The Air Force is not just a job, it's a calling

  • Published
  • By Airman Daniel Lile
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Maj. Gen. (Retired) Burton Moore spoke at the Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 13-15s graduation Oct. 4 at Kaye Auditorium.

During his speech Moore spoke on the hardships of the graduate's career field, flying, being proud of being an Airman, gave advice on career advancement and the changes in the Air Force since his retirement.

"You think this past year has been hard, now the real hard work begins," said Moore. "You have reached this level. There is another level you're going to reach and another level beyond that. You are going to be in some far places in the world under some interesting conditions, be ready to step up."

Moore continued to speak on the inherit dangers of flying, and part of stepping up is maintaining that excellence learned while in training.

"Flying is inherently dangerous," said Moore. "It requires your full dedication, preparation and focus. If you allow one moment of laziness or lack of attention to detail it can have devastating effects. It takes everything you have to maintain that level of excellence you learn here in training."

"Maj. Gen. Moore gave great advice about staying focused and not getting lazy while flying," said 1st Lt. Ryan Gauntt, graduate of Class 13-15. "It's easy to get complacent, but I enjoy flying and will enjoy staying focused."

Moore explained that not everyone could do what an Airman does every day and that being an Airman is not like a normal job, and it's something to be proud of.

"The capability, talent, dedication and patriotism of the young men and women we have flying, maintaining and supporting the airplanes is unparallel," said Moore. "The Air Force is a calling, not a job. You can walk away from a business; you cannot walk away from this. I take so much pride in being a part of what you are doing."

"I really liked the part when he spoke about it being our Air Force," said Gauntt. "Everyone contributes to the mission and it could not get done without all of us."

A major part of being an Airman is advancing in one's career; Moore gave advice on how to reach the next level.

"Don't just focus on ranking up," said Moore. "Treat every job you have, no matter how small it may seem at the moment, as the most important job you could ever have. If you worry every day about doing your job to the best of your ability your career will take care of itself."

There are very few people who have seen as many changes happen throughout the Air Force as Moore, he explains that we are still strong.

"This is not my Air Force anymore, this is our Air Force," said Moore. "It is still here today and strong. The challenges are still here and there is no indication of them going away, Airman need to just keep stepping up and working hard."

It's always an honor for us to welcome back one of our leaders, Moore explains that the honor goes both ways.

"I always enjoy coming back to Columbus, my son graduated from pilot training here," said Moore. "I'm still an old fighter pilot at heart, and I love being around everyone and everything to do with planes."