Colorado native earns ACE award Published June 14, 2019 By Airman 1st Class Madeleine E. Remillard/82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – To maintain the title of the world’s greatest Air Force, it must have top-notch maintainers capable of keeping aircraft ready for flight. Sheppard has historically produced maintainers fully capable of doing so with excellence, and another has graduated at the top of his class. Senior Airman Michael D. Riley, 361st Training Squadron aerospace ground equipment apprentice course student, displayed his work ethic and skills by maintaining a 100% average throughout the entire course, earning the ACE award. Rank and Name: Senior Airman Michael D. Riley Unit: 361st Training Squadron Duty title: Aerospace ground equipment apprentice Hometown: Canon City, Colorado Time in Service: 10 years Why I joined: I joined for the comradery, to learn something new and to provide a better life for my children. Family: Mother, Cheryl Parks; Children, Jocelyn (daughter), Trevor and Asher (sons) Hobbies: Reading, lifting weights, riding motorcycles, playing video games and hanging out with my kids. Favorite aspect of the job: Troubleshooting and finding out the root of the issue, the sense of accomplishment it brings and the comradery with the other Airmen. Most memorable Air Force experience: Building relationships with so many amazing people over time. How do you make responsible choices: I try to live by following God and practicing resiliency. Prayers and my mentors play a huge role in the choices I make. Instructor comment: “Senior Airman Riley is a hard worker who takes pride in his accomplishments. He is eager to help anyone who needs assistance and is a fantastic role model for his peers. He will be a good asset to his next unit.” - Mark Koch, 361st TRS aerospace ground equipment course instructor