Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr. hosts a promotion ceremony for Lt. Gen. David W. Allvin at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, November 12, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. EST.
Transcript
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen today the men and women of the United States Air Force, in keeping with one of the oldest traditions in military service, pay special tribute to the Director Strategy Plans and Policy J five Joint Staff Lieutenant General David W. Allvin on the occasion of his promotion to general. The presiding official for today’s ceremony is the Chief of staff, United States Air Force General Charles Que Brown Jr. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise. Yeah ! Oh, Uh huh. Please remain standing for the singing of the national anthem by Miss Francesca Alvin and the invocation Oh, say, can you see By the dawn’s early light What’s so way at the twilight’s last Gleaming Whose broad stripes and bright stars The power last fight for the right parts we watch were so gallantly streaming huh? That’s all up my mom’s boost through for the night that our flag waas still there? Oh, say does not star spangled No way for the off. I know. Oh, Ladies and gentlemen, Chaplain Major General Stephen A Shaikh will now deliver the invocation. I was that awesome or what? Thanks, Francesca. Okay, okay. Please join me as I pray loving God, thank you for Francesca is beautiful reminder of the blessings that belong to those who live in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Indeed, your favor upon us is boundless. And today we give special thanks for a proven airman who’s devoted his life to the security of freedoms None of us can imagine being without. And you becoming our 40th Vice Chief of Staff, General Alvin enters the ranks of air power giants like Vandenberg Fairchild. It’s wining in the main. We pray for him a divine dose of wisdom, courage, humility and grit as he accelerates our air forces. Necessary change. And thank you, Lord, for that New Year’s Eve casino rendezvous some 25 years ago that led to phone number swaps and marriage. How grateful we are for Gina. And they’re above average kids. Francesca, Grant and Reagan. And now, gracious God, we pray you smile upon the stories we’re about to hear on. The traditions were about to honor as we give to you our thanks a man. Please be seated. Yeah. Ladies and gentlemen, General Brown. Well, good morning. And let me let me start off. Let you know. I’m not gonna hope you don’t disappoint. You don’t really have any good stories, but I’m going to share if this morning as a chaplain latitude Um, but, you know, we’re gonna get some at some point. First of all, thank you, Secretary Barrett. Um, so all the other distinguished visitors, General Raymond, that air here we appreciate you do understand and realize that that we have some folks they’re going us online today. Um, it’s a real pleasure to be here. Thio recognized. Not just date, but entire. All of them, all of them family. And we’re really, really excited for for them moving away from the joint staff and up onto the air staff to be our next life. Keep staff in the United States when I do so much like this often highlight the fact that success it takes help failure If you could do alone. Success takes help. Fire. You can feel alone. It’s a quote I came across a number of years ago. It’s a reminder to me that I didn’t get here by myself. But also it’s a reminder. As we honor day today, he did not give her by himself. And so Thio, Regina, Francesca, Reagan and Grant, brother Paul and his sister in law Beyond. Thank you, Ryan. Excuse me. Thank you so much for for what she’s done. Uh, Dave comes from a pretty big family. He’s number eight of nine Children. Andi, his father, is a World War two veteran in the Navy, spent time and then after in the Air Force and his mother, Rosemary’s out in Arizona, Washington, today. I’m sure your other brothers and sisters also watching all this today as well. Davis in 1986 graduate United States Air Force Academy with a degree in aeronautical engineering. And then he went off Thio Williams Air Force Base. And as we went through the process of selecting the next vice chief of staff of the Air Force and doing interviews, the one thing I found that Dave and I there’s two things we have in common. We both met our wife’s on New Year’s Eve, and we both went to Williams Republic training, and that’s about where it stops. Um, we have similar haircuts. Okay, Similar haircuts. Okay, well, that that wasn’t planned. That’s just the way they all playing plays out as you started getting older. Um, but, David, you know, went off to Polish train, uh, reporter that, you know, as he was at the Air Force can He did play team handball. And actually, I am familiar with team handball. My dad played team handball when we were stationed in Germany when I was in middle school. So I actually have seen this workplace. Um, he seems to enjoy. There are no Air Force team handball teams in the building, so you have to find some other sport Thio participate in now. But he’s gone and traveled around, got the Williams, went to Ramstein, went to Edward’s Thio test pods school, Maxwell for a couple of schools on then Thio. But spend time Scott went thio. Randolph went to Altus, spend time in the back here in D. C several times. This is actually third for in D. C. Um, more time at Scott and then, uh has also spent time in Germany and so really thin across