Colonel Watkins speaks to SUPT 09-03 graduates

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Jeffrey Weger
  • 14th Medical Operations Squadron
COLUMBUS AFB, MISS. -- --  Colonel Roger Watkins, 14th Flying Training Wing commander, spoke to the Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training class 09-03 in a ceremony held at Kaye Auditorium Friday.

Colonel Watkins began by telling the graduates they have a bright future in their respective weapon systems. "The Air Force is going to ask you to do amazing things."

However, he also reminded them of the reality of being an aviator in an air force currently engaged in conflict, "You are no longer in a sterile training environment. You will be asked to be a leader as well as a warrior."

Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training has laid a foundation of flying ability and leadership for these future aviators and Colonel Watkins encouraged them to continue to strengthen and build upon this foundation throughout their careers. One concept Colonel Watkins challenged the graduates to develop was integrity, "You must do what is right even when it is not popular."

Colonel Watkins concluded with a reminder, "You've met the standards to become an air force pilot, but don't ever be satisfied with just meeting the standard. Let excellence drive everything you do."