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Commander to new Airmen: In 1968 I stood where you stand now

  • Published
  • By Michele Tasista
  • AFGSC PA
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La --  As a B-52 flew overhead, Basic Military Training graduates passed in review, dipping their guidons and crisply saluting the commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, during the final military parade of his active duty career.

"It's a great honor and privilege to be the reviewing official for your graduation ceremony," said Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz to 640 new Airmen Dec. 3 at Lackland AFB, Texas.

"In 1968, I stood where you stand today, as I became an Airman," the general said, prior to administering the enlistment oath, symbolically marking the transition from trainees to full-fledged Airmen.

"More than eight weeks ago, you arrived here as ordinary citizens. Today you will begin to serve our Nation as extraordinary Airmen," said the general who leads the Air Force's elite B-2, B-52 and ICBM nuclear forces.

The graduates had earned a place as members of a selective group, he told them, as they stood in formation under blue skies with a breeze ruffling the scores of flags on display.

General Klotz said the Air Force has for years maintained its high recruiting standards and continues to attract the best and brightest of America's youth, recruiting from a base of only 25 percent of Americans who even qualify for military service. The Air Force hires only one of every 110 potential recruits, he said.

The general told the new Airmen that by graduating from the tough basic training course they had proven themselves worthy to serve in the world's greatest Air Force.

The general is scheduled to retire in early 2011 after more than 42 total years of service in the Air Force, including his time as a cadet at the Air Force Academy.

General Klotz also thanked the Basic Military Training instructors and the 37th Training Wing staff for their hard work and devotion to duty in a critically important and demanding job. He noted that even after going through Basic Military Training at Lackland over 42 years ago, the very sight of a BMT instructor still inspires in him "a great deal of awe, admiration and respect."

The ceremony concluded with a full-throated recitation of the Airman's Creed echoing across the parade field.