Dave Pelzer Visit

Dave Pelzer speaks to the Airmen of the 86th Airlift Wing during a commander's call Aug. 8, 2008, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. As a Former Air Force air crewmember, Mr. Pelzer played a major role in mid-air refueling of the once highly secretive SR-71 Blackbird and the F-117 Stealth Fighter, but is best known for his six inspirational books that have been on the best sellers list for over 13 years combined. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathan Lipscomb)(Released)

Dave Pelzer Visit

United States Air Force Col. Doug Sevier, 86th Airlift Wing vice commander, left, presents Dave Pelzer with an American flag during the 86th AW Commander's Call Aug. 8, 2008, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. As a Former Air Force air crewmember, Mr. Pelzer played a major role in the mid-air refueling of the once highly secretive SR-71 Blackbird and the F-117 Stealth Fighter, but is best known for his six inspirational books that have been on the best sellers list for over 13 years combined. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathan Lipscomb)(Released)

Dave Pelzer thanks Ramstein Airmen

Published Aug. 8, 2008
By Airman Alexandria Mosness
435th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- At age 12, Dave Pelzer weighed only 68 pounds when he was rescued from the hands of his alcoholic, abusive mother in March 1973. Mr. Pelzer was only 10 years old when he suffered a stab wound a half inch from his heart. Mr. Pelzer always said, "From this moment on, I'll never quit." This is the same message he conveyed to the Airmen at the 86th Airlift Wing commander's call Aug. 4.

Mr. Pelzer did not know it at the time, but when he was rescued his case would be viewed as one of the worst cases of child abuse in California's history, but the message of hope and appreciation is what he talked about most.

"Who's making a difference day in, day out? Look in the mirror," said Mr. Pelzer in gratitude to all members of the Armed Forces serving.

"I demand nothing but greatness from everyone in this room," he added.

"My first family was the United States Air Force," said Mr. Pelzer who joined the Air Force at 18, after bouncing around from foster family to foster family. He also added that he learned how to be a business man by being a non-commissioned officer.

It was a homecoming for Mr. Pelzer who stopped by Ramstein to give a motivational speech to the Airmen.

With the disturbing past of Mr. Pelzer, he did not let it deter him from success. "There is always a yin and yang. Bad things happen to good people for now. The pendulum will swing back and you will get through this," Mr. Pelzer reiterated.

Mr. Pelzer is an award-winning author who has written six books. His most famous book, "A Child Called It," details his tribulation of child abuse.

His final words had a lasting effect, "Good day, good luck, God Bless," finished Mr. Pelzer.