the Air Force and different different jobs. Okay, He actually started out in C 12, has about 2300 hours of just about every mobility aircraft that the United States Air Force wife and having gone to test flight school very early in his career and was one of the lead test spots on the C 1 30 j. And so he’s got a kind of a deep uh, you spend time around him, and I’ve spent a little bit of time around David washed him in action. Uh, but a deep passion. Thio getting things done and, uh, not only test about school, but he went through the standard, the clear path of being a flight commander of the assistant operations officer. But he spent time on the ability to command community action group. And then, uh, from on their he went into a T C and to train where he was a vice wing commander at Randolph. What? We’re doing public training And then what? The office where we’re doing mobility training and also squandered. Commander in the 81 35 spent time in Afghanistan working with our Afghan partners as they leave the training wing there. And then he spent quite a bit of time in doing kind of policy strategy, the kinds of things that I don’t do very well. Um, the aspect of the kind of like I said, being a deep thinker, What’s on the joint staff, where he’s doing that or on the air staff? And several years ago, he helped build the 30 year strategy for the Air Force. And so I’m happy to bring him back in the Air Force so he could grade his homework on how well, uh, the Air Force’s follow up on the work that he did a number of years ago. Um, but most recently, where I really got a chance to see David Option initially was when I was the deputy commander, United States Central Command, and Dave was the J five at Yukon and a couple brief that he did in the tank. Well, that’s the person I really got to see do the National. I was quite impressed with the things he was pulling together as they were building the operational plan for Europe and how that applied not just to the European Command but really across the department defense. Uh, we’re very grateful as an air Force to get a very strong officer into the joint staff. Aziz. You know, that’s a definitely J five and then as a J five, and we just had to find a place to get him to the four star. And, uh, you know, fortunately, the timing all worked out. Where are great? Longest serving vice chief of staff, United States Air Force seven. Wilson is now funny, has his release papers from the Pentagon, and he will get to retire tomorrow. And Dave comes in to fill his seat. Uh, the most impressive thing about Dave is his record is his chock full of accolades. The fact that a first lieutenant, hey, was a flight examiner first time in the C 12 that’s ever happened. He’s been a distinguished graduate from just about everything he’s done from C 1 41. Basic training. Casey 1 35 Initial Qual Squadron Officer School, where he was the number one of 652 graduates Air Commanding Staff, College, National War College. And the list goes on and a series of number one Captain Lieutenant Colonel Donald Branch, Deke Spice Wing Commander Wayne Commander. He’s pretty much done it all. And it actually, as I look at his record, I’m actually humbled because he’s gonna be the smart one of the game. And I’m just the operator making things good. I mean, he’s gonna be behind the scenes, making things happen. And I’m really excited to have been, uh, be joining me, helping lead our Air Force with with Secretary bread and then also working very closely with Raymond at blue scan for Space Force and get really close to celebrating their first birthday here about a month. So it’s exciting times for Dave. And here shortly in 2020 will make him the 220th four star in our United States airport. So I’m pretty excited about that opportunity. But before we do that, we recognize day for his outstanding work on a joint staff within the world. So if you really think at this time, General Brown will present Lieutenant General Alvin with the Defense Distinguished Service Medal Ladies and gentlemen, please rise. Publish your order. Attention to orders. Lieutenant General David W. Allvine, United States Air Force distinguished himself by exceptionally distinguished service as Director Strategy Plans and Policy Directorate, the joint staff from August 2018 to October 2020. During this period, his extraordinary leadership and ability to establish long lasting strategic vision directly enhance the national security interests of the United States, fostering unnecessary strategic relationships across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. His efforts focused on shaping and developing the United States policy and military options as the United States like coalition defeated the Islamic state in Iraq and Syria in a SYRIZA provocations by North Korea were deescalated. General Alvin’s globally integrated mindset led to the effect of development of numerous strategic documents in planning efforts, most notably the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Military Strategy, the alliance’s first strategy in over 50 years. The distinctive accomplishments of general albums reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force and the Department of Defense. Ladies and gentlemen, please remain standing as General Brown promotes Lieutenant General Alden to general publish the order attention to orders Special order number. AIG Dash 008 The president of the United States, acting upon the recommendation of the secretary of the Air Force, has placed special trust and confidence in the patriotism, integrity and abilities of Lieutenant General David W. Allvine. In view of these special qualities and his demonstrated potential to serve in the higher grade Lieutenant General Alvin is promoted to the great of General United States Air Force effective 13 November 2020 by order of the Secretary of the Air Force. Right. Thank you. Okay. Okay. Okay. Please be seated. Ladies and gentlemen, General Alvin Spouse, Miss Gina, Alvin, Son Grants and daughters Reagan and Francesca will now replaces Eppler covers. Pin the four star in the flight cap and assist General Alvin with his new service coat. