83d FWS gets new lead "archer" Published Sept. 25, 2008 TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Lt. Col. Peter Ford took command of the famed 83rd Fighter Weapons Squadron, responsible for the Air Force's Combat Archer program, Sept 12 during a ceremony here. The Combat Archer program is a Weapon System Evaluation that allows fighter units to train with live air-to-air missiles over the Gulf of Mexico. The exercise data is recorded and analyzed to make the aircrews more effective in real world scenarios. Name: Lt. Col. Peter Ford Hometown: Shelbyville, Tenn. Years in the military: 18 Family: Spouse and four children How does it feel to be a new squadron CC? It's both exciting and daunting to know I can serve with the great folks that make our Wing and Air Force's Combat Archer successful. I've wanted to be a squadron commander since I met my first boss in the Air Force and saw what impact he had on me and others around me. What are your goals/agenda during your time as commander? Continue to accomplish our mission and enjoy serving our nation with one another. What is one particular life lesson you've gained from your time in the military? Perseverance and Enthusiasm are powerful twins. What type of hobbies/activities do you have outside of work? I enjoy the wonderful opportunities we have here on the Gulf Coast with my family, exercising, golf, etc. If there was one thing about military life you would change what would it be? Embrace more opportunities to show our nation the roles our men and women play in our daily defense...not simply for our civilian counterparts to gain more appreciation of military service, but to whet their appetite on the excitement it is to serve in our Air Force.