The AF Fighter Mafia has been trying to kill the A-10 since it was on the drawing board. It's still in service though!! Just like an old Timex. Takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin' Every A-10 Driver i ever met had a bit of the cowboy/pirate in him. Same with the maintenance folks for those birds. They attract a certain kind of "get it done", "No Excuses, No Whining" kind of personality.
My fav plane.