SHEPPARD PUBLIC AFFAIRS, Texas -- Col. Paul G. Filcek assumed command of the 82nd Training Wing from Brig. Gen. George “Dutch” T.M. Dietrich during a ceremony officiated by Maj. Gen. Michele C. Edmondson held on June 14, 2024.
Filcek, who has been selected for promotion to Brigadier General, began his early Air Force career at Sheppard Air Force Base, where he attended technical school as an Airman in Training, eventually reaching the rank of Master Sergeant before he commissioned in 1997. His career path gives him a unique perspective to the challenges faced by both enlisted and commissioned Airmen.
“It's hard to be on the ramp. It's hard to be a defender. It's hard to be a civil engineer,” he said. “It's hard to be an aircraft maintainer. The demands on these Airmen are crazy and the demands on the officers who are in charge of these Airmen in our service to our trained here as well are very high. And so, to have lived both of those sides of the equation before this position, it's off the chart so I'll offer a perspective to both the officers and the enlisted.”
Describing him as “tailor made” to lead the 82nd TRW, Edmondson spoke about Filcek’s commitment to training and development.
“He could not come with a better resume,” she said. “In [Col.] Filcek, we welcome an incredibly well-rounded leader and astute innovator, respected and proven leader to our family today. I'm excited to welcome you to the most professional organization in the United States Air Force, charged with training 93.1% of the Air Force. It's a huge responsibility. It's a humbling task. It's a noble calling, and I have just one big ask: that you lead them well.”
After assuming command, Filcek thanked Edmondson for entrusting him with the 82nd TRW and expressed his appreciation for the support of his wife, son and daughter.
“They are my ‘why’,” he said. “They are who I am.”
Filcek thanked community leaders for their support. Remarking that Dietrich accomplished in just one year what would take most people many, he thanked his predecessor for his mentorship and friendship. He then addressed his new command.
“The final ‘thank you’ to the 82nd Training Wing and team Sheppard. Gen. Edmondson put it best that we defend America and we secure our nation's future one graduate at a time. And I can't wait to get started.”
Dietrich will next serve as the Director of Logistics for U.S. Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany.