Maj Gen Burg takes reins of 20th AF

  • Published
  • By Airman Alex Martinez
  • 90th Space Wing Public Affairs
F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. --  "I couldn't be happier to be back," said the new Twentieth Air Force commander. 

Maj. Gen. Roger Burg was the 90th Space Wing commander from 1999 to 2001 and took command of the 20th AF Aug. 10 at Argonne Parade Field. 

"The Twentieth Air Force is such a great command," he said. "It's refreshing and exciting to be here." 

The general's last assignment was in Washington, D.C., as the Air Force Headquarter's director of strategic security. 

Another of General Burg's assignments was as the president's director of nuclear policy and arms control. 

"My time in the White House was very interesting and challenging," General Burg said.
He has briefed the president on occasion and worked with Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice. 

Although commanding 20th AF is a world away from the nation's capitol, for General Burg, the area is not unfamiliar. 

"I grew up about four hours away from here just outside Hot Springs, S.D.," General Burg said. "It was a small community. Our nearest neighbor was about a mile away." 

As a youth, the military had always interested General Burg, and after seeing a friend attend and graduate the Air Force Academy, he decided that's what he wanted to do. 

"I loved being a cadet at the academy," General Burg said. "I met people there who have turned into life-long friends. When I need guidance, it's nice to have people I can talk to who I've known for 30 years and who I have so much respect for." 

Many of his friends from the academy are now general officers as well. 

General Burg has had many assignments and his wife and four children have gladly been along for the ride. 

"My family has been very supportive of my career," he said. "They loved Washington and were a little sad to go, but from the moment they arrived, they have been very excited and happy to be here." 

General Burg said there have been many changes here since his last time in this command and wants to see as many of the people in 20th AF as possible. 

"My immediate goal here is to guide the ICBM force and maintain deterrence capabilities," he said. "I expect all the wings to do the same to make sure that our forces remain strong, safe and secure for years to come." 

General Burg recognizes the importance of every Airman and civilian in the 20th AF and has confidence everyone will strive for excellence. 

"Every person in the Twentieth Air Force is an integral and important part of the Twentieth Air Force mission," General Burg said. "I want everyone to be the best they can be, and that's how I see all Twentieth Air Force Airmen."