80th FTW commander leaves his mark Published March 20, 2013 By 2nd Lt. Meredith Hein 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Col. Dieter Bareihs, 80th Flying Training Wing commander, is relinquishing command here March 28, but the rewards of his command over the past nearly two years will remain with the wing for a long time to come. During his tenure as commander, Bareihs oversaw the graduation of 319 pilots for the NATO alliance. He was also was instrumental in facilitating Belgium and Denmark rejoining the program, as well as helping to get Canadian and Turkish students back into the program. "Strengthening this critical NATO program is an important mission," said Bareihs, who earned his own wings from ENJJPT in 1990. Bareihs was a key player on the ENJJPT Steering Committee, a semi-annual meeting of the 13 partner nations involved in ENJJPT. The results of this committee have played an integral part in keeping the ENJJPT program at Sheppard. "The NATO mission here is such an important one and I'm proud to have played a role in it." Bareihs said. Following the change of command, Bareihs will be moving to a position at the Pentagon. "I want to give special thanks to the local community, the Sheppard Military Affairs Committee, the local mayors and the country sponsors," said Bareihs. "We couldn't accomplish our mission without their support." Col. Lance Bunch will assume command of the 80th Flying Training Wing from Bareihs.