General Poulin imparts wisdom to SUPT 09-02 graduates

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Jeffrey Weger
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Major Gen. Allan Poulin spoke to the Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training class 09-02 in a ceremony held at Kaye Auditorium Friday. 

General Poulin is Vice Commander, Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, Ga. and father of one of Friday's graduates. 2nd Lieutenant Allen Poulin is a third-generation military aviator. 

In his remarks, General Poulin urged the graduates to hit the ground running at their first assignments. He encouraged them to make a good first impression and to know every detail about their jobs. 

He also advised the new pilots to take care of their families and fellow Airmen.
"Make family relationships the most important thing in your life," he said. 

His remarks also included a reminder to take care of enlisted members, "Treat your enlisted folks fairly and with respect. Take the time to get to know them." 

The General said in closing, "I'm incredibly proud of each and every one of you. You are all fully prepared due to the hard work of all the support groups here at Columbus AFB."
Later on during an interview the General remarked that the greatest challenges the new pilots and the Air Force as a whole would face would be the difficulty of projecting  airpower accurately and efficiently. Shaping air power to protect the interests of America in an increasingly multi-polar world will also be an onus these future pilots must bear as Air Force leaders. 

As headquarters Air Force Reserve Command vice commander, General Poulin is responsible for the daily operations of the command, which employs approximately 76,100 Citizen Airmen and consists of more than 370 aircraft among three numbered air forces, 36 wings, three flying groups, one space group and 620 mission support units. Air Force Reserve Command supports the Air Force mission to defend the United States through control and exploitation of air and space by supporting global engagement. AFRC plays an integral role in the day-to-day Air Force mission.

General Poulin took the time to say he was extremely honored to be present at the ceremony on one of the best undergraduate pilot training bases in Air Education and Training Command and wanted to thank the Airmen and civilian personnel who make CAFB's mission a reality.