Flights begin marching on to the Retreat Pad to receive their Airman’s Coin. The ceremony signifies the end of Basic Training. The Coin Ceremony marks the official transition from trainee to Airman. The Retreat portion immediately follows the Coin Ceremony. During Retreat, the U. S. Flag is paid tribute, brought down, folded and safeguarded. After Retreat, Airmen will sing the Air Force Song and be dismissed for Base Liberty. The Airmen will recite the Airman’s Creed. Flights are dismissed and Airmen are released to their visitors. Families can now move on to the Retreat Pad to greet and congratulate their Airman. The tradition is that Airmen must be “tapped out” in order to be released to their visitors. To Tap Out your Airman, simply tap him or her on the shoulder.
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Good morning I am master sergeant Genevie fulam military training instructor trainer and I will be your narrator for today’s ceremony as the flights move into position and for the safety and comfort of those around you we ask that you refrain from entering the retreat pad and remain in respective
Seating area when you are taking photos during the ceremony do not stand or sit in the stairways unless entering or exiting the grand stand additionally we ask that you do not stand at the bottom of the grand stands as well as the arena drill pad at the conclusion of of the
Ceremony you may proceed onto the retreat pad after the flights are dismissed please be cautious when ascending and descending the bleachers utilize the handrails and watch for tripping and slipping and falling hazards restroom facilities are located in the Reception Center to the right of the flag pole during this morning
Ceremony smoking and the consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted at this time please silence all cell phones and other electronic devices thank you and enjoy today’s ceremony in the military ceremonies are held to aord of distinctive honors to National symbols or individuals on special occasions these ceremonies are also used
To display the proficiency and state of training in a command and to promote teamwork and pride in the organization they also contribute to public morale by displaying symbolically the strength and unity of the military in support of the nation all movements that you will observe today are known as drill the
Purpose of drill is to enable a commander or non-commissioned officer such as a military training instructor the ability to move their units from one place to another in an orderly manner to Aid in training by instilling discipline and habits of precision and response to the leader orders and to provide for the
Development of all leaders in the practice of commanding formations to maintain to maintain the proper decor and respect for the events such as drill we ask that you abide by the following standards while you are here first there will be times that you will be asked to stand for the
Invocation the playing of the national anthem the Air Force song and the reciting of the airman’s Creed second we ask that you remain silent during these times reflecting on the price that has been paid for our freedom third we ask that you pay respect to the flag during
The national anthem military members and veterans in uniform will stand at attention and render a salute civilians should stand and place their right hand over their heart veterans and Military members not in uniform May render a salute or place the right hand over their heart after the last note of the
National anthem you may return your hand to your side thank you and enjoy today’s Ceremony now marching into position from the 320th training Squadron flight 054 led by technical Sergeant Kevin bird military training instructor Hometown Sarasota [Applause] Florida flight 055 led by Master Sergeant Christopher HUD military training instructor Hometown Bamberg South [Applause] [Applause] Carolina white 056 led by technical Sergeant Dennis Williams Jr military training instructor Hometown Tula [Applause] California flight 057 led by technical Sergeant Ramsey Otero military training instructor Hometown Savannah Georgia [Applause] flight 058 led by technical sergeant Andrew Shrek military training instructor Hometown Pac [Applause] Illinois flight 059 led by technical Sergeant
Malik Smith military training instructor Hometown Chicago [Applause] Illinois from the 324th training Squadron flight 060 led by technical Sergeant Ryan Harris military training instructor Hometown Orlando [Applause] Florida flight 061 led by technical Sergeant Deborah Atkins military training instructor Hometown Marietta [Applause] OH flight 062 led by technical Sergeant Robert rockold military training
