AFA Policy Forum

General John P. Jumper
Chief of Staff, USAF
AFA National Convention Opening Ceremony
Washington, D.C.
September 15, 2003

General Jumper: It is a pleasure for me to be able to take part in the activities of this week, along with our Secretary of the Air Force, the major command commanders―both active, Guard, Reserve―all in uniform, and our civilian leadership as well; to share also with Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Murray, and the enlisted leadership of our Air Force. And of course with our industry partners, who come together to make these proceedings possible. Our sincere thanks go out to you.

Our Air Force Association, what would we do without you looking after the needs of our airmen, our quality of life? Thank you so much for all you do for us.

I couldn’t be more pleased to be able to share the front of this magnificent auditorium with more than 90 air chiefs from around the world. They give us much to celebrate. And we do indeed have much to celebrate. This is not only the 100th anniversary of powered flight. But we also are here to enjoy the camaraderie of airmen from around the world who represent the spirit of invention, the spirit of exploration, begun by the great pioneers of air and space.

We have other things to celebrate, too. In addition to the 56th anniversary of the birthday of the Air Force, the fall of a repressive regime in Iraq in which air and space power played a significant role.

I am also very pleased on this occasion to be able to announce the completion of the Frank Andrews Scholarship, which was an effort headed by General Russ Dougherty to create a scholarship for the Preparatory School at the United States Air Force Academy. General Dougherty with the help of many in this room, and certainly the Air Force Association, put this effort together. We are pleased to announce that this was a successful campaign and General Dougherty’s vision has been completed. Congratulations to General Dougherty and thank you all who participated in this.

Finally, we look forward to a very exciting week. I will say, God bless this gathering and God bless the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines on patrol on the land, at sea and in the air throughout the world. God bless them all. Thank you very much.