COMUSAFE delivers inspiration to graduating seniors

Gen. Frank Gorenc, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, spoke to the Ramstein High School graduating class of 2015, June 5, at the Fritz Walter Stadium in Kaiserslautern.

The senior class invited Gorenc to deliver a speech to make their graduation ceremony different from other schools. This was a milestone for both the Ramstein graduating class and Gorenc himself, having never addressed a high school graduation ceremony before.

Gorenc stated that he felt privileged to be speaking at such an important ceremony in their lives and spoke with humor, wisdom, and kind sentiment.

He began his address with a ‘thank you’ to all those involved in helping the graduates get to where they are.

“Thank you to the teachers,” Gorenc said. “I can’t say how grateful I am that there is a cadre of professionals who are keenly interested in educating our youth. They are educating our future, and I think this class of 2015 is a fine example of what’s possible when we have the right teachers.”

Gorenc, after recalling a math teacher he spoke with, offered a joke.

“Here’s what I know after 40 years: if I had a dollar for every time I use algebra throughout my day, I would have exactly no dollars.”

As the laughter died down, Gorenc spoke on the importance of education and values and how they are a graduate’s foundation.

“Life is a journey,” Gorenc said, “and tonight’s graduation from high school marks both an end and a beginning. You started high school as children and you are ending high school as young adults, ready to take on the world. Tonight, you move forward with the education you earned at Ramstein High School and the values you developed from your parents. From this day forward, you will stand on your education and values and reach for the future that you choose.”

Gorenc offered what he believes to be the most important advice.
“Take charge. Be kind. Be happy.”

According to Gorenc, taking charge includes pursuing ambitions with gusto and finding one’s passions, as well as being accountable for both rewarding successes and crushing failures.

“In life, the way you handle those challenges and overcome your failures is much more important than the way you handle success,” Gorenc said.

Gorenc believes that being kind is a key part of success in life, as it builds foundations for the future.
“This positive approach will serve you well and you will be rewarded with many friends and meaningful relationships for life. Never underestimate the power of a friendly smile.”

Gorenc said he feels that happiness should always be the main concern, whether in a professional or personal aspect.

“I know it is cliche to say, ‘if you love your job, you will never work another day in your life,’ but I want you to know that that is absolutely true. I joined the Air Force when I was 17, and 40 years later, I have never worked a day in my life.”

He explained the importance of teamwork by including an African proverb he had recently learned while in Cameroon, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others.”

In a final salute to Ramstein’s seniors, Gorenc said, “Ramstein class of 2015, congratulations, and all the best to you in your future endeavors.”

Gorenc finished his address with the wise words of his favorite philosopher, Dr. Seuss.
“He once said, don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”