11:10
Hi Jordan,
I followed a link in from Swampy's blog to wish you a speedy recovery! Hang in there, champ, and know that lots of people out here are cheering you on.
Posted by: Vicki | April 06, 2008 at 08:54
Jordon I just came over from Swampy to wish you all the best.
Posted by: chrisb | April 06, 2008 at 04:47
Thoughts and prayers to kick cancer's butt!
Posted by: Margaret | April 06, 2008 at 03:38
Hey Jordan! you are really showing us how to fight the tough fight and win! W/ your spirit and fighting attitude you'll bag this bandit "Cancer" and be the "Ace". Lance Armstrong did it and so will you. And like Lance you'll go on to do whatever you set your sights on. You're in our Prayers. We Love you Jordan.
The old "Tomcat"
Posted by: Tomcat | April 05, 2008 at 22:37
Jordan,
Keep up the good fight. You are an inspiration to the tenacity and determination of the American spirit. I am humbled by your strength and hope. Get better! We will stick with you as long as it takes.
Your friend,
Dave Bowen
"El Boatsito"
Posted by: boatsfighter | April 05, 2008 at 22:21
Jordan,
Just to let you know that my prayers are with you and your family. You will also be added to the prayer list at First Baptist Church in Hugo,Ok.
Sincerely,
Sherre
Posted by: Sherre Wolfe | April 05, 2008 at 21:13
Jordan,
We're praying for you too. Praying that God's healing power will start at the top of your head and go all the way to your toes!
Posted by: junebug | April 05, 2008 at 21:04
this is a great post.my prayers are with you and your cancer battle.Jordan othere have won this battle,I know that you can also.Scott Hamilton had the type of cancer,he is a ice scatter,and has won his battle.
Posted by: mike golch | April 05, 2008 at 20:00
Jordan.
We had a get together at our house today to give encouragement to someone else who is fighting a battle, as are you.
We believe in miracles - and we speak life into your situation from our hearts.
Hugs and prayers.
Posted by: Pamela | April 05, 2008 at 19:50
Dear Jordan, wishing all the very best and much strength as you fight this! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Richard and Melissa (Christchurch, New Zealand)
Posted by: Melissa in NZ | April 05, 2008 at 19:30
Jordan, I salute you. You didn't choose this battle, but you've got alot of people (some you've never even met) who are praying and pulling for you. Big smiles and thumbs up!
Posted by: Nekked Lizards | April 05, 2008 at 19:24
Hey, Jordan, thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Master Chief (ret) and his lady.
Posted by: Sandy | April 05, 2008 at 19:19
Stopping by to wish you well! Our thoughts and prayers are with you from Savannah, Georgia!
Posted by: Deanna | April 05, 2008 at 19:01
That is awesome! You kick ass Jordan!
Can I say "kick ass" here?
Posted by: Jenny, Bloggess & Bad Mom | April 05, 2008 at 16:48
Hi Jordan, good luck with your treatments. We have a personal friend in California who is a survivor and doing extremely well. We will be thinking about you and sending good thoughts your way. We look forward to meeting you soon.
Mike and Karra Sheridan
GJ Tailhookers
Posted by: Runningwiththepack | April 05, 2008 at 16:42
Jordan:
I would be proud to have you as a Wingman. Keep up the fight. A saying we used in combat was, "No guts, no Air Medal." You are earning your Air Medals.
Whiskey Leader
Posted by: Larry Wear | April 05, 2008 at 16:25
Jordan,
You're looking good! Keep up the positive attitude. Your friend, Hans
Posted by: Big Gun Hans Schmoldt | April 05, 2008 at 16:06
Dear Jordan,
I know that you will be reading this post sometime soon and I wanted you to know I've been thinking about you.
I hope your chemo treatment went well this weekend and that you are out of the hospital soon.
All the photos I took the day the Saints took off have been e-mailed to your dad.
Sincerely,
Kathy
Posted by: Swampy | April 05, 2008 at 15:05
Amen! Another great story chronicling the events at NAS-GJT and the goodwill ambassadors, the VFC-13 Saints.---Big Gun
Posted by: Big Gun Hans Schmoldt | April 05, 2008 at 14:35
John,
This is an incredible post! I can't wait to send this link to all the Mile High Tailhookers, VFC-13, and ESPECIALLY to Jordan and his family.
Thank You.
Kathy
Posted by: | April 05, 2008 at 14:05