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Sheppard to play major role in AETC Symposium

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Valerie Hosea
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Sheppard senior leaders will attend the annual Air Education and Training Command Symposium Jan. 14-15 at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas.

The 2010 AETC Symposium theme is, "Developing America's Airmen Today ... For Tomorrow."

Gina Johnson, 82nd Training Wing Training Operations technology training manager, said Sheppard especially relates to the symposium theme because the base conducts more than half of the Air Force's technical training.

"As the primary location for more than 56 percent of the AETC technical training, Sheppard is uniquely positioned to have a direct impact on the future of the Air Force," she said. "The knowledge, skills and core values instilled during their time at Sheppard provide a firm foundation for tomorrow's leaders."

Mrs. Johnson also said the large training population plays a role in Sheppard's contributions to the symposium event with numerous displays scheduled for the exposition hall.

"Because we train a majority of the 'Tomorrow's Airmen,' we should have a big presence," she said. "We will have 12 booths set up at the symposium, which will be our largest display ever. All four training groups and the 82nd Medical Group will be showcased, displaying the best of the best.

"Since our base is on the edge of so many emerging technologies, we can help to shorten the development life cycle for the rest of the command," she said.

Mrs. Johnson said one of the main anticipated advantages of attending the symposium is the opportunity to learn from the other wings.

"One of the best parts of the symposium is gaining knowledge," she said. "We learn from others' successes and failures. We hope to bring new ideas from the symposium back to Sheppard and incorporate them."

According to the AETC Symposium 2010 Web site, there is a lot to look forward to. There will be an AETC Symposium Ball with entertainment from the Silver Eagles, a John Jay High School Air Force JROTC varsity drill team and the Air Force Strolling Strings. Ball attendees will also partake in a rare occassion following the evening's scheduled entertainment.

"The remaining five U.S. Air Force Medal of Honor recipients, who were honored for valor during the Vietnam War, will be recognized for their heroic actions and the sacrifices they made to ensure our freedom," said Lt Col. Andrew Huisentruit, AETC Symposium action officer.

The symposium offers a number of speakers including: Gen. Norton Schwartz, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. Stephen Lorenz, AETC commander, Gen. Victor Renuart Jr., Commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, Gen. Raymond Johns Jr., commander of Air Mobility Command and retired Gen. Lloyd Newton, former AETC commander.