80th OG commander completes final flight with ENJJPT

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tonnette Thompson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A student with the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program pulled the T-37 Tweet into the Texas 'T' on Sheppard's flight ramp, completing his very first flight.
Beside him was an instructor, carrying the rank of colonel. 

As the cockpit opened, the colonel talked briefly with the student, then disembarked and began filling out the flight log, using the jet's wing as a desk. So far, a typical Friday afternoon. 

Then the colonel turned around, and found himself facing a fire truck, with two men - one of them his youngest son - aiming fire hoses directly at him. Before the colonel could say a word, he was drenched with water. 

Laughing and sopping wet, he went to hug his son as a cheering crowd of well-wishers surrounded them, one of them carrying a bottle of champagne. 

This ritual farewell, performed June 23, ushered German Air Force Col. Heinrich Schneider, commander of the 80th Operations Group, into his final week at Sheppard. After a change of command ceremony today, he will leave for his next assignment at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. 

After training at Sheppard in 1971, Colonel Schneider returned in 2003 for his current three-year tour. Yet, he said he believes this still won't be the last he sees of Sheppard personnel. 

"With all the overlapping military commitments, I look forward to crossing paths with people from Sheppard again," Colonel Schneider said. 

The colonel said he will have many fond memories of Sheppard and Wichita Falls, particularly the welcoming attitude toward individuals from other countries. 

"I like the multinational flavor at Sheppard, and how the town gives support to military and internationals visiting the base," Colonel Schneider. "They make you feel at home said." 

Colonel Schneider said his favorite Sheppard memory involves an ENJJPT graduation he attended. Students from six different nations graduated after training with instructors from 13 different nations. 

"It was the ultimate ENJJPT goal in international representation and teamwork; the top product of our efforts," he said. 

Col. Jeffrey Kendall, 80th Flying Training Wing commander, said he couldn't have asked for a better person to be his "second-in-command." 

"I felt privileged to work with such a seasoned aviation officer and commander. He has excellent diplomatic skills and spirit," Colonel Kendall said. 

Colonel Schneider's next assignment involves acting as a German military representative, working with an American liaison for USAF Europe.