Retired general speaks to Warren’s newest NCOs

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Mike Tryon
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, WYO. --  Graduating Airman Leadership School is one of the many accomplishments Airmen can face in their careers. Having a retired two-star general as the guest speaker for the graduation ceremony is a bonus.

Maj. Gen. (ret) Thomas Deppe, former 20th Air Force commander and former Air Force Space Command vice commander, had what he called "the honor and privilege to speak to the graduating class of 10-F" during their ceremony held in the Trail's End Club on July 15.

General Deppe began his speech by saying it is great to be back in Cheyenne, and that it feels like coming home. He then talked about retirement, why ALS is important and how much of a "game-changer" ALS can be.

He mentioned he joined right at the start of the biggest build-up for the Vietnam draft.

"When I got my draft notice and went to basic training, nobody ever thought I'd ever be a two-star [general], let alone make my first stripe," General Deppe said.

He said he realized what the Air Force is really about, and ALS is was when he really learned about the tradition and history of the Air Force.

"It's about all of us working together as a team to support the world-wide mission to make the world a better place," General Deppe said.

He also discussed the NCO's role is in developing younger Airmen.

"The role of the staff sergeant is to ensure their younger Airmen never have to meet the first sergeant or leadership [in a negative capacity]," General Deppe said. "It's their job to get involved in Airmen's lives."

After General Deppe finished speaking, the diploma ceremony commenced.

The next ALS graduation is on Sept. 23.