2nd AF, 19th AF partner with Goodfellow AFB to host AETC superintendents course Published March 19, 2019 By Airman 1st Class Zachary Chapman 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Goodfellow welcomed roughly 50 current and future superintendents from across the Air Education and Training Command to the Superintendent Course held at the Event Center here, March 18-20. Goodfellow leadership joined Chief Master Sgt. Joanne Bass, 2nd Air Force command chief, and Chief Master Sgt. Erik Thompson, 19th Air Force command chief, to provide a wealth of experience and knowledge for those in attendance. “Back in the day when I was a superintendent, we didn’t have training, instead we had to figure it out,” said Bass. “We are making sure that you get some of the critical development that you need as a senior noncommissioned officer. As a squadron superintendent, this is only part of your road, this is only part of you being a lifelong learner.” Chief Master Sgt. Jason Funkhauser, 315th Training Squadron chief enlisted manager, shared Bass’ view on the importance of events like the Superintendent Course. “One of the things about being a superintendent is that there is no handbook,” said Funkhauser. “All that we can do is give them all of the tools that we learned and try to supplement what they have learned in the past. Hopefully they will build up their toolbox and make it even bigger and make them better leaders.” Although there may not be any direct guidance on how to operate as a superintendent, the reward of fulfilling that position and meeting the needs of the troops within the squadrons is unmatched. “When I look back to when I was a squadron superintendent, it was the best and most rewarding job in the world,” said Bass. “It is because you are tactical, operational and you can still feel the impact of touching lives.” The goal is to build a better understanding of what being a superintendent means through the training and experiences shared by those attending the course. “At the end of the day this about you being ready to lead at that next level,” said Thompson. “Chief Bass and I are here to help. This is for you, about you and it is to teach you. We want to make sure you understand the why of each lesson that we are talking about.”