Father, son share passion for flying

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Danielle Powell
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. --  One of the proudest days for a young Air Force officer is when they earn the aeronautical rating of pilot. 

That day was extra special for one Air Force officer Friday, as he received his wings from his father during the graduation ceremony for Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training class 07-13. 

Major Gen. Mike Edwards, Adjutant General for Colorado National Guard, played a dual role in Friday's ceremony. Not only was he the keynote speaker for the graduation, but he was the proud father of one of the graduates. 

"I feel like I am playing a dual-role but really not. Because the Air Force is such a family itself, that being a Senior Officer and a dad is almost one in the same. I feel like I am a parent to all the young officers that are about to become aviators. Of course it is a very proud day for me. As a dad I am very proud of my son, but as a Major General I am very proud of the whole class as they have done a tremendous job here," said General Edwards. 

As a command pilot with more than 4,200 flying hours, the general has flown in nine different aircraft. With many hours in the fighter aircraft, he has flown the F-16. Now his son, 2nd Lt. James Edwards, will now follow in his footsteps. 

"Not only is he following in my footsteps, but he is also following in his grandfather's footsteps. He will be a third generation fighter pilot," said General Edwards. 

During his speech, General Edwards offered a little advice to the pilots. "Always take care of the resources given to you, treat them as they are your own, instead of something you are just borrowing. Take care of those that support you. And lastly, never forget that you are an officer and not just a rated pilot." 

While taking flight in a T-38C Talon Thursday, General Edwards saw the inventory of jets of Columbus Air Force Base's newest squadron, the 49th Fighter Training Squadron. He recognized one of the tail numbers and knew "that was probably a jet he flew back in 1961." His advice to the pilots about taking care of resources is closely linked to the feelings he felt when seeing that T-38. 

"The people here at Columbus as awesome," said Maj. Gen Edwards. "This is a great location for pilot training. I am really impressed with the community involvement and how much they support Columbus AFB. In today's Air Force, we absolutely need the support from our communities to insure our bases stay viable."