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise as General Brown administers the officers Oath to General Alvin. Hi station there. I’ve been 22 General United States Air Force and Solomon’s work. Important defending Constitution. United States against all of them. Each one of the best infection, faith and all. You do the same basic obligations. Really? About an even a reservation. Great purpose of the gate. Well, on Facebook destruct. He’s in the office about dinner, but only God. Congratulations. Okay, Okay. Please be seated. Throughout the history of warfare, a general officers personal flag symbolized leadership on the battlefield. The Air Force has incorporated the use of flags to signify the presence of a general officer. This flag is visibly displayed in the office of the General Officer to commemorate his promotion to general in the United States Air Force. We will now unfurl General Alvin’s four star flag You want, ladies and gentlemen, the Air Force is proud to introduce General Alvin. Well, good morning, Madam Secretary. Chief Brown, Chief Raymond and distinguished guests. Um, I have the easy part. You know, Chief Brown said that, you know, we we don’t know a lot about each other. And in these, you know, when the the host of officiating officer has to do some homework and some studying, uh, to know fully the background and and with the job is busy as the chief has, that takes time. And that means something to the honoree. Uh, in the same goes for me. So, Chief, thank you very much for my part. I haven’t done anything yet to earn these going forward. Uh, so mine is just gonna be about thank using a promise or two s o. I don’t have much written. So what I say it comes from the heart, and I certainly hope I don’t forget anybody in the Thank you. So, first and foremost for those who put together this ceremony thank thank you very much. All the work that goes on behind the scenes. This is a different ceremony. Different is not bad. Different is just different on and we’re adapting to the environment. And I feel just Aziz proud and Justus honored And Justus nervous as I would if it was a packed house here in people’s master off s. So I I think the idea that we adapt to change, um, it makes me the experience is just the same. And it’s because of the people who put this together. Um, so I want to say thanks to you. Um, I’ll go with Madam Secretary and Chief. You had several several I know skilled people who could have been perfect for this job. And so I take it as a, um, as a commitment that I owe to you to make sure I’m worthy of this. And so thank you very much for your faith and your trust in me. Um, as we know once you’re above a two star general, you’re not promoting anymore. It’s an appointment. Appointment has a rank associated with it. So the idea that I was invited to this team toe where this rank do this job is something that I take very seriously is very humbling, Andi, I’m excited. But to Kenya to thank you. Because I’ve been known a time or two to forget. Someday we wanna go next to my family. So, uh, start with Gina. Um, the next adventure. It’s another adventure. It’s always been an adventure since I met you. Three idea that the next thing that we do is always an adventure rather than just the next steps through life. There’s a difference here, Andi. I hope that I always appreciate that difference as much as I should. But I love you. And I really look forward to doing this with you Step by step in the next adventure. Um, three kids. What happened? What happened and watch your pitting my rank on. It’s like you’re almost looking down on me now. You’re just fantastic young adults. Now, you know, when we talk about the fact that Gina probably won’t cry here she cries. It’s, um, ceremony occasionally. Um, but there’s one thing that I could make her cry. I can tell you adjust to the fact that maybe in 21 months we’re gonna go from this to being empty nesters that’ll make Gina cry a little bit. And then when she says back to me, Oh, by the way, and they’re all gonna be in college, it makes me cry a little bit, but maybe maybe person, different reasons. But, uh, you guys wake up to see you come home to you, you re energize me. I see the future in you, and I am very, very encouraged. So I think we have a couple things for them at some. Yes, they are. So Chief Brown said. Family doesn’t stop there. I all out of family. Very lucky, actually. To have some of the family, the local. So to Paul and reading Austen. Ellen, Isabelle, Thank you so much. They’re out here in Falls Church, and it’s fun to watch their kids grow up and watch my brother and sister in law just crush it in this town. It’s really it’s it’s fantastic. Um, and I thank you for taking the time out. It makes it that much more special. This is two of the role you’ve been ableto to come to you. And I really, really appreciate you for it. Chief