Instructor hometown balante [Applause] [Applause] Ohio flight 063 led by technical Sergeant Lonnie Elliot military training instructor hometown n glow [Applause] [Applause] Pennsylvania from the 326 training Squadron PT Excellence flight flight 064 led by technical Sergeant Valerie Jacobs military training instructor Hometown Media [Applause] Pennsylvania flight 065 led by technical Sergeant Tyler Edwards military training instructor Hometown Finley Lake new New [Applause] York flight 066 led by technical Sergeant crisella Mariano military training instructor trainer Hometown San Jose California [Applause] academic Excellence flight flight 067 led by technical Sergeant Ashley Anderson military training instructor Hometown Houston Texas [Applause] It from the 3 31st training Squadron flight 068 led by technical Sergeant Randy Chavez military training instructor Hometown Emerald Island North [Applause] [Applause] Carolina flight 069 led by Master Sergeant Paul Santos military training instructor Hometown Orlando [Applause] [Applause] Florida [Applause] flight 070 led by Master Sergeant Clarissa Hart military training instructor Hometown Birmingham Alabama [Applause] [Applause] Flight 071 led by Master Sergeant Joel P Pilon military training instructor trainer Hometown Norfolk [Applause] Virginia Air Force basic military training condu graduation events over the course of two days to celebrate the accomplishments of our newest Airmen and Guardians these events recognize their transition into the profession of arms
We acknowledge the tradition of honor and a legacy of Val provided by those who came before and Inspire us still today we would also like to thank the family and friends for their continued support that these graduates will be counting on as they serve our great nation in the years to come
Ladies and Gentlemen please stand for the invocation given by chaplain evat scripture affirms that perseverance leads to character and character in good time will lead to hope today I believe these Airmen and Guardians have experienced these truth principles let us pray Lord Our God we thank you for the
Blessing of this day for the life of each of us that are here today for the abilities that you’ve given these guardian and Airmen you’ve given them the opportunity to develop to persevere and stand before us today as Airmen and Guardians we give you thanks for each
One how they’ve been so diligent towards this goal for their friends families MTI and all the leadership here today God be with them we give you thanks for their heart desire to grow in every aspect of their character and their heart minds and Spirits may they become great Future
Leaders for each of us to follow give them what they need to continue in their training and prosper in the days ahead we thank you for what you’ve done in our Airmen and also Guardians and also what you’re going to continue to do in our country as they
Lead the way we ask for your blessing for this coin ceremony and for each here today we thank you amen thank you chaplain please be seated good morning and welcome to today’s basic military training graduation ceremony we would like to introduce our distinguished guests beginning with the host for today’s
Ceremony the commander Air Force basic military training and 1989 graduate of basic military training Colonel Billy Wilson Jr accompanied by his wife and 1992 graduate of basic military training Liza the acting senior enlisted leader Air Force basic military training and 2003 graduate of basic military training chief Master Sergeant Jennifer Smalls
The commander and the guest speakers the commander 324th training Squadron Lieutenant Colonel Charles dieterly the senior enlisted leader 324th training Squadron and 2001 graduate of basic military training chief Master Sergeant Allan Frank also in attendance with us today the commander Air Force District of Washington and the 320th Air exponer
Wing Major General Daniel devau accompanied by his wife Emily the command Chief 37th training wing and 1997 graduate of basic military training chief Master Sant Carlos Damian the deputy Commander 37th training Wing Colonel John Odell although time does not permit us to introduce all of our distinguished
Guests the 737th trading group is proud to welcome each of you we hope you enjoy today’s ceremony this week we have a special opportunity to recognize one additional and significant achievement demonstrating the dedication of 32 of our graduates who are being led by technical Sergeant John Shields military drill and ceremonies non-commissioned
Officer Hometown Kingston North Carolina today’s recognition is made possible by a partnership between the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security to allow active duty service members to be become citizens under the Naturalization at basic training initiative to be eligible a member of the Armed Forces must pass a comprehensive application process
Administered by the Department of Homeland Security including a background check and personal interview to demonstrate high moral character and their knowledge of the English language applicants are also tested on US history and government please hold your applause until all names have been announced the Air Force is proud to recognize Benedict Emmanuel
Bugarin country of origin Philippines a alilio Laura figuroa country of origin Dominican Republic Edward Asante country of origin Ghana George O sang country of origin Ghana Michael Foster country of origin Jamaica Zola Henry country of origin Jamaica gel Bombeck noney country of origin Cameroon babina adura country of origin Ghana
Chia Isaac country of origin Cameroon Gabriel Rosal valis country of origin Venezuela jenko SAA Ramirez country of origin Guatemala Joseph Pomo country of origin Ghana julisa Paul country of origin Haiti Ivon Guzman vascara country of origin Mexico Angelo Cedric lagazo country of origin Philippines John Adrien Vagas country of origin
Philippines Jalil Palmer country of origin Jamaica je vandia Galen country of origin Haiti Lance Amil labria country of origin Philippines Alfreda akos Mena country of origin Ghana Joel estef nppi country of origin Ghana Barina gohari country of origin Iran Miho country of origin Vietnam Britney dick Irish country of origin
Jamaica adimi oima country of origin Nigeria Freda ba country of origin Ghana Nate AI palaga country of origin Philippines Edwin no Dojo country of origin Nigeria Tanya Guadalupe Lopez cauldron country of origin El Salvador L Lait Herrera Rees country of origin Venezuela zot tokas figuroa country of
Origin huras Fu just sing country of origin Philippines ladies and gentlemen help us congratulate the newest citizens of the United States of America H musical support for this morning ceremony is provided by Airmen from the 321st training Squadron performing under the direction of Staff Sergeant Jacob Wright military training instructor Hometown L Texas these individuals have been hand selected to perform for today’s ceremony in addition to completing all basic training syllabus and training
Requirements drum and bugle Corps members commit additional training hours for practice throughout their weeks of training their extra effort and commitment demonstrate teamwork and the Air Force for Value service before self with each rum and bugle core performance they honor the longstanding tradition of live music at formal military
Ceremonies ladies and gentlemen chief Master Sergeant Frank will now come forward and address our graduating class all right good morning family and friends how about these Airmen and Guardians don’t they look good all right thank you for being here to celebrate this amazing accomplishment as a wingman to these new Airmen and
Guardians I can tell you that none of us can do this without the love and support of our family and friends I can speak for all of them when I say we appreciate you please also join me in giving a hand to our military training instructors and the BMT support staff these new
Professionals are standing here today because of their investment in hard work Airmen and Guardians congratulations and welcome to the world’s greatest air and space forces as the Airman assigned to my Squadron have heard from me by raising your hand to serve in completing the rigorous training over the last 7 and A2
Weeks you’ve done something extremely Cor rageous you’ve done what 99% of society doesn’t you’ve volunteered to give up everything to include your life for your country thank you for answering the call to serve I want to tell you that committing to defend the American way of life is difficult calling yourself an AR
Or Guardian in the world’s greatest air force and space force comes with a cost it will require many sacrifices basic training has transformed you instilled in you the core values that are key to yours and the air and space force of success you will receive training to do the jobs we
Need you to do but your preparation won’t be over how ready you are how mentally tough you are how resilient you are that’s up to you the profession of arms is extremely rewarding but can also be extremely difficult you need to prepare for the inevitable difficulties that you may
Face for many of you Society the society you grew up in didn’t do you any favors some of you got trophies for coming in last place that probably didn’t do a good job of preparing you for what life can throw your way when things don’t go the way you
Expected don’t be one of the people that like to blame everyone and everything else around them for everything don’t be someone who plays the victim card don’t get me wrong life will throw some unexpected curveballs at you but you are responsible for how you respond to them
You can place blame elsewhere or you can be honest with a person responsible for your problems your failures your successes your attitude and your happiness the person in the mirror I have endured challenges throughout my career I failed at just about everything I’ve tried I stand here today because
Despite how many times I was knocked down and continue to get knocked down people depend on me to get back up I can make excuses I can give up honestly sometimes I want to but as tough it as it is I get back up sometimes on my own but more often than
