82nd TRW gains a new wing command chief

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Ava Margerison
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  With the retirement of Chief Master Sgt. Charles Burgess, the 82nd Training Wing will be gaining a familiar face as the newest wing command chief. 

After serving as the 80th Flying Training Wing command chief for the past year, Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Pritchard will be transitioning to the 82nd Training Wing starting July 13, 2015. 

"Chief Burgess certainly leaves big boots to fill," said Brig. Gen. Patrick Doherty, 82nd TRW wing commander. "His tireless efforts and action-oriented leadership as our command chief is one of the main reasons the 82 TRW is postured so well for a successful future."

Burgess will be retiring from the Air Force after 28 years of service to seek new opportunities to serve his country through the civilian sector. 

"I am happy to announce I found the right team leader to carry on the great momentum Chief Burgess started," said Doherty. "Chief Pritchard is a seasoned warrior and leader. He will certainly inspire us to the next level."

For Pritchard the move is exciting and bittersweet.  He said he will miss his family at the 80th FTW but he is motivated he has the opportunity to continue to serve the training mission through the 82nd TRW. 

"Of course I am going to miss it (80th FTW)," said Pritchard. "When you have a great organization like this, it's always difficult to leave."  

Col. Gregory Keeton, 80th FTW commander, shared praise for Pritchard and his future at the base, "His insight and support of the men and women of the 80th Flying Training Wing will be sorely missed, but we wish him all the best in his new position. We are truly fortunate that he and his family will be able to continue to serve Team Sheppard."

As a command chief, Pritchard represents the highest enlisted level of leadership for the command and executes the 82nd TRW commander's mission. 

"Being in this position is never about me," said Pritchard. "It's about how I can train and inspire Airmen. That's the whole concept of being a good NCO or senior NCO or a chief, so I am going to bring that same aspect to the 82nd TRW."

In Pritchard's new location, he will fill a critical role for the 82nd TRW wing commander by developing the wing's capacity for combat preparedness and professional development.  Not only will he support the permanent party members and the more than 60,000 Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine, Coast Guard and allied students stationed here each year but also the wing's 61 detached units across the globe.  Additionally, he will continue to support the 80th FTW's mission training combat pilots for the U.S. and NATO allies.

"Chief Pritchard brings with him a great passion for our Airmen, both military and civilian, and a wealth of experience," said Doherty. "Whether leading at the squadron or wing, he has always focused on meeting today's mission and preparing our men and women for tomorrow's challenges with a keen eye on caring for people first."  

While the position will inevitably have its challenges, Chief Pritchard said he looks forward to the next step.

"Being able to stay here and still work with both wings, I think that is pretty exciting."