Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force visits Team Sheppard

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Adawn Kelsey
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) --  The Air Force's senior enlisted member got to step back in time to his days as a technical training student and instructor as he visited the Air Force's largest training base May 23 and 24 here.

"It is important to train the way we fight, and you are an example of that training," Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy told Airmen at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, during a two-day visit.

"As I travel around to different bases, I reflect back on my training at Fort Leonard Wood, (Mo.)," Chief Roy said. "We worked with our joint partners every day, the same as many of you do today. We are in the middle of a fight with our joint (and) coalition teammates, and I believe this base is a prime example of training how we fight. We have NATO pilots training here, and that is by design. They like to train here with our forces. Thank you for being part of that."

The chief said the professionalism at Sheppard AFB is something to share Air Force wide.

"Just as it was back then, the professionalism of the Airmen in training, the cadre and the permanent party Airmen and everything they do to make sure the technical training mission is completed is part of the combat capability that starts here," Chief Roy said. "It's important for people to know that their newly trained Airmen come from institutions like this at Sheppard Air Force Base."

Chief Roy said the future success of the Air Force lies in great measure with the young NCOs who train Airmen.

"We have a lot of young NCOs teaching technical courses and that says a lot about our force and the trust we have in our enlisted corps," Chief Roy said. "It also says they are the experts in their particular trade and often times they have a short period of time to train new Airmen. Beyond the training, there is compliance with standards and the core values. There is a lot to be shared by trainees, those NCOs and the permanent party here. We have to set that example every day."

During his visit, the chief met with instructors and Airmen who recently arrived from Basic Military Training at Lackland AFB, Texas. While touring both of Sheppard AFB's training wings, the 82nd Training Wing and the 80th Flying Training Wing, he got hands-on experience with the tools used to train tomorrow's Airmen.

"The nation, Air Force and entire Department of Defense is at war and consequently, Airmen and any service member that comes to us at a time of war could find themselves in a combat situation," he said. "That says a lot to me about their character and their willingness and desire to serve. I am appreciative of them and their families who supported them to make the decision to join and support them while they continue to serve."

Chief Roy gave a piece of advice for Airmen who are going through school and beginning their Air Force careers.

"Be the best Airman you can possibly be," he said. "When you come to Sheppard (AFB) for training learn as much as you can and apply yourself. Once you get to your new duty station, apply yourself completely to on-the-job training and career-development courses, and learn the trade you came into the Air Force to do. The more you apply yourself the more you will get out of your career."