North Carolina native ACEs munitions system course

Airman 1st Class Jan Pabon, 363rd Training Squadron munitions system apprentice course student, prepares a GBU-38 training munition at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, July 17, 2020. Getting students used to being around bombs and the delicacy it takes to handle them is one of the priorities during training. The assembly process is also used to replicate a deployed location. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lisa Hurt)

North Carolina native ACEs munitions system course

Airman 1st Class Jan Pabon, 363rd Training Squadron munitions system apprentice course student, assembles a GBU-38 training munition at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, July 17, 2020. Pabon ACEd the munitions system apprentice course after scoring perfect scores on all seven of the course's block tests. (Courtesy Photo)

North Carolina native ACEs munitions system course

Airman 1st Class Jan Pabon, 363rd Training Squadron munitions system apprentice course student, mounts an arming wire at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, July 17, 2020. Pabon said he has always wanted to experience what it was like in the military. His job as a munitions systems technician gives him an experience that has a direct impact on the Air Force's mission. As his career progresses, Pabon wishes to apply for the military Physician Assistant program. (Courtesy Photo)

North Carolina native ACEs munitions systems course

Published July 17, 2020
By Senior Airman Pedro Tenorio
82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- People join the Air Force for very diverse reasons, but no matter what they joined for, once they become Airmen they all assume the core values that hold up our excellent standards. Integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do. All of our Airmen exhibit all three values, but every Airman has that one core value they embody the most. One Airman in the munitions systems course, showed just how excellent he can be at striving for excellence in all he does.

Airman 1st Class Jan Pabon, munitions systems course apprentice, was awarded the ACE award after scoring perfect scores on all seven block tests in the munitions systems apprentice course.

Rank / Name: A1C Jan C. Pabon

Unit (gaining): 51^st MUNS, Osan AB, ROK

Duty title: Munitions Systems Apprentice

Hometown: Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Time in Service: 4 months

Why you joined: I have always wanted to experience what it is like in the military, even throughout my time in college. After graduating I decided that I wanted to enlist and see what it is like to be an enlisted personnel. I plan on applying for the military Physician Assistant program and, hopefully, becoming an Officer upon completion of this program.

Family: My family was a huge support system during this course. My wife, father, mother and brothers were constantly there for me, even while being so far away.

Hobbies: In my spare time I enjoy weight-lifting and running. But, my favorite hobbies are training and competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai and MMA.

Favorite aspect of job: I love the fact that everything about Ammo has a direct impact on the mission.

Most memorable Air Force experience: My most memorable Air Force experience is graduating BMT and moving on to the next step of training.

How do you make responsible choices: When making choices, I always weigh my options and figure what will be the most beneficial for me not only immediately but in the long term.

Instructor: Mrs. Lisa M. Hurt

Instructor Comment: This is a major accomplishment for A1C Pabon as our course is made up of seven block tests and he has mastered all of them by scoring a 100%. He studied and worked hard during his time here to achieve such excellence. He was very involved in class and has a great work ethic. He will definitely be a great asset to the AMMO career field.