and I were talking in the in the anteroom. I guess they call it here. Um, about the fact that some of the differences of this, uh, and while in my last promotion, there was a larger number of my family who made it in person. I would tell you that now there is a larger number of my family participating in this event. Thing was able to then so I’m not sure which cameras on. I’d be terrible in Hollywood. But I just want to thank my my family, who is watching from a distance and from everywhere from Arizona to California, Washington and all across. I’m glad you’re here. You are here. You’re right here with me, Um, and and to my mom, who just she’s never gonna quit. She’s awesome. Just Oh, just two new knees. She’s 87. So what? Let’s keep moving on with it. She’s an incredible woman on my dad, the two of them. Whatever is good in me, the two of them put that right deep in me. So whenever I tried to sneak away from it, I know my center is is what my mom and dad have delivered. And if you met the rest of my family see pondering here. They’re fantastic family. So just I come from good stock, I guess, is what you’d say. So, uh, thank you for participating as well, Andi, I would say, with the exception of Paul, I think the one person who has known me longer than anyone else in this room is here in his name’s Bob. Hola. So Bob and I go back. And what a great surprise Bob and I think we first met each other in the summer of 1982 Uh, as we were going through basic training at the with the Air Force Academy on. So I think I mean, e was I was there when he met Jane. And so there’s a history there that I just I so appreciate that you were able toe make it here and to be able to participate in this event. That’s what this is about. Whatever makes me isn’t really me. It’s these people around me and the people of shape you, when we were young, made mistakes together, went to Willie together, and, uh, I really learned from Bob more than Bob learned for me about how to be a student pilot training and how to work your way through it um, there’s lots more. I will miss some, but I can’t I can’t not talk about Dr Joe and David Braddock. You know, my wing command was at Altus. And when you goto Altice when you’re stationed there, you never leave it in your heart. You never do. And this is probably everyone. Since then, this team has come and been a part of that celebration. And so I want to thank you as well for making this very special. Um, I’m missing mawr. I already thank you to the air staff team. I’ve been trying to stay a little bit behind the scenes, uh, unwinding from the joint staff. Yikes. Uh, but but more importantly, getting getting to see, uh, the excitement getting to see the intellect, getting to see the teamwork. Um, that is on the air staff that serves the secretary. My case services Chief Chief Brown as well. It’s It’s incredible. It is. It is energizing eso. I enter this job with a mix of excitement and a little bit of intimidation. I think that’s healthy because the excitement because of what the opportunities are and the ability for us toe lean into the future, not shy away from but lean into the future. Um, and a little bit of intimidation, because the stakes I don’t think have been higher. The future security environment is evolving in a way that plays right into the wheelhouse off the Air Force and what the team has done in support of the Secretary and the chief is really set the table. And so now it’s really time to move on. And so that’s why I’m excited and following one of the greats in the business. Uh, you know, general savvy Wilson. And of course, he was on standing on the shoulders of those before I think General McNabb, maybe here as well. And so yes, sir. Yes, sir. Uh, those who have gone before him have really set the table. And that’s that’s the legacy that we respect that way. Really, honor. But the way we honor that is we just flat move out because we don’t want to be the one that when history is written, we don’t want to be the Air Force. That’s it was pretty good for its time. We are the Air Force that is the Air Force for our time, and I am so excited about becoming a part of that team. Um, I know I missed some people and I apologize for those I have. But the last is my promise. My commitment. I I can’t guarantee you what i’ll I will be able to accomplish on this team supporting this team. But I have gas in the tank. I’ve got energy to do this, and I’ve got the will to do it, and I’m excited to do it. So my kids know that when I taught him from when there were high, his favorite word is perseverance. So whatever it is and never quitting, we’re gonna keep doing it because it’s that important. And so I’m gonna enter this job. That’s what I can promise with that excitement with that energy with that commitment. And when I joined such a team as the air staff team secretary in the chief of the direction, I don’t think we could go wrong. So with that, I won’t go on any longer. But I will say thank you very much for making this such a special ceremony on. I look forward, uh, to seeing some of you afterwards and toe working with many of you and being part of this team. Chief of Secretary. Thank you very much. Ladies and gentlemen, the men and women of the United States Air Force are proud of General Alvin and look forward to working with him as he takes on new challenges. Please join us immediately following ceremony for reception in the Chief Master Sergeant, the Air Force Room, please rise for the playing of the Air Force song. Mm hmm.