SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – An Anchorage, Alaska, police officer and former security forces military working dog handler exploded onto the scene of a new career field by achieving perfect scores in the 363rd Training Squadron’s munitions systems apprentice course.
Tech. Sgt. Stephen Conklin, originally from Warnick, New York, but now calling Palmer, Alaska, home, completed the 7 1/2-week course scoring 100 percent in all block tests and progress checks. Topics covered during training include munitions operations; introduction to munitions storage areas; ground base defense munitions and aircraft ammunition; vehicles and support equipment; conventional munitions and combat ammunition systems; and precision guided munitions.
Rank / Name: Tech. Sgt. Stephen Conklin
Unit: 176th Maintenance Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska Air National Guard
Duty title: Munitions systems technician
Hometown: Warnick, N.Y. / Lives in Palmer, Alaska
Time in Service: 9 years 3 months
Why you joined: Gain new experiences/skills. Get away from home.
Family: Parents Dawn and Kevin Conklin; girlfriend Meghan Wake
Hobbies: 4-Wheeling, hiking, hunting/fishing, and dog training.
Favorite aspect of job: Being a member of the Air National Guard while still holding a full time civilian career as a police officer.
Most memorable Air Force experience: Deploying as a military working dog handler.
How do you make responsible choices: Staying motivated to succeed.
Instructor comment:
“This award reflects the hard work and diligence that Tech. Sgt. Conklin put forth to complete the munitions apprentice course. During his stay here at Sheppard AFB, I have seen Tech. Sgt. Conklin demonstrate the Air Force core values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. I am confident that he will continue to excel at his gaining base, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.” – Tech. Sgt. Zayed Antonio, 363rd TRS munitions systems instructor