US SOUTHCOM deputy commander offers advice to new AF pilots Published April 30, 2008 By Airman Josh Harbin 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. -- Lieutenant Gen. Glenn Spears, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Southern Command in Miami, Fla., spoke at the Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training class 08-08 graduation Friday. General Spears, who graduated from pilot training at Williams AFB, Ariz., in 1979, is a command pilot with more than 3,400 flying hours in 13 different aircraft. He spoke of the role of expeditionary Airmen and the US SOUTHCOM in the global war on terrorism and its efforts to engage younger audiences. When asked about the role of the US SOUTHCOM in national defense, he said, "We are responsible for defending the U.S. and its interests throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. We are also responsible for conducting security and cooperation activities in that region." Issues facing the command's area of responsibility include poverty, crime and imbalance of wealth in the Latin American region. General Spears also said the US SOUTHCOM dedicates much of its work in combating terrorist forces around the world. "US SOUTHCOM plays a key role in combating terrorism in whatever form. The transnational threats which challenge us in our particular region are difficult, endemic, and are threats which require innovation for us to work with our partners to successfully beat these challenges," said General Spears. Since the Air Force's transition to an expeditionary force, the general stressed the need for dedication and adherence to Air Force values and standards in order to succeed amidst the world's growing conflicts. In his 30 years Air Force career, this was Gen Spear's first visit to Columbus AFB. In his closing comments to our new Air Force pilots, he reminded them of their important role in our nation's defense, "Remember, you are Airmen first and pilots second."
