Team Sheppard welcomes new 80th command chief

  • Published
  • By Kimberly Parker
  • 82d Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Chief Master Sergeant Doreen Losacco is the new command chief for the 80th Flying Training Wing. She landed at Sheppard Air Force Base about ten days ago and joins us from the 422nd Air Base Group, 501st Combat Support Wing, Royal Air Force Croughton, United Kingdom.

Chief Losacco brings 24 years of experience to Team Sheppard, enlisting in the Air Force in May 1989 as an Integrated Avionics Communications Navigation Penetration Aids Specialist. From her time as an F-16 avionics maintainer to first sergeant and now command chief her focus is to be a mentor and help Airmen build successful careers.

Although her first few days have been packed with in-processing, getting oriented and settled, she took some time to sit down with the 82nd Public Affairs office for a Q&A session to discuss her focus and top priorities.

Question: What has been your impression of Sheppard in your first week on the ground?

Chief Losacco: "Everyone has been extremely welcoming and friendly. I get the feeling that even though there are two wings, it really is one big team. My family and I are excited to be a part of this team. I have my husband and two daughters here and we have all experienced a wonderful welcome from both Sheppard and the community."

Question: What was your inspiration to join the Air Force?

Chief Losacco: "I joined to travel, see the world and at the same time do something good. I am thankful for the opportunities I have had, I have traveled several places. To be a part of something bigger than myself is very gratifying. To hear from Airmen that say, "thank you, I couldn't have done this without you," is an inspiration for me to keep going."

Question: What is your background in the Air Force?

Chief Losacco: "I was an F-16 avionics maintainer for just under sixteen years. After that, I became a first sergeant and that really opened my eyes to the big picture. I was a first sergeant for various units like the med group and force support squadron and I realized that we are one big family and no one can thrive without the other."

Question: Did you always want to become a command chief?

Chief Losacco: "Not necessarily a command chief but when I decided on having a career in the Air Force I wanted to be a chief. As an Airman receiving instruction, I was always thinking, "how can I make it better," I realized I wanted to lead the way. I want to be the one to help mentor and lead others."

Question: How does it feel to be back in a training environment as opposed to the operational world?

Chief Losacco: "Really I do not see a difference. The bottom line is successful completion of the mission. So whether it's getting planes in the air or producing a well trained Airman, it's still about getting the mission done."

Question: What are your top priorities as the command chief for the 80th Flying Training Wing?

Chief Losacco: "My overall priority is to make sure that the Airmen are taken care of. I want to ensure that they have a quality and safe training environment and that they are capable of carrying out the mission."

Question: If you had 20 seconds to pass along a message to our newest Airmen arriving at Sheppard, what would it be?

Chief Losacco: "Strive to do your best. You need to be the role model for the person next to, in front of or around you. Take your training seriously, think of yourself like a sponge and soak up as much knowledge as you can. Also, do not hesitate to bring up your opinions. We need our young Airmen to be innovative, they are our future."

Question: After your tour as the command chief at Sheppard is over, what do you want to be able to look back at and say you accomplished?

Chief Losacco: "My hope is to have an effect on the Airmen, to help them realize they make a difference. To help them feel comfortable to bring up their opinions because making a difference starts with them."