782nd TRG welcomes new commander

Brig. Gen. Darryl Burke (left),82nd Training Wing commander, passes the 782nd Training Group guidon to Col. Kenneth Backes (right), incoming 782nd TRG commander, at a change of command ceremony at Hangar 1010 on Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, June 30, 2010. Colonel Backes was an instructor at the base in 1984. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Mike Litteken)

782nd TRG welcomes new commander

Brig. Gen. Darryl Burke (left), 82nd Training Wing commander, and Col. Tony Pounds(right), outgoing commander of the 782nd Training Group, welcome Col. Kenneth Backes (center), incoming 782nd TRG commander, at a change of command ceremony at Hangar 1010 on Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, June 30, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo/Mike Litteken)

782nd TRG welcomes new commander

Published July 1, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Valerie Hosea
82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 782nd Training Group welcomed a former member of Team Sheppard as its new commander during a change of command ceremony in Hangar 1010 June 30.

Col. Kenneth Backes, a former instructor at Sheppard, began his position as the commander of the 782nd TRG after a formal introduction from Brig. Gen. Darryl Burke, 82nd Training Wing commander.

General Burke said Colonel Backes is no stranger to Sheppard, and has come here loaded with experience.

"He has earned two bronze stars and an Air Force Combat Action Medal," he said. "We're happy to welcome you to the best training wing in the world, and I look forward to working with you."

Colonel Backes said he is thankful for the opportunity to train members of the Armed Forces and hopes his past experience here will benefit him.

"I would like to thank General Burke for the opportunity to train our Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines," he said. "I taught here years ago, and I hope that insight will help.

Those in the training business set the tone for future warriors. I look forward to the months ahead and working with a great team."

Col. Tony Pounds, outgoing 782nd TRG commander, welcomed his successor to the base and local area.

"Colonel Backes, you're going to have a great time in North Texas," he said. "We have left here as better people (from) knowing (Team Sheppard) and are truly grateful to have been a part of Texoma. To (the members of the 782nd TRG), you're getting a very fine officer."