Foglesong emphasizes core values, unity to newest aviators

  • Published
  • By Airman John Day
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Retired Air Force Gen. Robert "Doc" Foglesong visited Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, Feb. 13, 2015, to speak at Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 15-05's graduation ceremony.

Foglesong earned his wings at Columbus AFB. His aviation career includes more than 4,280 flying hours, primarily in fighter and training assignments in the F-16, F-15, A-10 and AT/T-38.

His staff tours include duty as Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, D.C; Commander, 12th Air Force; Commander, U.S. Southern Command Air Forces; Deputy Chief of Staff for Air and Space Operations and Vice Chief of Staff at Headquarters U.S. Air Force.

His speech began with thanks to everyone in attendance for their support of the base and its mission to produce pilots.

"This was the best job [as a former 14th Flying Training Wing Commander] I've ever had and a big reason for that is for the community," Foglesong said. "I want to thank everyone from Columbus for being out there today. You are an important part of what goes on at this base and will continue to be. All the young men and women in these front two rows would not be here if not for a team effort."

The general addressed the new graduates first to let them know just how important this day would be to them.

"For the class, I will tell you that this is a special day," Foglesong said. "You will be marked by this day, the culmination of a lot of really hard work and something you will remember for the rest of your life, I can promise you that."

The general let the newest aviators know how much the accomplishment of receiving their silver wings means. He explained how he might not know where his other awards or diplomas or dissertations are, but he knew exactly where his most important award is as he reached into his pocket to show the audience his own pair of wings.

He went on to speak about how the Air Force Core Values are unfailing and a part of all Airmen.

"An organization that places integrity first is the best," Foglesong said. "An organization where service before self is a key component and a key part of the character of the organization is the best. An organization that values excellence is the best. You can always fall back on these core values."

Foglesong spoke on the brother and sisterhood shared between not only Airmen, but our Sailors, Soldiers and Marines as well.

"What I really like is our concept of a wingman," he said. "This concept applies whether you are in a foxhole, in a tank, or in a submarine. What we have -- the wingman concept of taking care of each other, the unspoken promise to look after each other -- is a closeness bound to the United States Air Force and the rest of our military."

Continuing in the same vein of brotherhood, he explained his love for America and why we are so close as a nation, despite the trials we have faced.

"I love our country," the general said. "At the start of this century this nation was attacked on our homeland. Thousands of our citizens were killed. The reason I like this nation is because we have incredible spirit and courage."

Foglesong addressed the current threat to the country and why it is imperative that we remain unified.

"We have an enemy out there that loves nothing more than to take away what we value most in our lives: our freedom," he said. "Our enemy didn't realize what they had created when they brought that devastation down on us. They hoped to tear us apart, but it only brought us together."

His speech ended with a poem about America just after 9/11 and a final congratulation to the graduates.