New command chief hopes to build on Sheppard's many achievements

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Valerie Hosea
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  After serving in the Air Force for nearly 28 years, Chief Master Sgt. David Nelson has taken on the position of 82nd Training Wing command chief.

Chief Nelson served as superintendent of the 82nd Mission Support Group for one year prior to becoming the wing's command chief.

The chief said by holding that position and gaining the experience that he did, his transition to command chief has been a lot smoother.

"The great thing about being the (82nd MSG) superintendent is that it gave me the advantage of already having a foundation and relationship built with the other chiefs and commanders; it wasn't something that I needed to establish," he said. "They already know who I am, and I know who they are. It sets us up for success because there's no time lost in having to work to get there like a person new to the base.

"Working in the (82nd MSG) also taught me a lot of the skills that are used to run an installation," he said. "Having that foundation allows me to focus my attention to other areas because I already understand the support side of the house. I get to use that time to focus on the tech training side of things now."

Chief Nelson said one advantage of becoming the wing command chief is that he was given a great team to help him build on the foundation that Brig. Gen. O.G. Mannon, 82nd TRW commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Kenneth Sallinger, former 82nd TRW command chief, have established.

"I have the advantage of taking the reins from a great chief--Chief Sallinger," he said. "He gave me a team that was already striving to great heights. I get to take what he and the general have started and take it to the next level and build upon their successes and victories."

Chief Nelson said he has a few key goals during his tenure as the wing command chief including continuing the momentum, taking care of Team Sheppard, strengthening the relationship with the 80th Flying Training Wing and achieving the vision (Brig. Gen. Darryl Burke) will bring when he assumes command of the wing.

"First and foremost I want to continue the momentum the General Mannon and Chief Sallinger have set for the wing in becoming the premier (Air Education and Training Command) wing," he said. "With that comes the responsibility of taking care of all of Team Sheppard and their families. They're the foundation of who Sheppard is and what we do."

"I also want to continue to strengthen the relationship between the (80th FTW) and the (82nd TRW) and continue to make that partnership one of excellence. I want to take the vision that General Burke will bring and get it out there to Team Sheppard."

Some of the challenges the chief anticipates are learning the in and outs of tech training and crafting the NCO Academy.

"I understand tech training at the 100-meter distance, and now I need to bring it in to the 25-meter range," he said. "I don't need to get into the weeds as much as I do need to understand the overall process and how I can help achieve mission success as the command chief.

"Another challenge that we'll be faced with soon is bringing in the NCO Academy," he said. "We're working with (Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.,) to bring it here, and with the academy comes the opportunity to showcase Team Sheppard and market ourselves to the Air Force as a larger scheme."

While becoming the wing command chief will have its challenges, Chief Nelson said it is still a very rewarding position.

"The best part of the job is definitely having the chance to interact with the Airmen and the members of our sister services," he said. "To me, there is no better job in the Air Force than the one that allows you to interact with more than 5,000 young Americans that are learning how to serve their country in our armed forces. And I get to do that on a daily basis. It's phenomenal and a really great feeling."

Chief Nelson said he could not have thought of a better way to close out an Air Force career than this.

"As I close out, I can't think of a better place, a better mission or better people to be around," he said. "I'm looking forward to serving the members of Team Sheppard."