TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – At a recognition ceremony Friday at Tyndall Elementary School, Maj. Gen Garry C. Dean recalled his days as a student at Fort Bliss Elementary School in El Paso, Texas, where his father was stationed as an Army warrant officer.
The First Air Force commander was the guest speaker at Tyndall Elementary School’s 5th Grade Recognition Ceremony and told the students to look around the room at their teachers, because ‘you will never forget them.’
“I can name every single one of my elementary school teachers,” said General Dean. “They had such a powerful impact on me and played a crucial role in my formative years. To this day I couldn’t tell you the names of my high school teachers or college professors, but I sure can remember my teachers from Fort Bliss!”
The general spoke to the class about the importance of continuous improvement through scholastic exams.
“The series of tests you have been required to take throughout elementary school have given both you and your teachers the ability to measure your progress, while at the same time they have forced you to improve,” said General Dean. “That will continue throughout your life and will give you the skills necessary even beyond your college years.”
After delivering his speech, the general assisted Tyndall’s principal, Libbie Pippin, vice principal, Susan Ross, and guidance counselor David Steckel with presenting the 5th graders their recognition certificates and ribbons.
“We really appreciate the time General Dean took out of his schedule to come speak to our students,” said Mrs. Pippin. “It meant a great deal to the children as well as the parents to have him impart such wonderful words of wisdom to the 5th Grade. We are truly blessed to have Tyndall Air Force Base right here in our backyard!”