Major General Lindell speaks at SUPT Class 10-09 graduation

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jacob Corbin
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  The graduation speaker for Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 10-09 offered the graduates and their guests words of wisdom and advice at their ceremony May 21.

Maj. Gen. Jay Lindell, Director, Global Power Programs, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., spoke at the graduation of his nephew, 2nd Lt. Justin Herris.

"What a milestone event, an incredible day the class for the rest of their lives," General Lindell said of the event.

To the graduates, the general said, "You have earned the privilege to wear the U.S. Air Force silver pilot wings. Congratulations on your accomplishment."

In addition to the Air Force graduates in Class 10-09, this class had two international officers, from Ghana and Saudi Arabia. The general also had a message for those two newly christened pilots.

"You will play a special part in cementing a partnership and alliance between your home nations and the United States," General Lidnell said.

General Lindell said after thirty years of Air Force service, and the first 20 of those actively flying, he is jealous of the experiences the graduates are going to have.

"The knowledge, skills and discipline you have learned in your training will be put to the test," he said.

The general also had some advice for those student pilots still in training or about to start their time at Columbus Air Force Base.

"Work hard every day, give it 100 percent, study hard and do your best," General Lindell said. It may not seem like it's paying off now, but one day soon it will."