Moore advises SUPT Class 12-12

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Charles Dickens
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Retired Maj. Gen. Burton Moore spoke to the Air Force's newest pilots during the Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 12-12 graduation July 27 in Kaye Auditorium.

Moore advised the pilots during the graduation to cherish the position that they hold, understand how lucky they are and to put thought into self biographies.

"There are about 20 million people in your age groups and only 24 of you here, so with a little inventive math and rounding errors, you guys and gals really are one in a million," said Moore.

Moore continued by saying that very few people in the country are willing to dedicate their lives to the military, so the people of the armed forces should be proud of themselves.

"It gives me great hope and courage for the future of our country knowing that you all are stepping in where others are stepping out," said Moore.

Moore also told a story about a book that he read which told of a pilot, retired Brig. Gen. Robin Olds, with amazing skills and a great history. The story concluded saying that the famous World War II Triple Ace had been preserved in a glass case, gear and all, with a sign that said, "In case of war, break glass."

"Will you be the one they will want to break the glass for if war breaks out?" Moore asked the audience.

While striving for excellence to be the one in the glass box, Moore also advised the pilots to put real thought into their own biographies.

"Have a bio that you will be proud of, something you might want to share with your grandchildren or something you might want to get published," said Moore. "You are starting to write a formal Air Force biography for your career, but you need to have a personal biography about yourself."

Aside from tips for biographies, Moore also gave the pilots words of advice for when they reach their next aircraft.

"Just because you have your wings today does not mean you know everything about your next airplane tomorrow; in fact, that means you know very little," said Moore. "Always be alert when you're flying because the sky can get you in a minute."