Visionary's family visits Sheppard, tours training operations

  • Published
  • By Airman Madeleine E. Remillard
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Lt. Gen. Leo Marquez was a cornerstone of Air Force logistics, his visionary ideas having created a new way of doing business.

A stone he was presented years ago by the Maintenance Officer Association made its way to Sheppard Aug. 17, 2018, when the general’s widow, Stella, and the Marquez family brought it to the home of Air Force logistics officer training as well as many other career fields that make up the logistics community.

Marquez could be described as a true visionary and leader of the Air Force. A former fighter pilot, deputy chief of staff for logistics and engineering in 1978, and presently known throughout the Air Force as “the godfather of maintenance," Marquez revolutionized the Air Force’s approach to aircraft maintenance, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the entire occupation.

After a brief visit from Marquez’s daughter, Patricia Knighten, in October 2017 for the unveiling of the “maintenance man” statue to honor the general, the family was able to return and see the ways in which his legacy lives on through training and inspiring of warriors that happens here every day.

Knighten gave a speech on behalf of the Marquez family at the stone dedication ceremony, during which she expressed gratitude for the hospitality during their day at Sheppard, but also for her gratitude for carrying on her father’s vision.

“This was the day I envisioned and more. It has exceeded my expectations,” she said. “My father’s confidence in Sheppard was very real and it is clear as to why.”

Stella Marquez, widow of Leo Marquez, said she believes Sheppard’s training of the future of the Air Force is carrying on his legacy.

“I can’t think of anything better,” she said. “It means the world to me and I’m just so glad to be here.”  

The tour, led by the 82nd Training Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Ronald E. Jolly Sr., included breakfast, lunch, visits to the 361st Training Squadron, 362nd TRS, 363rd TRS, 364th TRS, 365th TRS, as well as a rock dedication ceremony.

“I hope they walk away knowing absolutely that General Marquez, his fingerprints are all over Sheppard because of what he did for back in the 60s and throughout his career as a logistician in the structure and organization he provided,” Jolly said. “More importantly, I think it’s the leadership that he provided as an example to all logisticians out there.”