COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Col. Barry Blanchard, 172nd Airlift Wing Commander, Thompson Field, Jackson, Mississippi visited Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, as the guest speaker for Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 16-13’s graduation Aug. 19.
Blanchard was commissioned through the United States Air Force Academy in 1992. He attended Undergraduate Pilot Training here at Columbus AFB in 1993.
He began his speech by thanking Col. Douglas Gosney, 14th Flying Training Wing Commander, and the graduating class for allowing him to speak at Columbus AFB, where he received his silver wings.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be invited here today for Class 16-13’s graduation,” Blanchard said. “This is truly a special day for the graduates.”
Blanchard also thanked all others in attendance, including family, instructor pilots and all Team BLAZE Airmen for the support given to the newest pilots, allowing them to succeed and become pilots in America’s Air Force.
“Spouses, family and friends, thank you for traveling here today to cheer on your graduates,” Blanchard said. “This graduation is a culmination of a very challenging year for Class 16-13. We simply cannot do what we do in the Air Force today in our global operations without your continued support. Continue doing what you are doing for them as they head out into the field to do great work.”
He then stated the three things he thought were most important for graduates to take away.
“There are three things I want you to remember,” Blanchard said. “First, you are always an Air Force officer first. Second, airpower is a team sport. Lastly, wearing those wings is a privilege, not a right.”
Blanchard said regardless of your skill as a pilot, you are an officer first and a pilot second.
“The Air Force did not send you here for a vacation,” Blanchard said. “You are now an instrument of airpower with a duty to face America’s adversaries in future wars. You are expected to bring your experience within your realm and advocate and exploit your knowledge of airpower in any organization you find yourself working in.”
He emphasized teamwork is more valuable than any one individual.
“You will not do this alone,” Blanchard said. “Take the time to build your relationships on your team. Be sure to thank your team; they do an important job just as you do. Your family is included in this team. Take care of them. These relations will pay huge dividends if you continue to foster them.”
Blanchard spoke about earning the privilege to be called a pilot and how to continue to be worthy of that legacy.
“You must earn your wings,” Blanchard said. “Every day of your Air Force career, whether you are wearing blues or a flight suit, you will earn that privilege. You are part of a long legacy of Airmen who have earned this privilege, so make them proud.”
He finished by telling the crowd that new challenges would soon be upon them and to never stop learning from them.
“The hard work is just beginning,” Blanchard said. “Very soon you will be back in class learning a whole new weapon system and how to employ it. Study hard and become an expert at what you do. Good luck and God bless.”