Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington —
Fairchild Air Force Base welcomed retired General John Shoud on August 22, 2022 for a tour of the base.
In June 1978, Shoud assumed command of the 92nd Artillery Wing at Fairchild Air Force Base, where he served as wing commander until June 1980.
“It brought back memories of my time in the 92nd Bomb Wing,” said Shaud.
Shoud graduated from the Military Academy at West Point in 1956 and underwent pilot training to become a B-47 Stratojet pilot in August 1956. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming his 92nd BW Commander in 1978, and retired in 1991 as Chief of Staff of the Allied High Command in Europe.
During his time in command at Fairchild, Shoud promoted a culture of innovation and encouraged airmen to bring their ideas to improve bases, missions and even the air force.
“Especially in the military, it is imperative to ensure that we are catching up to the next crisis or staying a little ahead,” said Shoud.
The Shoud empowered Airmen and their ideas helped lay the foundation for the Air Force’s current culture of innovating to win, which paved the way for the creation of Fairchild’s Innovation Cell.
“Our ability to innovate allows the United States to remain a world power,” said Maj. Sean Edwards, 92nd ARW IC Chief Innovation Project Manager. “We can do more than meet our requirements by expanding our capabilities for future operations.”
Innovation cells are a relatively new concept for Shaud, but he explained that he favors innovation cells because of their ability to gather airmen from every corner for a single task.
“The ultimate goal of Fairchild’s Wing Innovation Cell is to make Fairchild a leading and powerful problem solver for the Air Force in technology, training, quality of life and mission performance,” said Edwards.
Team Fairchild has a vast history of excellence, and the visit of retired General John Shoud to Fairchild provided an opportunity to reflect on that proud legacy that continues to manifest throughout the 92nd Aerial Refueling Wing today. was provided to the base.
