Allie Diaz, a Marine Corps veteran residing in Spain and member of the Democrats Abroad Global Veterans and Military Families (VMF) Caucus, has quite the artistic teenage son. This young man, known as “Fritz” when immersed in his various forms of artwork, penciled the below image of an F-4 Phantom fighter jet. For those who may be unaware, the F-4 played a significant role in America’s military arsenal from before the Vietnam War and leading up to the end of the Cold War. During its heyday, this American fighter jet defined cutting-edge technology, setting aviation records for both speed and altitude.
According to Allie, “‘Fritz’ is actually his dog’s name. He’s been signing all his artwork under that pen name for years. My parents live next to a U.S. naval base, and we used to live next to an Air Force base in California. He’s been to both their aircraft museums a few times. Also, my dad used to work for a subcontractor of Boeing on the AV-8 Harrier II as a logistics analyst, and before that, he was in the Navy as an aircraft mechanic and worked on P-3s, among others. He’s always been fascinated with military aircraft, helicopters, and tanks. He draws all three. He drew a P-3 [aircraft] and gave it to my dad for Father’s Day two years ago. He can spot a military plane, helicopter, or tank at a glance and not only tell you what it is, but in some cases, what campaign it was used in what country it comes from.”
Next year, “Fritz” will continue developing his skills at a local art school. When he completes his schooling within a few years, he hopes to be a professional illustrator or video game designer. The VMF Caucus joins Allie in being proud of this emerging artist!
U.S. citizens living abroad, both civilian and military, are highly encouraged to check your voter registration status and request your ballot for any upcoming elections in your home voting state that you are eligible to vote in.
The VMF Caucus, proudly consisting of veterans, military family members, Department of Defense civilians, and other national security professionals, and strong allies of veterans and military family causes, has a membership of over 1,400 members located in dozens of countries.
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