179th AW Airman aces fuel systems apprentice course Published Nov. 9, 2018 By John Ingle 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – A Shreve, Ohio-native completed the 361st Training Squadron's 36-academic day fuel systems apprentice course with a perfect score on her exams, earning her the ACE award. Airman 1st Class Colleen Gayheart took her final exam Nov. 8, 2018, and graduated the following day. Gayheart and her classmates learned about basic maintenance fundamentals, aircraft fuel systems operations, fuel tank entry, fuel cell familiarization and integral fuel tank familiarization during the course. Aircraft systems Airmen are required to climb inside fuel cells to inspect and detect issues with the bladders as well as perform installation and removal procedures. Rank and name: Airman 1st Class Colleen M. Gayheart Unit: 179th Airlift Wing, Ohio Air National Guard, Mansfield, Ohio Duty title: Aircraft fuel systems apprentice Hometown: Shreve, Ohio Time in service: 15 months Why you joined the Air Force: To be part of something bigger than myself, to better myself, and for the many benefits, especially education. Family: Julie and Allen Gayheart, parents; Megan, Nicole and Brian, siblings. Hobbies: reading, watching movies, being outdoors Favorite aspect of job: The hands-on work and crawling in tanks Most memorable Air Force experience: Meeting new people and basic military training graduation when Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright gave speeches. How do you make responsible choices: Follow the rules and think about decisions before acting on them. Instructor comment: "Airman 1st Class Colleen Gayheart is an exceptional Airman," said Tech. Sgt. Jacob Asher, 361st TRS fuel systems instructor. "She easily stands out among her peers more than just academically. She has a fantastic attitude, is a great team player, and I have no doubt she will be very successful both in her personal and professional life."