SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --
Staff Sgt. Ryan Tarpley,
365th Training Squadron communication, navigation and mission systems instructor
and native of Macon, Georgia, has been in the Air Force for six years and
nine months and is the Instructor of the Week at Sheppard Air Force Base,
Texas, for the week of Oct. 11-17, 2016.
Most significant accomplishments:
Tarpley’s most significant accomplishment has been his
journey of becoming a father.
Airman’s story:
“I Joined the Air Force when I was 20 years old,” Tarpley
said. “My first duty station was Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, where I
worked on the AWACS as a communications and navigation specialist. At five and
a half years of service, I was assigned to Sheppard as an instructor. I am
married to my wife Kristen and we have a two-year-old daughter, Maylee. I enjoy
camping, family time and the occasional video game.”
Supervisor
comments:
“Staff Sergeant
Tarpley provides professional instruction and mentorship to more than 500 trainees
per year,” said Tech. Sgt. Justin Ciszek, day shift lead instructor supervisor.
“In many cases, he is the trainees’ first military instructor and initial
mentor who sets the tone for these young professionals’ careers. He executes
his job faithfully and with a very upbeat and professional attitude daily
affecting our future maintainers with a positive mindset as they move forward. He’s
a well-deserved candidate for instructor of the week.”