General officer, former graduate speaks at Class 11-02 graduation

  • Published
  • By By Staff Sgt. Bryan Franks
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  A former graduate of Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training at Columbus Air Force Base returned Nov. 18 to address the latest SUPT class as a brigadier general during Class 11-02 graduation.

Brig. Gen. Arnold W. Bunch Jr., 312th Aeronautical Systems Wing commander and Air Force Program Executive Officer for Fighters and Bombers, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, began his career just like every one of them are doing today.

"When I got the invited to speak, my mind was immediately flooded with memories," General Bunch reflected. "Day one showing up and having a classmate announce to everyone that he was going to get an F-16 and there wasn't anything anyone could do about it....solos....assignment night...cross countries...you'll notice my graduation speaker's name was not one of these memories."

This Air Force Academy graduate reminded the newest additions to ranks of Air Force pilots that they are very fortunate to be sitting here.

"You have been blessed...first to get the opportunity and second to have the gifts and the fortune to successfully complete the program so please remember you are blessed," General Bunch emphasized.

However this "one barf bag away from not completing pilot training" turned general officer also told the class of 21 to bloom where planted.

"Some of you may not be overly thrilled with the particular platform you have been assigned," he continued. "My recommendation on that is....get over it and move on."

As a fighter rated graduate in Class 85-07 but assigned to B-52 he imparted on them that each platform has a critical mission to fill and that they were the most valuable resource on that platform.

"I strongly encourage you to avoid measuring your success by the platform you fly," General Bunch said. "Take you work success from being a professional aviator and successfully executing your mission whatever that mission may be."

While this was his first trip back to Columbus since he left in 1985 he said a lot has change but some things have stayed the same.

"The exterior...buildings, roads and even the aircraft has changed," General Bunch said. "But the interior...getting the mission done and a commitment to excellence... hasn't."