Class of 2006 dismissed - RAF Lakenheath

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Jet48Feature Class of 2006 dismissed Photo by Airman Jessica Snow By Tech. Sgt. Renee Kirkland 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Anticipation hung in the air as parents, teachers, friends, co-workers and family members gathered for the start of the Lakenheath High School commencement ceremony June 9. In the majestic setting, voices rose as the excitement of the occasion overtook the normally quiet pews of Ely Cathedral. The ceremony opened with remarks by James McAdams, LHS principal. After acknowledging the special guests in attendance, including the commanders of the 48th Fighter Wing and the 100th Air Refueling Wing, a solemn quiet befell the audience as the LHS Junior ROTC cordon moved into position. With a clash of steel, the cordon members raised their swords and the crowd rose to welcome the class of 2006. Two-by-two, the 133 seniors marched the length of the cathedral and took their places on the raised stands. The graduation ceremony marked the beginning of a new era for these young men and women. “We close the door to high school and open a new door,” said salutatorian Jennifer Denise Carlon as she addressed her fellow students. “Life is a journey, not a destination. Remember you are not alone on this journey today. The encouragement we’ve received from our parents was and will continue to be a big part of our lives.” The guest speaker for the evening was teacher John Gilmore. Mr. Gilmore praised the students for the effort that went into coming this far. “Tireless hours have been put in by the students and teachers. Some of the students know what they want to do in college and beyond,” he said. “Some have even taken AP classes, which they know stands for absolutely pathetic,” he joked. Mr. Gilmore entertained the student body and guests as he spoke about persistence. He implored the graduates to believe in the extraordinary. “Don’t be the ‘coulda, woulda, shoulda,’ be the ‘did’ when it come to your lives. I hope you get your dreams!” Co-valedictorian Kimberly Carlon spoke on remembering the past and rejoicing in the future and left her class with the following advice, “life is short and not guaranteed, make the most of today.” Co-valedictorian Kallie Hedberg pled for her fellow graduates to make something of their lives, “Do not allow your high school years to be the best years of your life,” she said. “Seek to discover your own way. Step out of this cathedral—the world is waiting!” Class president, Ashley Gant, ended the ceremony with this message to her fellow classmates, “It’s our gifts and our diligence to get what we want that has brought us this far,” she said. “This class revealed its greatness…we head into the future searching boldly for what we have to offer. As we let our light shine, we give permission to let others shine too.” The students lined up and received their diplomas and thanked their family and friends for their support in their high school years and offered advice to their classmates. As one student said, “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land on the stars.” Congratulations LHS class of 2006. Photo by Airman Jessica Snow Photo by Airman Jessica Snow Photo by Tech. Sgt. James Thompson Photo by Tech. Sgt. James Thopson PAGE 14 JET 48 MAGAZINE JUNE 16, 2006 JET 48 MAGAZINE PAGE 15
Jet48 News Liberty Wing welcomes new mission, aircraft By Capt. Beth Horine 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs The first two HH-60G Combat Search and Rescue helicopters from the 56th Rescue Squadron arrived at RAF Lakenheath from Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland via C-17 Monday and Tuesday. Five aircraft and many operators and maintainers are moving to RAF Lakenheath as part of the realignment of the Icelandbased units. “We’re thrilled to welcome the Airmen from the 56th RQS to RAF Lakenheath,” said Brig. Gen. Robert P. Steel, 48th Fighter Wing commander. “Although they’ve been a part of our wing for about a year as a geographically separated unit up at Iceland, having the 56th RQS continue its mission from here only increases our wing’s ability to meet our nation’s warfighting mission,” the general added. Three more helicopters and approximately 25 people will continue to arrive RAF Lakenheath over the next several months to help bring the squadron back to full operational strength, according to Lt. Col. Steve Huss, 56th RQS director of operations. “The 48 FW has made the 56 RQS transition to RAF Lakenheath extremely smooth,” Colonel Huss said. “The Jolly Green Giants look forward to the outstanding opportunities this move creates. We look forward to further integration into the 48 FW.” According to U.S Air Forces in Europe, approximately 200 U.S. Air Force personnel and their families will be assigned to the RAF Lakenheath-based 56th RQS over the next year. The USAF will maintain two HH-60 helicopters in Iceland until mid- September to provide back up support and training. A ribbon cutting and open-house of the 56th RQS will occur later this summer at RAF Lakenheath. Photo by Tech. Sgt Sabrina Johnson A HH-60 helicopter is unloaded from a C-17 at RAF Lakenheath Monday. The helicopter is part of the 56th RQS being re-assigned here from NAS Keflavik. PAGE 16 JET 48 MAGAZINE JUNE 16, 2006
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Class of 2006 dismissed - RAF Lakenheath

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