AETC commander visits Sheppard, applauds mission, people

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lieutenant Sara Harper
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Sheppard's training missions are vital to the success of the command and the Air Force, the commander of Air Education and Training Command told Sheppard's Airmen during a visit to the base Sept. 7 and 8.

"Everything we do in the Air Force depends on what happens here, both in technical training and flying training," said Gen. Edward A. Rice, Jr. "If we don't get this right, everything else falls apart down the stream."

The general and his wife, Teresa, had two busy days touring the 82nd Training Wing and the 80th Flying Training Wing. They were joined by AETC Command Chief Master Sgt. James A. Cody and his wife, Athena.

"There's a lot to see, and not very much time to see it," General Rice said during an all-call with more than 800 Sheppard people Sept. 7.

In addition to answering a number of questions from the crowd, the general took time to talk about the budget challenges ahead, and encouraged people to stay focused and not be distracted by rumors.

"We're all going to have to tighten our belts, there is no question about that," he told the audience. "We are not going to have everything we've had in the past, but we will have what we need to accomplish the important mission here."

General Rice said that, despite the tight fiscal climate, he and other Air Force leaders are focused on quality of life issues. He said it is important that Airmen and their families are cared for.

Aside from the all-call, General Rice had lunch with company grade officers, toured the new Explosive Ordnance Disposal course and other facilities, and took a flight in a T-38 Talon.

He also spoke briefly about a future replacement for the 50-year-old T-38. He said a lot of work has been done and the project is on track, but the Air Force is not yet ready to put out a bid for the "T-X" aircraft.

During a brief on-camera interview prior to his departure, General Rice expressed confidence in Team Sheppard.

"I am very confident in the leadership here and the Airmen who are accomplishing the mission," he said. "I am very impressed with the Airmen, and I mean that broadly, civilians and military. You are doing a terrific job of accomplishing the mission of Sheppard AFB and AETC, and I couldn't be prouder."

This was General Rice's second visit to Sheppard in 2011. He visited in March for the AETC Spring Senior Leader Conference.