Meet the Chief: New 82 TRW command chief lays out vision and objectives

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Chief Master Sgt. Charles J. Burgess III, 82nd Training Wing command chief, wants to implement a vision of success across Sheppard that emphasizes Airman development and morale readiness.

Coming from his previous post at the Pentagon, Burgess served as the senior enlisted leader for the Secretary of the Air Force Inspector General office.

As command chief, Burgess represents the highest enlisted level of leadership for the command and executes the commander's mission by developing the wing's capacity for combat preparedness and professional development for the permanent party force and over 60,000 Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine, Coast Guard, and allied students each year at Sheppard and through the wing's 61 detached units across the globe.

Additionally, he directly supports the mission accomplishment of the 80th Flying Training Wing as it generates 66,000 sorties annually to train combat pilots for the U.S. and its NATO allies.

Burgess' main priority is getting Airmen instruction that enriches the Air Force and the 82nd TRW mission to train and inspire warriors.

"I want to make sure we're developing our people through training," he said. "I want to give everybody an opportunity on base to go to that."

As the Air Force confronts a host of budgetary challenges, Burgess hammered home the need for adaptability. With multiple agencies on base meant to educate personnel and increase morale, Burgess wants to create an environment where Airmen can go to one location to improve themselves and learn more about what it means to be an Airman.

"We've got to give back," Burgess asserted. "As the force gets smaller, we've got to work together."

As the new command chief master sergeant settles into his new leadership position, he wants everyone to know their needs come first.

"It's not about me, it's about everybody else," Burgess said.

While Burgess focuses on the professional development, health and welfare of the force, he is enthusiastic to hit the ground running as Sheppard's newest command chief.

"I want to make sure we're taking care of all our Airmen," he said. "I'm glad to be here as a part of Team Sheppard."