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JBSA News
NEWS | Sept. 8, 2009

37th TRW command chief moves to 502nd ABW

By Mike Joseph 37th Training Wing Public Affairs

Sept. 4 marked the closing of yet another chapter in the career of Lackland's senior enlisted Airman, Chief Master Sgt. Juan Lewis.

Lackland says goodbye to the 37th Training Wing command chief with a farewell luncheon for Chief Lewis, who begins a new assignment Sept. 10 as command chief of the newly activated 502nd Air Base Wing at Fort Sam Houston.

"I was living the dream here and General Patrick (Brig. Gen. Len Patrick, the new 502nd ABW commander) woke me up and said 'get back to work,'" said Chief Lewis, his infectious laughter filling his office.

"I think General Patrick and I make a good team. When you've got a good boss, you'll follow him anywhere," he said. "This was my dream job and I've lived the dream. Now it's time to move on and continue to grow. I'm fired up, motivated and ready to serve."

The chief, known base-wide for his energy, excitement and zeal for the Air Force, arrived here May 2008.

"When I was young, being a command chief and the Honor Guard (where he served 20 years) were my dream jobs," he said. "When I first got here, everybody said this guy is hyper and has all this energy. But I'm always full of pride, enthusiasm and passion."

Chief Lewis said one of his primary goals at Lackland was to tighten standards, set examples for basic military trainees, and improve reenlistment and promotion rates.

"I think we've moved the ball forward," he said, "but we still can improve. This is basic military training; our Military Training Instructors do a phenomenal job. When we come through those gates we've got to make sure we set the right examples for them.

"Our reenlistment and promotion rates are now above the Air Force average. I've also tried to professionalize the Airmen here, encouraging them to get involved not only in base activities but also in the community.

"My expectations were so high when I took this job you would need a rocket to hit them," he added. "And I still have those same high expectations."

As 502nd ABW command chief, Chief Lewis will continue to support the enlisted corps and advise General Patrick on enlisted matters affecting servicemembers assigned to Randolph Air Force Base, Fort Sam Houston and Lackland as part of Joint Base San Antonio.