SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas-- U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. George “Dutch” T.M. Dietrich III took command of the 82nd Training Wing from Brig. Gen. Lyle Drew during a change of command ceremony presided over by Maj. Gen. Michele Edmondson here June 27 2023.
Dietrich earned his commission in 1995. He was most recently the Director of Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection at Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa at Ramstein AFB in Germany, where his area of operations covered 19 million square miles and 104 countries in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Edmondson said Dietrich’s vast experience and commitment to investing in the success of those around make him well-suited to lead Team Sheppard, which is responsible for training 65,000 Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and international students every year.
“You ask General Dietrich about his proudest accomplishments, he would probably tell you about the successes of his Airmen, not himself, about watching them develop and grow and learn and fail and learn and grow again, as they reach their own goals and more,” Edmondson said.
After assuming command, Dietrich thanked his family and other attendees, which included Sheppard supporters from the base and local community leaders. Addressing Drew, he expressed appreciation for the transformations in training and improvements in Airman living conditions that were implemented under his command.
“Not only have I won the lottery by getting to command again as a general officer, but to pick up where you left off, General Edmondson said it all, what you've accomplished with this team in the last two years has been absolutely phenomenal,” he said. “Absolutely phenomenal. And I cannot imagine any officer in the Air Force being put in a better position than I am right now. To take the lead that you've given me and continue to move it forward.”
Dietrich said he will build and foster relationships on base and in the local communities to forge strong partnerships and increase recognition of Sheppard AFB as an installation of excellence. However, his primary goal is the success of the Airmen he commands.
“Most of all I am looking forward to taking the momentum General Drew with this team has provided and providing the Airman in Training that you see here in their camouflage uniforms with the absolute best, most relevant training in an environment of inclusivity dignity and respect,” Dietrich said. “So that each one of you can find your own path to greatness, making what is the greatest Air Force in the world even greater.”
Drew will be the Director of Logistics, Civil Engineering, Force Protection and Nuclear Integration at Headquarters Air Materiel command at Wright-Patterson AFB.