Not with the help of great wingmen wing men who are willing to hold me accountable first then lift me back up no matter how many times you fall you need to get back up your family your friends your Air Force your space force America we need you
All so when life hits you with some you know what I’m going to keep it PG sir and professional respond differently I’m a big fan of psychologist and author Jordan Peterson he says you’re going to pay a price for everything you do and everything you
Don’t do you don’t get to choose to not pay a price you get to choose what poison you’re going to take that’s it you will pick your poison it’s inevitable our problems and failures are as much our responsibility is our success our resiliency and our happiness
You have to make effort to prepare for challenges and after you endure the challenges you have to make efforts in the right area to change your circumstances find purpose in your life and your service to the air and space force if you do you’ll succeed I see the
Pride in each of you this morning don’t lose that the military can give you a good life it has certainly blessed me and given me amazing opportunities but like I said earlier a lot it expected a lot of me in return as it will from you take care of each other
Take care of yourself the Journey won’t be easy but you can do it and we believe in you I couldn’t be more honored to stand in front of you as one of your first Chiefs I’m incredibly proud of how far you’ve come keep preparing keep growing build your mental toughness and
Resiliency and there’s no doubt you will overcome any challenges thrown at you thank you again for your service and sacrifice my family and I are are so thankful for you it’s because of you the 1% of society that volunteered to serve that my children are still free to
Chase the American dream it’s because of you that in 9 days 7 hours and about 45 minutes or so I will hang up this uniform for the last [Applause] [Applause] time look forward to start growing my mullet I haven’t had since I was 15 and and uh and I’m going to chase a
New dream anyway thank you Airmen and Guardians you deserve every bit of gratitude that we can give you for the journey you’re about to embark on as one of your senior enlisted leaders I hereby acknowledge your completion of all graduation requirements have recommended to Colonel Wilson and chief Master
Sergeant Anderson that you receive your coveted Airman or Guardians coin which signifies your transition today from trainees to Airmen and Guardians [Applause] congratulations military training instructors you may [Applause] [Applause] proceed at this part of the ceremony the milit Ary training instructors will distribute the venerable airman’s coin
And for the first time distinct space force coins to our space force graduates the lore of military coins has many colorful suspected Origins however a popular story stems from World War one where American volunteers formed flying squadrons in France during the Great War one of the volunteers was a wealthy
Lieutenant who took great pride in his service and had medallions cast in bronze with his squadron’s emblem on them he gave those medallions to every member of his unit not long after one of the pilots was shot down Behind Enemy Lines and was captured by a German Patrol the German
Forces confiscated the Pilot’s possessions except for the Pilot’s Medallion that he wore around his neck while in confinement in a small French Village the captured pilot took advantage of a nighttime bombardment by the Allies he dawned civilian clothes and escaped after crossing the front lines to safety he came across a French
Outpost where he was initially thought to be a sabator until he showed them his unit coin the French forces recognized the unit emblem and instead of any harsher treatment he received a bottle of wine today several military units have developed their own coins and specific rules for them many organizations give
Out their unit coins to recognize outstanding performances and achievements the coins the Airmen and space professionals receive today are unique in that they originate here at the Gateway to the Air Force and are only given to those who complete this rigorous course of instruction on one side of the airman’s
Coin the original emblem of the Air Force resides as envisioned by General Henry Hap Arnold one of the first military aviators and later commander of the Army Air Forces in World War 2 beneath the emblem the year 1947 the birth date of the United States
Air Force and around the rim of the coin the core values of the Air Force Integrity first service before self and excellence in all we do inscribed on the other side of the coin is the newly recognized emblem of the Air Force a symbol that honors the
Heritage of our past and represents the promise of our future the emblem retains the core elements of the Henry Hap Arnold emblem the Arnold wings and the star within a circle the modern effect of the emblem reflects our air in space force today and into the future inscribed in a half
