Lessons from a 35-year career pilot

  • Published
  • By Airman John Day
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Retired Maj. Gen. Stephen Schmidt, former 14th Flying Training Wing Commander, spoke during Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 15-01's graduation Oct. 24 at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi.

Schmidt graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1979 and received his wings one year later in 1980. Before retiring earlier this year, he served as the Special Assistant to the Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Over his 35-year career, he flew nearly 5,000 hours in the B-52H Stratofortress.

He began by welcoming the new pilots to their new life as aviators in the United States Air Force.

"They are about to join the 'A Team,' and I really mean that," Schmidt said. "I am truly honored to come back here to Columbus and see you all get cleared for takeoff with the greatest, most powerful and most respected Air Force team on the planet."

During his speech, he offered the benefit of his experience to the graduates, giving them the lessons for success in the air and on the ground.

"Professionals exhibit character and honor," Schmidt said. "Character is what you do at two in the morning when nobody is around, nobody is looking and when nobody will find out what you just did. Honor is how you value things and how you put things in perspective and keep them there for the rest of your life. Simply put, do the right thing, even if it hurts you."

He emphasized a four-step solution to problem solving that he found useful throughout his life: Step 1, Get all the facts; step 2, How did it happen?; step 3, Why did it happen?; and step 4, Assess and take appropriate action.

"At the end of the day, you have to be able to look yourself in the mirror and know you did your absolute best, and that you did the right thing for the right reason," Schmidt said.

Schmidt encouraged graduates to show their leadership they are dependable individuals and not to let someone else solve their problems.

"People will never respect a leader who watches another person work. I mean that," Schmidt said. "Be the go-to person, the 'Hey, I can fix that' and the 'Wait, that doesn't belong there' person."

He spoke of hard decisions all Airmen inevitably face in their careers and in their households.

"The great philosopher, Yogi Berra, has said many times, 'When you come to a fork in the road take it,'" Schmidt said. "There will come a time when you need to decide what you will do in your Air Force, your life and with your family."

Schmidt's last piece of wisdom was applicable not only to the pilots, but to all in attendance.

"Always be the best at what you do," Schmidt said. "Motivation is the key to performance in any career field.  Service before self means putting the needs of others first.  Do the little things without being asked and you will lead and succeed."

He finally wished the new pilots good luck with their first assignments and gratitude for the privilege to come back to Columbus AFB.

"Graduates, your life will be changed by these wings," Schmidt said. "Thanks for honoring me by asking me to participate in the graduation of this great class, 15-01. Each of you can be a star and lead in our Air Force flying with the 'A Team' in service to others. Let's go get your wings."