Keep your Mach up: Kendall says farewell to Sheppard Published Aug. 7, 2007 By Col. Jeffrey Kendall 80th Flying Training Wing commander SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- As you may have noticed, it's summertime again in North Texas. At Sheppard Air Force Base, that must mean more permanent change of station moves. That fact holds true for both me and my family. As we hand off command of the 80th Flying Training Wing on Aug. 10, we are proud to reflect back upon the incredible opportunity presented through command of the finest international flying training operation on the globe. We are incredibly impressed and yet humbled by all that the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Wing and the rest of Team Sheppard have accomplished in our time here. You are the reason why the ENJJPT Program is the recognized gold standard for international training. We are especially grateful to all of our community partners and civic leaders who have supported our wing, our base and our NATO mission. Never in my 24-year career have I witnessed such a tight bond existing between an air base and a local community like the one here in the Texoma region. Thank you! We also extend a special thanks to our partner wing commander, Brig. Gen. Richard Devereaux and his wife, Elizabeth, who have been so gracious in providing support to our flying training operation up on the "north side." We will miss you both and wish you continued success leading the 82nd Training Wing. I am also confident that you all will bless the new 80th FTW command team, Col. David and Jacquie Petersen, with the same energy, enthusiasm and support that you have shown my wife Lori and me over the last two and a half years. Congratulations to the Petersen family on this new and exciting challenge. Thank you Team Sheppard for what you do for our Air Force, our NATO Alliance and our nation each and every day. I am grateful for the privilege of having worked with you and wish you all the very best! And to Team ENJJPT - keep your Mach up and continue to "check six!"