Past, present, future - Airman inspired by grandfather's service Published March 11, 2013 By Kimberly Parker 82d Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Each Airman's reasoning or inspiration to join the Air Force is different. For Senior Airman Brent Donaldson that inspiration is in part to honor his grandfather, Chief Master Sgt. (ret) Richard Ralston. Ralston was the command chief for the 82d Training Wing from Dec. 1974 through Aug. 1977. Donaldson is a fire truck mechanic with the 92d Logistics Readiness Squadron at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. and was here at Sheppard to complete a refueling maintenance class, which he graduated from March 11. "It's very exciting to be here at Sheppard and see where my grandfather served," Donaldson said. After Ralston's time at Sheppard had come to an end he became close friends with his successor, Chief Master Sgt. (ret) Clifford O'Neal. In the true sense of the term "Air Force family" Ralston and O'Neal have remained friends to this day. "Sheppard is improving all the time," O'Neal said. "I continue to follow the base because I feel like I am a part of it." When O'Neal found out that Donaldson would be coming to Sheppard, he worked with the command staff to make sure the Airman could see a piece of history. Donaldson had the opportunity to meet Chief Master Sgt. Eric Johnson the current 82d Training Wing command chief and to see his grandfather's photo hanging alongside O'Neal's as well as Team Sheppard's other former command chiefs. "This was my grandfather's last duty station and to be here and see his photo is extremely humbling," Donaldson said. Donaldson stated that he would like to take his career in the Air Force as far as possible and that being a command chief would be a great honor. "Overall I just hope to make my grandfather and family proud," Donaldson said.