Ms. Lex retires today

Today, Ms. Lex retires from the US Air Force after 20 year of faithful service. Here are my remarks.

Introduction
Thank you Mr. Jerome. Welcome and good afternoon.
Today we have gathered to pay tribute to a great American for her 20 years of faithful service to her country in America’s Air Force during times of both peace and war. Lt Col Schumick now moves onto the challenges of full-time motherhood and life with her roguishly handsome albeit sometimes challenging husband.

Prior to September 11, 2001, we may have taken Lt Col Schumick’s service for granted. Today, America is engaged in a new kind of war. Our fellow citizens wonder if this “Nintendo generation” of instant gratification can face up to the awesome challenges that surely lie ahead. Americans wonder if this generation is capable of the sacrifice that will be required for victory this new war.

I know that they can and I know that they are.

I know because America’s armed forces have been blessed with the kind of devotion to duty and leadership displayed by Lt Col Schumick for the last 20 years. The hundreds of servicemen, who Lt Col Schumick has influenced over the last 20 years with her leadership and unswerving dedication, have influenced hundreds of others. And collectively the leadership in our armed forces have formed the legions that today stand ready to meet a ruthless enemy.

They stand ready not by some accident, not by some odd twist of fate or a magical potion. They stand ready because of outstanding people like Lt Col Schumick. They stand ready, because for 20 years she was unwilling to compromise on quality. They stand ready, because she was unwilling to take the easy road of mediocrity and “good enough”. Instead, she opted for the sometimes rocky and high road of excellence. Today, we stand ready because leaders place “Integrity First” leaders place “Service above Self” and leaders demand “Excellence in all we do.”

We have gathered to honor and celebrate the service of just such a leader who for 20 years of service in America’s Air Force has lived the words - Integrity first – Service above self – Excellence in all we do. So, let’s begin our celebration by learning a little more about our honoree. Sherman, set the way back machine to December 7, 1960 – Fort Wayne Indiana. ( A slide show showing Ms. Lex from a baby to to college graduation follow with Ol’ Blue Eyes singing “Just the way you are tonight” under, follows.)

TRANSITION TO AIR FORCE CAREER
Not shown in that brief presentation was Diana - the champion swimmer. At home we have a trunk load of her swim trophies and ribbons. We have another box full of her equestrian awards – the predominant color in that box being blue. Diana is also an accomplished water skier - a talent acquired on Lake Gage behind her dad’s vintage 220 horse power Correct Craft ski boat. Then in her spare time as a youngster, Diana kept busy with a job at the Lake Gage gas station and also learned to play the clarinet, alto sax and guitar. All while finishing high school early and with honors.

Now, we continue Diana’s life story with “the Air Force Years”. Sherman set the WABAC Machine for April 3, 1986.

(A slide show showing Ms. Lex’s career follows with Vanessa Mae’s “Cotton Eye Joe” under. Nine duty assignments and ten achievement medals are included.)

TRANSITION TO DANNY
Wow! A 20 year Air Force career and it’s all reduced to 24 slides and 3 minutes and 50 seconds.
Not noted among all of the many medals and high honors like “Yard of the Quarter” that Diana received over 20 years is the fact that at home we have not one, not two but three clocks awarded to Diana for being named the Wing’s most outstanding company grade officer for the year.

I hope that brief glimpse into the career of our honoree gives one an appreciation for why today might be a bit difficult for her. She has excelled in all she has done and she has truly enjoyed the experience. This slide sums up Diana’s 20 year career in America’s Air Force about as well as any 7 words, or 700 or for that matter 7,000 words could – Aggie grammar aside - "She done good; had fun doing it" - just about says it all.

Continuing with Diana’s life story, all Air Force work and no play makes for a dull girl. Here in the Stars & Gripes it notes a special relationship that began in 1996. What’s it say here, let me see...“big break came 1996 when she married…former Marine Doug Schumick.” Well like most things you read in today’s media, that is exactly 180 degrees out of phase. 1996 was MY big break. But let’s take a look at Diana’s very special relationship with - her soul mate. Sherman set the WABAC Machine for the year 1996.

(75 family photos of Ms. Lex and son are shown “Always and forever” is playing under . Lex shows up at the end in 3 slides.)

TRANSITION TO TESTIMONIALS
Hmm, Danny you been messing with my slides? Ever since the notice of Diana's retirement appeared in the Extra issue of the Stars and Gripes, tributes have poured in from across the globe from the world's political, military and religious leaders. But you know what? We even got a few tributes from some REALLY important people. Let's take a look at those REALLY important tributes here.

(Family tributes with pictures are show. Semper Fidelis is playing under.)

OUT
Well that concludes my presentation. I thank all you for sharing in our celebration and your kind attention.

Diana it has been a great honor for me to be a part of this ceremony honoring and celebrating you. Thank you for the opportunity. Thank you for your dedicated service to our great nation. More importantly thank you for your attention to our home, and most importantly thank you for your attention to our son.

Lt Col Schumick…Diana…as you leave here today, know how much we appreciate your service and sacrifice over the last 20 years.

As you leave here today, know that you are still part of this great organization called America’s Air Force.

And you will continue to be a part of America’s Air Force for as long as there is one airmen on active duty that you have influenced or who in turn has influenced another airmen.

You have served your country well and honorably. There is no higher tribute to a patriot. I love you. I respect you and all that you have done. Enjoy your day dear.