Meet Col. Dreher

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Elsea
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  An individual's career can be characterized by the best laid plans showing a clear path to success, or, it can demonstrate that life can take a career to heights that don't always require plans, but just a passion for a job well done.

Colonel Bert Dreher, 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group commander, has a passion. The colonel was born in Danville, Ill., but moved around periodically growing up.

"My father was in business forms management which is a small industry and thus, he moved us as his career progressed," said Colonel Dreher. "All the while, my Mom was a stay at home mother with her hands full of me - just me, as I am an only child."

He grew up with two Beagles named Charlie and Lucy, who he considered siblings. He also kept busy with extracurricular activities.

"Basketball was my game from the 4th grade on, many a night was spent shooting free throws until told to come in," said Colonel Dreher. "A passion I still have today began in 1973 when my Dad took me to my first Indianapolis 500 - I love racing and cars - if men race it, I know it."

Another interest he had from early on was flying. But, why a fighter pilot in the military?

"It's simple - I loved John Wayne and the American heroes portrayed in the movies and television growing up," said Colonel Dreher. "As I said before, auto racing was my thing and I once heard an ABC interview ask the drivers of the day what they would like to be if not a racer, many answered, 'a fighter pilot.' That, along with many trips to the local airport, McConnell Air Force Base (Kansas) to see the air shows and a chance for a "free" education followed with a promise of pilot training, seemed like good reasons to join."

After high school he began to pursue his dreams.

"Wanting to be a fighter pilot, I worked hard and was fortunate enough to be selected to the United States Air Force Academy were I spent the better part of my freshman year," said Colonel Dreher. "In that year, I made the decision to transfer to a "normal" college and found my way back to Albuquerque and the University of New Mexico. Shortly thereafter, the Air Force ROTC recruiter phoned and asked, "If I still wanted to fly jets." Two days later I was enrolled in ROTC and graduated 4 years later with a bachelor's degree in General Studies."

Now, after 23 years of service and around a dozen duty stations, his goals have all been met.

"I know that may sound strange, but I feel I'm already 'playing on the house's money,'" said Colonel Dreher. "I've done all I ever set out to do and then some, so now, it makes it easy to just do the best I can in the job I've been given and what comes next will work itself out ... that makes it a pretty simple game."

The 53rd WEG is Colonel Dreher's second command in both the Air Force and on Tyndall, and he has high hopes for the group and his Airmen.

"I look forward to setting the stage for the commander that follows me here in the WEG by laying the foundation he or she will need to normalize our evaluations of the new 5th generation fighter fleet," said Colonel Dreher. "I want to instill the Air Force's core values to where they are second nature, as if they are a part of the Airman. I expect the Airmen to know their role, accept their role and carry out their role to the best of their ability while playing within the boundaries that are set for us."

After retirement, Colonel Dreher hopes to start another occupation.

"I'll start a second career, but this time, it will be one that has me staying put in one place, at least until my two kids are established in college," said Colonel Dreher. "I hope I can find employment that will allow me to still be a part of the military framework in our society so that I can feel that I am still contributing to my fellow comrades in arms and the defense of the freedoms we enjoy here in the United States."

Colonel Dreher's family is comprised of his wife and two kids.

"My lovely bride Marla and I were married 23 years ago, one month before I began pilot training, after having met on a blind date arranged by our moms," said Colonel Dreher. "We are blessed with two kids; our son Tommy who is 12 and beginning 7th grade this year and our daughter Ailee who is 10 and started 4th grade last week."

Tommy is into gaming, sports, and comic strips, and Ailee enjoys animals and movies.

Colonel Dreher also has his own set of hobbies.

"I still love to watch all racing and I like football as well," said Colonel Dreher. "I still attend concerts of my favorite rock bands and I actually like to go to the gym, but I hate running. I do like to walk two to three miles in my Colorado neighborhood when I'm home."

In addition to his interest in sports and music, Colonel Dreher has some advice for Airmen to help them along in their careers in the Air Force and beyond.

"Remember that your bosses can't fix what they don't know about," said Colonel Dreher. "Don't be a whiner, but if something's broke or if they see what they believe to be a better way to do something, speak up. Don't just sit there and gripe about it, let the chain of command work for them by bringing it up and if it's broke, also throwing in what a possible realistic solution might be."

For a closer look at the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group click here.