According to Snopes.com, this incident was in 2005.
http://www.snopes.com/politics/military/wakeup.asp
There was another letter that continued this topic.
To his credit, the complainant, Mr. MacRae, tendered a written apology
which was published in The Republic on 9 July:
Regarding "Flyby honoring fallen comrade" (Letters, June 28):
I read with increasing embarrassment and humility the response to my
unfortunate letter to The Republic concerning an Air Force flyby ("A
wake-up call from Luke's jets," Letters, June 23).
I had no idea of the significance of the flyby, and would never have
insulted such a fine and respectful display had I known.
I have received many calls from the fine airmen who are serving or have
served at Luke, and I have attempted to explain my side and apologized
for any discomfort my letter has caused.
This was simply an uninformed citizen complaining about noise.
I have been made aware in both written and verbal communications of the
four-ship flyby, and my heart goes out to each and every lost serviceman
and woman in this war in which we are engaged.
I have been called un-American by an unknown caller and I feel that I
must address that. I served in the U.S. Navy and am a Vietnam veteran. I
love my country and respect the jobs that the service organizations are
doing.
Please accept my heartfelt apologies.
Tom MacRae, Peoria