VMFA-142 Flying Gators Watch

The Flying Gators Commemorative Wristwatch

Thanks to the Fortis Watch Company members of the VMFA-142 Flying Gators past and present have an opportunity to own a customized Fortis Pilot's watch decorated with Gator insignia, squadron name and years of operation.

Two options are presented:

Black, the B42 Pilot Professional, representing traditional aviator watch heritage providing maximum contrast and utility.

White, the B42 Flieger with a classic pilot dial that includes more refined elements such as blued steel skeleton hands.

Swiss-made mechanicals

Both watches are true self-winding mechanical wristwatches featuring the Swiss-made workhorse Valjoux 7750 movement. No battery required. Scratch proof sapphire crystal covers the front and back.

How much?

The final price will be determined by how many watches are in the order. Ballpark price will be around $1100. MSRP on this watch is $2000+ with non-customized versions available for $1600 online. This is a great deal.

Strap or bracelet

Each watch is available in your choice of black leather strap, brown leather strap or metal bracelet ($150 extra). Please specify your preference when you email Dahmer.

Reserve your copy

If you're interested in a watch email Dahmer with your name and which watch you prefer, white or black.

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Thanks to the Gators!

This past Saturday night I was invited by members of VMFA-142 to the United States Marine Corps Birthday celebration in Atlanta, GA. My wife and I attended and had a great time! It was fun to finally see many of the Marines that I had posted pictures of during the deployment to Iraq, in person. Everyone was extremely gracious for the site and my involvement in it.

In fact, it wasn't until I heard the stories and sentiments I'd previously only heard in emails and comments on the site, in person, did I fully come to appreciate what the site meant for so many people related to the Gators.

Not only did parents and spouses check in to see the latest, but many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends went to GatorsInIraq.com daily hoping to see a photo of their Marine. Seems that just seeing a photo of anyone in 142 helped pass the time a little easier. I didn't really begin to understand this until Saturday night.

I appreciate everyone who made it a point to find me and say thanks.

The biggest surprise of the night for me was when we made our way upstairs to a room where members of 142 where continuing the celebration. After a few minutes, the room got quiet and I heard "Boomer" the VMFA-142 CO say "Buck, front and center."

I came up and "Boomer" presented me with a signed squadron portrait of the Gators. He also honored me with some very kind words about the positive impact the site had on the Iraqi deployment. I wish I could remember it word for word, because I remember it being damn good, but I was still a little shocked from being recognized in such a way in the first place.

Thanks to all the Gators for making me feel like I was part of the team...

Buck (brokali)

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Running to Dad

Running to Dad. Large Image >>

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Lerch Taxis In

Lerch taxis in at Dobbins. Large Image >>

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Back from Iraq

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Homecoming

Taxiing in.
Dahmer taxiing in.
Taxiing in.

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Tanker Shots from the AC

Photo taken on Leg 3 of CE-136. Photos courtesy of the AC for the KC-135R.
Photo taken on Leg 3 of CE-136. Photos courtesy of the AC for the KC-135R.
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Message rom the AC:

I just wanted to share these couple of photos with you guys. You probably already have enough photos of the Air Refueling, but maybe you don’t. I am happy you guys made it home safe. Take care. BTW, these photos were taken on Leg 3 of CE-136.

Fly safe!

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Signs of Support

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Gassing Up

A view from the tanker from Greece to Lajes.

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The Gators Are Home

The Gators are back home in Georgia.

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