Circle above the Contemporary Air Force emblem is the Air Force motto aim high fly Fight Win and on the border of the coin a reminder to all who see this is inscribed awarded on the occasion of becoming an Airman in the world’s greatest air Force Ladies and gentlemen Lieutenant Colonel dieterly will now come forward and address our graduating [Applause] class all right good morning happy holidays ladies and gentlemen more specifically it’s all the moms dads brothers sisters grandparents spouses significant others everyone in attendance on this perfect Texas winter day in support of our graduates today I have the great privilege of introducing you to 838 of the nation’s newest Airmen and
Guardians these individuals are all Gators Bulldogs wolves and Knights of the 737th training group while we’re here to celebrate the start of military service I’d first like to take a moment to acknowledge someone approaching the successful conclusion I should skip this part since you already
Clapped for him once I don’t know if he deserves two round of applauses uh but Chief Frank can you please stand like he mentioned in his speech in just 9 days Chief Frank will hang up his uniform for the last time 23 years 7 months and 16 days after he put it on
For the first time he served in roles such as military working dog handler special agent in charge and Senior enlisted leader just to name a few Chief has deployed five times to the Middle East and was awarded the Bronze Star am among any many others excuse me Chief
Frank thank you for your leadership mentorship and friendship congratulations on an accomplished and honorable career everyone would you please give me a second round of applause for chief Master Sergeant AJ Frank all right and we got him to successfully cry a second time so that was good it
Was worth it all right now turning attention to our guests in attendance today is likely Bittersweet for you all well I’m sure you are proud of your loved ones accomplishments there are likely many with some degree of hesitation or even nervousness as your Airman or Guardian starts the next
Chapter of their military service as a father of two girls I know know I would feel all the emotions I just mentioned but it’s important for you to feel rest assured that the military family your loved ones are now part of cares deeply this family comprised of over 350,000
Professionals will always go to Great Lengths to care develop and provide your sons and daughters a sense of belonging this sense of family extends to all of you as well so welcome teammates you made it over seven weeks of intense training spanning two months just like your family members I’m sure you
Experienced a range of emotions during drop off through conversations I know some of you came from military families you pre for months or even years and arrived excited ready to start training for others you are the first in your family’s history to embark on a military career you arrive nervous some even
Terrified anticipating what military training would be like regardless you succeeded and in many cases exceeded expectations while you should be proud of your individual accomplishments you should be even more proud of what you accomplish as a team please remember that teamwork is everything when it comes to the
Defense of our nation you and your fellow wingmen would not be gathered here today if you didn’t both demonstrate and embody the importance of teamwork going forward the nation you now serve has high expectations of you never strive for anything less than excellence and demand the same from
Those around you please know your squadron leaders ship teams and instructors are extremely proud of you this day is yours please relish every moment to all military training instructors I have two words for you remain awesome over this training cycle you are the Airman and guardian’s first
Exposure to act Duty life and their first demonstration of the values and principles that make us great you dedicated tremendous amounts of time to inspire motivate and mold these professionals while making sacrifices in your personal lives many of your greatest successes also went unthanked I’m referring to the
Times where you figuratively change hats from intense instructor to caring Mentor during the difficult times many trainees endure your encouragement and guidance is very likely the reason many of these graduates made it across the Finish Line please know that you are highly valued not only by your Air Force and space
Force teams but also by the family and friends in attendance today it’s humbling to execute this BMT Mission alongside you all whoever clapped let’s let’s give them a round of applause whoever started that there you go thank you all right last paragraph Airman Guardians I’ll leave you with this going
Forward Embrace and capitalize on the skills and strengths you learned here at training harness and be proud of the uniqueness each of you brings to the fight being the world’s superpower has never been more difficult and it takes hard work and sacrifice but it’s achievable because of you godp speed and [Applause]
