America's Best

I was honored to officiate Senior Master Sergeant Raymond Lippard's retirement ceremony on Thursday at Little Rock Air Force Base. As I prepared for this important occasion, I realized how amazing each of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines & Coast Guardsmen really are! Only about 2% of our total population have served in uniform, so many simply don't know how hard their military works or the dangers they face to keep America safe and free. SMSgt Lippard is exceptional: he's been in uniform for over 24 years, has excelled in the maintenance career field, fixing C-5s, C-17s, and almost every version of the C-130 Hercules. He's highly decorated, including a Bronze Star medal from over 12 months teaching the Afghanistan military how to maintain their aircraft. He's managed programs in excess of $240 million dollars and been responsible for maintaining over $1.8 billion worth of aircraft at one time. SMSgt Lippard has earned a bachelors and masters degree while in uniform and risen to the top 3% of our enlisted ranks in the USAF. Take a few minutes this week to thank a member our our military services--they truly deserve it!