Aramco Brats Meet in Alaska
- Community
- Aramco Brats
Author: Pamela Keck
Released 14 March 2006
Lee Aberle Jr. and Jesse Keck
Photograph Contributed by Pamela Keck
Long time friends Jesse Keck and Lee Aberle Jr. last saw each other in 2003, they had just completed 5th grade at Dhahran Hills. Jesse’s family took early retirement from Aramco in 2003 and moved to Bend, Oregon. In 2004 the Keck’s moved to Anchorage, Alaska.
Lee came to Alaska for a visit during his repat in July of 2005. Jesse was anxious to see Lee, but when he watched at the gate, he was in shock wondering if the 6 foot guy with long bleached hair and glasses was really his buddy from Dhahran. Unbelievably it really was Lee; Jesse was lost for words, but it didn’t take long and they were nonstop talking, laughing and reminiscing.
The boys hiked up Flattop Mountain where they had incredible views of Anchorage, Upper Cook Inlet, the Alaska Range and the Chugach Mountains. They biked for miles along the paved Coastal Trails. Maneuvering in kayaks down Campbell Creek it was a different challenge around every bend. They fished for Salmon at Campbell Creek, Ship Creek and Lake DeLong. At the lake it was quite a surprise when the eagles were overhead and one swooped within inches of Lee’s head. Moose were everywhere, even in Jesse’s backyard and along the bike trails.
The time spent together was remembered as wonderful, but sad when Lee departed. Good friends are hard to come by, and the Aramcons seem to have very special bonds. It is true; time in Saudi Arabia will be fond memories forever.