SEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- McKenzie Shawn, 82nd Force Support Squadron fitness specialist and native of Davison, Michigan, has been with the Air Force for one year and eight months and is the Support Airman of the Week at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, for the week of April 25 – May 1, 2017.
Most significant accomplishments:
“I am a National Academy of Sports Medicine certified personal trainer,” Shawn said. “I have made the Dean’s List and the Presidents Honor roll at Midwestern State University. I am a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society, and was invited to join the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society. I also won the Shining Star Award and the Category One Civilian of the Quarter from Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2016.”
Airman’s story:
“I am 21 years old and I spent half of my life in Michigan, where I was born,” she said. “When I was 13 my parents moved my sister, brother and I to Texas. It was the best decision my parents have made. Moving to Texas allowed me to be exposed to a much more diverse group of people and I was able to develop friendships with people that were different than me. I feel this helped prepare me for my future.”
“When I was growing up, I had a love for fitness,” Shawn said. “I competed in cross country, track and played softball in high school. I will always remember something one of my coaches once told me. His name was Coach T. and he was - and has been - a great mentor to me. He said, ‘No matter how hard you train, if you don’t believe that you can finish, you never will.’ I live by this and it has helped keep me focused.”
“After I graduated high school, I knew that fitness was what I wanted to study,” she said. “I am currently finishing my Bachelors of Science in Exercise Physiology at Midwestern State University. Once I graduate next year I plan on getting my masters at Texas Woman’s University. After that, I plan on starting my own physical education and training center.”
Supervisor comments:
“Mckenzie has been an invaluable asset for the fitness centers from day one,” said Cindy Conn, fitness and sports director. “She has a genuine interest in fitness and helping people. Our fitness centers have received numerous customer comment cards praising her exceptional customer service. Her dedication to fitness and customer service exemplifies our fitness center culture.”
“She’s an established NASM certified personal trainer – providing fitness expertise to the more than 2,000 patrons visiting the fitness centers on a daily basis,” she continued. “Additionally, she conducts aerobics classes for our retired military members as well as providing equipment orientation upon request. She also was instrumental in programming a strategic fitness center floor plan to accommodate $239,000 of newly acquired fitness equipment.”