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Vietnam ace speaks to Tyndall Airman

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Elsea
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Retired Brigadier General Stephen Ritchie spoke to the Tyndall Airman Leadership School April 22 at the 325th Air Control Squadron Auditorium.

General Ritchie finished first in his pilot training class, was the youngest ever weapons school instructor, and the only Air Force ace pilot to come out of the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Air Force Cross, four Silver Stars, ten distinguished flying crosses, and 25 Air Medals.

General Ritchie has also given more than 5,000 speeches within the last four decades.

"When I got back from Vietnam, I had a microphone due to my success and tremendous team," said General Ritchie. "I had three things in mind when I began speaking and they were to support a strong national defense, promote America's market system that has resulted in the highest standard of the living for the greatest number of people in all of history, and to be a positive influence; that is how I got started and have never stopped."

Long before any of his successes, General Ritchie was just a small town boy, who starred on the local high school football team. But, after graduation he knew where he wanted to go.

"I was in a little town in North Carolina and the Air Force Academy was brand new," said General Ritchie. "It was out west and exciting; which is what peaked my interest. It was amazing. I was not at all interested in flying in the beginning and it was not till my senior year ride when I got 12 rides in a T-37, when I decided I wanted to fly."

General Ritchie's first assignment was at Eglin Air Force Base.

"I love Florida," said General Ritchie. "I have lived here four times; Eglin is where I started out. I have almost come in full circle since then and it is good to come back."

General Ritchie believes there are five values every Airman should live by; take advantage of everyday, treat people with dignity and respect, work as a team, don't take yourself too seriously, and your word is your bond.

"I truly believe we now face the most serious military challenge, national security challenge, and economic challenge in the history of our great nation," said General Ritchie. "So, the job that our people have to do today, in my opinion, is more important than it has ever been."