Congratulations thank you lieutenant colonel dieterly at this time we would like to take this opportunity to recognize basic military training’s most outstanding performer someone who has demonstrated their ability to successfully navigate all assessments testing their physical abilities academic aptitude and adaptability to the military environment through multiple progress checks this
Airman has surpassed all others and the challenges of training and has earned the distinction of being the top graduate of this class the to top graduate is from the 320th training Squadron FL 059 Airman Reese hilders he is from for Scythe Georgia and joined the Air Force to become an aircraft electrical environmental
Specialist in the STS cheering are his mother Trina and his fiance Dallas his recruiter is technical Sergeant simok Winnington from the 336 recruiting Squadron hummings Georgia please stand as a sign of unity as our top graduate leads us through the airman’s Creed instructors place your flights at attention I am an [Applause]
American freedom and [Applause] justice [Applause] I thank you please be seated instructors place your flights at ease this morning we honor our heritage of military customs and traditions as we welcome our newest Airman into the ranks of the Department of the Air Force there are two purposes for this morning’s
Retreat ceremony The Retreat ceremony is a solemn event conducted at every United States military installation around the globe it signifies the end of the official Duty day and today is symbolic of the end of training for our graduates but more importantly it is to pay respect to our nation’s flag when we
Offer our respect for our flag and to our national anthem we have an opportunity to reflect on the de Democratic principles that have made our nation great the meaning of freedom Dignity of the individual the pursuit of happiness and National unity all come to mind when you think of our flag it is
The symbol of our nation to the world military members have a speci special bond with the flag these Airmen are part of the flag’s tradition because they symbolize the spirit and sacrifices of the military and dedication to defense of this great nation and the principles it represents when we salute the flag as
It is lowered we ask you to think think about the flag flying over Arlington and the other National cemeteries think about the flag being carried into combat by the service members who preceded us think about Freedom Americans enjoy today freedom without precedent in history of the world the men and women
Who stand before you today represent the projection of the strength behind our flag our flag security detail consists of members from the 324th training Squadron led by Master Sergeant Andre harp Thomas our commander of Airman is Master Sergeant Dexter [Applause] Corbett ladies and Gentlemen please stand for the sounding of retreat and
Remain standing for the playing of the national Anthem [Applause] fight La La [Applause] oh for for for the flag stands for peace honor truth justice and freedom in the armed forces of the United States during the ceremony of retreat the flag is lowered folded in a triangle fold and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our
Nation’s honored dead the next morning it is brought out at the ceremony of Ry the flag has been torn to strips and used as bandages for wounded combatants on the battlefield it has been placed in the trembling arms of a grieving parent at the grave of their fallen son or
Daughter it has flown at half staff to honor our military members the flag has flown in every battle of every war for more than 200 years it has flown at Valley Forge Shiloh and Gettysburg it was there at San Juan Hill The Trenches of France in the Aragon
Forest anzio Rome on the beaches of Normandy it was waved at okanawa Korea Vietnam Somalia Kuwait Iraq and in Afghanistan the flag has been burned torn and trampled on the streets of of countries that America has helped set free yet it remains Invincible sir FL please remain standing for the playing
And singing of the United States Air Force and space force [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] songs [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] be the [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] congratulations on achieving this historic Milestone that marks the beginning of your career ladies and Gentlemen please remain in your seating area the graduates will be dismissed momentarily we ask that you refrain from running onto the retreat pad please use caution when descending the bleachers Town pass ends at 2 200 hours when
Dropping off graduates please stay in your vehicle family members are not authorized to enter any training area thank you and please enjoy your stay at 37th training Wing Joint Base San Antonio Lackland Texas Airman or Guardians if you lost a flight cap report to the podium to retrieve it
Top graduate report to the podium to retrieve your certificates all graduates are now released to their families w