Fowler Takes Command of 982nd Training Group Published July 21, 2023 By Ms. Bailee Russell 82 TRW Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Col. Grant Fowler assumed command of the 982nd Training Group from Col. Terry Koester during a ceremony officiated by Brig. Gen. George Dietrich III, 82nd Training Wing commander, July 20, 2023. Fowler received his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps after graduating from Rutgers University in 2001. The recent Army War College graduate is also a former Nuclear and Missile Operations Officer and Maintenance Officer, making him an ideal fit to lead the Air Force’s largest and most unique training organization and marking his second assignment to Sheppard AFB. “I am humbled to be here and filled with gratitude to be back at Sheppard … and excited to be back in Air Education and Training Command and to work alongside such great folks,” he said. He thanked Dietrich for his mentorship and the opportunity to lead, and Koester and the personnel of the 982d for their dedication to its important mission. Dietrich said Fowler is the right fit to lead the unique mission of the 982d TRG because of the distinctive resume he has, with background in nuclear, missile, and maintenance operations, a variety of commands, and because of his passion for training. “You talk about a really unique mission with a huge scope and how it requires unique, special talents, and Grant Fowler has that resume,” Dietrich said. “He’s got the maintenance experience, both on the aircraft maintenance side and missile maintenance side. I don’t think we could have a built a better job for him or found a better leader to take on this mission.” Dietrich thanked Koester for strengthening partnerships through his dedication to improving technical training in new and innovative ways. He praised his commitment to each of the 982d’s numerous geographically separated units and cited that Koester visited every detachment and met their needs. In addition, Dietrich also mentioned how Koester restored the 982d Worldwide Conference and aided in the 982d Maintenance Squadron’s inactivation as the 82d Training Support Squadron activated. Koester thanked the staff and commanders of the 982d TRG locally and around the world for their dedication to training and what they have accomplished during his time here. He mentioned that his greatest accomplishment the last three years was to choose an outstanding staff and commanders. “The kind words General Dietrich mentioned would not have been possible without the awesome people of the 982 TRG,” he said.