Col. Jack D. Fischer, the 50th Space Wing’s new vice commander, is excited for the future.
As vice commander, Fischer’s role entails supporting the wing commander’s vision for the base as well as providing leadership to all Schriever personnel.
“This is a great place to be – it’s the fighter wing of space command,” Fischer said. “I jumped at the opportunity for this position. Schriever is at the tip of the space-warfighting spear.”
A former fighter pilot and NASA astronaut, Fischer said he hopes to bring some of the same camaraderie he witnessed in both careers to Schriever Airmen.
“One thing I’m going bring is my passion,” Fischer said. “I am passionate about space. I want everyone to know what they’re doing here at Schriever is awesome – we are shaping the future every day by providing space effects and keeping the domain safe.”
Although he conducted missions in space, Fischer said he returned to the Air Force so he could serve alongside those who protect it.
“Space is contested now, and for humanity to capitalize on the current revolution of rockets, commercial space innovation and all those things that make space so exciting, it has to be safe,” he said. “We’re the people that stand at the door of the cosmos and protect everyone else, all while enabling our military and the global economy. I wanted to be part of this team, and do everything I can to enable our incredible Airmen to make a difference each day.”
Fischer explained his leadership style.
“I’m a team player, I value communication,” he said. “I hope to inspire the very best of every team member and combine it all to achieve more than we could alone. I believe we are all part of one team – trying to accomplish the mission, together.”
He recognizes every Airmen has inherent value as they lead the charge into the evolving space and cyberspace warfighting domains.
“One of the best parts about the Air Force is that we are surrounded by people who are motivated by what’s right and want to make a difference,” Fischer said. “People are our greatest strength.”
Fischer said he didn’t reach his position alone. Among his many mentors is Gilbert Moore, his former instructor at the United States Air Force Academy.
“Upon meeting Jack, I was immediately impressed,” Moore said. “He was very bright and you could tell he had an extreme interest in space.”
Citing the past, Moore said he believes Fischer will be a great leader for the base.
“Jack’s a natural born leader with excellent communication skills,” he said. “You’ll be seeing a lot of him, he won’t stay behind a desk. He will be out there engaging with people and striving to continue to improve the mission.”
Fischer shared his excitement for the future of the base.
“As the vice commander, my job is to do everything I can to support Col. Jennifer Grant’s vision, and truly make this the epicenter of space,” he said. “This is the most exciting time for space for a generation. There is more going on right now than there has ever been – a burgeoning launch industry, rapidly increasing commercial interest and unfortunately – very active foreign military space programs which demand our attention. We’re going to have to watch our country’s ‘six’ to ensure that as humanity continues to grow and explore the space domain, they are safe to make a permanent foothold for our future.”
Date Taken: | 01.15.2019 |
Date Posted: | 01.15.2019 11:47 |
Story ID: | 307083 |
Location: | COLORADO, US |
Web Views: | 124 |
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