7 minute read
ByShireenBedi,AirForce
GROWINGTHE FLOWERS FAMILY BUSINESS: LONGEST-SERVING AIRMAN PROMOTES SONTO BRIGADIER GENERAL
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CORONA AIR VENTURES
(Courtesy U.S. Air Force)
By Shireen Bedi
Air Force Surgeon General Public Affairs
U.S. Air Force promotions are significant moments in every Airman’s career, but for Brig. Gen. Alfred K. Flowers, Jr., Air Force Medical Service Manpower, Personnel and Resources director, his promotion also means continuing in the Flowers family business.
On Sept. 7, Flowers, Jr. was pinned with his current rank by retired Maj. Gen. Alfred K. Flowers, Sr., who is the longestserving Airman in U.S. Air Force history.
“Having my father pin on my rank here at the Air Force Memorial means a lot because last time we were here, we were taking photos when my father retired,” Flowers, Jr. said. “This is where he ended his career in 2012 and here is where I am taking on a new role.”
Flowers, Sr. has been to every single one of his son’s promotions. And while it is often the case that Airmen are inspired to serve by close family members, few can say they can call upon a general officer for advice at any time. Especially one who had served for more than 46 years, started his Air Force career as an enlisted supply warehouseman at Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota, and retired as the deputy assistant secretary for budget in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller.
“Every assignment or challenge I have faced, I would think, ‘What would dad say or what would he do in this situation?’” Flowers, Jr. said. “His guidance has been my ‘True North’ compass in many of the decisions I have made, and he still remains my confidant when I am faced with a tough decision. I am just blessed to have him as that resource. Sometimes I feel I am at an unfair advantage to have someone like my father with his legacy to call when I need advice.”
Flowers, Sr. has seen the Air Force change significantly since he enlisted as a 17-year-old in 1965.
“I have seen the Air Force grow tremendously,” Flowers, Sr. said. “I started off as an airman basic, making $97 a month. Now, Airmen make as much as lieutenants did when I started. The capabilities I see in the Air Force today is amazing. It is as if we started with a cart and buggy when compar-
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Reid-Hillview Airport
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After this interview, Gyger added that the EAA Young Eagles program is very active at Reid-Hillview. At last year’s Airport Day, several hundred neighborhood students signed up to take a Young Eagles Flight. This year’s Airport Day was on Aug. 28, 2021. Close to a thousand people attended, many of them youth. A local band played while food trucks spread across the airfield. While the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors cites Reid-Hillview as a threat to racial equality, it should be noted that many of the attendees were people of color. Do your part to help save ReidHillview and the many services it provides to the public and local flying community. For more information, visit savereidhillview.org where you can volunteer, donate, or take action to deliver your message to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors.
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EAA Opposes Cap on Veteran Flight Training Benefits
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when it comes to benefits promised them, including providing financial assistance for achieving their educational goals.
We are encouraged that HR 4874 does have needed improvements for structuring veterans’ flight training benefits. This includes an accelerated payment provision to provide greater flexibility and a more efficient funding mechanism to help veterans complete their flight training. The bill also provides coverage for obtaining a private pilot license when it is incorporated into the requirements of a professional flight training program. Additionally, the section provides flexibility to public schools in allowing them to contract for flight training, which in turn makes aviation training more available to interested veterans.
We support the need for improved fiscal responsibility by the government and strongly support tightening the existing regulations of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to curb abuses by a minority of flight schools affiliated with collegiate degree programs.
However, despite these positive improvements, we cannot support this bill as written. Unlike how other degree programs at public colleges or universities are treated, the bill caps payments for flight training programs which unfairly impacts
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Order direct or from your favorite pilot supply the ability of veterans to pursue well-paying jobs in the civilian aviation sector.
Capping funds available for flight training degree programs virtually guarantees that veterans seeking to use their GI Bill benefits to enter the aviation industry will have insufficient funds to achieve their goals. They will either abandon their pursuit or be burdened with significant personal debt through either expenditure of personal funds or taking on of student loans. This will harm veterans and limit their employment opportunities in the aviation industry.
It is unfair and discriminatory to single out for these funding caps veterans seeking employment in aviation. These caps deprive them of the ability to pursue collegiate flight training, a common path to a career as a commercial pilot.
We urge the House to remove the discriminatory cap on flight training at public institutions and to keep the promises that will allow veterans their choice of career.
We remain committed to working with Congress to ensure our nation delivers on its commitment to our veterans, who have honorably and unselfishly served our nation.
Air Medical Operators Association Airborne Public Safety Association Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Airlines for America Airports Council International-North America American Association of Airport Executives Association of Air Medical Services Experimental Aircraft Association General Aviation Manufacturers Association Helicopter Association International National Air Carrier Association National Air Transportation Association National Association of State Aviation Officials National Business Aviation Association Regional Airline Association
