Technical training students now arrive by air Published Jan. 13, 2010 By Susan Griggs Keesler News editor KEESLER AFB, Ms. -- Team Keesler turned eyes to the skies Monday as the first regular flight of basic military training graduates landed and headed to technical training. "Now this is how we should be (transporting) our basic military training graduates," said Brig. Gen. Ian Dickinson, 81st Training Wing commander, as he waited with other base leaders to welcome 161 students -- 131 headed for courses in the 81st Training Group and others to Pensacola (Fla.) Naval Air Station, the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport and Corry Station, Fla. The Keesler newcomers arrived from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, aboard two chartered Southwest Airlines 737s. For decades, students have been bused to Keesler, a 10-12 hour trip. Air Education and Training command officials said the weekly flights from Lackland to Keesler is a quality-of-life initiative which reduces travel time to two hours and speeds the inprocessing schedule. "There's definitely a quality-of-life aspect here," General Dickinson explained. "These students will be fresher, more attentive and ready to get in-briefed to start training. We can get them here quicker, fresher and ready to go to work." The general said the change was also spurred by federal travel regulations. "We got an assessment by Maj. Gen. Mary Kay Hertog (2nd Air Force commander) that gave us the guidance last month," he said. "Her predecessor, Maj. Gen. Alfred Flowers, said the Airmen seemed so worn out on arrival and wanted to bring them here the right way." Arriving students seemed pleased with the new mode of transportation to Keesler. "I'm loving it," declared Airman Basic Roy Breeland. "It's so much better than a 12-hour bus ride. We're here, we're ready to start tech school -- there's not a better way we could've come here." "I've been on a bus before and I know it's very cramped and everything, so I probably wouldn't feel like going to work," stated Airman 1st Class Tumaro Shepherd. "This plane is much more comfortable. The Air Force takes care of us." That sentiment was just what Keesler's commander was hoping to hear. "Just like the rest of us, I'm sure they'd rather fly here than drive here," General Dickinson commented. "I hope they feel like, 'The Air Force treats me like the rest of the Air Force is treated. If I have to go a long distance, they'll fly me there and get me where I need to be to accomplish the mission."