“It gives me great pleasure to designate you as a Distinguished Honor Graduate for the Apprentice Security Specialist Course, class 920115.  Such an Honor is indicative of academic achievement that far exceeds the standard and is a most fitting way to begin your career as a Security Specialist.

To give you an indication of the degree of your accomplishment, consider that only one student per class can be selected a Distinguished Honor graduate.  Historically, however, we have found that less than 50 students annually meet the 95 percent academic criteria and fire expert with his assigned weapon.  As the Academy graduates over 6,000 students per year, you have begun your Security specialist career in the top one percent of your contemporaries.

Your commitment to excellence is evident, and I commend you for your efforts.  Continue to dedicate yourself to your profession and you’ll no doubt become one of the leaders of our career in the future.  Wear your badge with pride always, and best of luck in all your future endeavors.

Michal B. McInerney, Colonel, USAF

Commander, 3280^th Technical Training Squadron