Brig. Gen. Walsh returns to CAFB for SUPT 09-04 graduation Published Jan. 29, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Josh Harbin 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. -- -- Brigadier Gen. Guy Walsh, Commander, 175th Wing, Maryland Air National Guard, Baltimore, Md., spoke at Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 09-04's graduation in a ceremony held at Kaye Auditorium Friday. General Walsh is a 1980 graduate of Undergraduate Pilot Training from Columbus AFB. During his speech to the class, the general recalled his time at Columbus AFB as a transitional UPT student working in the 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs office and teaching swimming at the Mississippi University for Women as he awaited his time to fly, said General Walsh. He also reminded the graduates of the importance of remembering and honoring those who made his training, and that of Friday's graduates, possible. All the parents who instilled the values of honor, dedication and integrity into their children; the professionals who ensured they were prepared for the challenges they are sure to face in the future; and all the Airmen throughout the base who made the accomplishment of their mission possible. "It's really all about the backbone of the Air Force and the people who made this possible for you and that's our enlisted folks. Don't forget that walking out that door today." In the general's closing statements, he said, "If it weren't for all the folks who are actually doing all the support back there, whether it was your first grade teacher, the life support folks or the people maintaining your planes, it is too often we don't take the time to shake their hand and say 'thank you'."
