He walked in this morning to an Andersen Air Force Base auditorium as Col. Christopher Faurot of the Guam Air National Guard and spoke about his childhood dream.

"I always wanted to fly so I joined the guard back in Hawaii to fly and I started flying F-15's, ended up flying F-22's and wrapped up flying C-17's," he said.

Then a new opportunity was brought to attention that allowed him to reach new heights.

"Gen. Lizama gave me the opportunity and offer to come to Guam and bring new missions and stand up new capabilities here on island, and so we are up for the challenge," Faurot said.

Taking on the challenge, Faurot was officially promoted this morning to brigadier general, a ceremony was held on Andersen Airforce Base recognizing the newly appointed commander of the Guam Air Guard also known as the "taotaomonas."

During remarks, Adjutant General Esther Aguigui recognized Faurot as one of her most trusted advisors.

"These are the times when we need our best, bravest and strongest fighters," she said. "Seasoned and proven leaders, who know how to face adversity head-on, stay under cool under fire and most of all win. And who better to lead our proud Guam Air National Guard than our very own fighter pilot soon to be Brig. Gen. Christopher Frenchie Faurot. Whoop! Claps."

Faurot turned his dreams into a reality, and simultaneously discovered a purpose in serving his country.

"To be honest, I would do this for free," he said. "Working with the people that I get a chance to work with and doing the job that I do it's a passion that I have, I love giving back."

During his special remarks, Faurot relayed this message to the taotaomonas.

"I will continue to ask three things of each and every one of you," he said. "No. 1. one show up, be fit to fight, be clear to fight, be trained to fight and be motivated to fight. No. 2, do your job, remember bring excellence to everything you do, because it's a standard not achievement. It's something we need to do each and every single day. And finally, figure out the way to have fun while doing it. I know what we do is serious business but you have to find a way to keep it loose."

Faurot says keep it loose, and don't forget to enjoy the ride.

"What's it like being up there in the sky? Oh there is no feeling like it; it's pretty awesome," he said.