Aerospace instructor is commander's 'Wingman of Choice' Published June 12, 2013 By 82nd Training Wing SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Tech. Sgt. Andrew Wildes is the commander's "Wingman of Choice" for the week of June 10-14. The 82nd Training Wing "Commander's Wingman of Choice" award program is the commander's way of acknowledging Airmen for a job well done and to recognize Airmen who exemplify the spirit of the program. Criteria for consideration include outstanding duty performance, community involvement and exemplary leadership. Go by name: Woody/Andy Squadron/Duty phone: 361st Training Squadron Duty title: Aerospace Propulsion Instructor Supervisor Associate First Sergeant Hometown: Coloma, Wisc. Years of service and time on Sheppard: 13 years of service/2.5 years at Sheppard AFB Family: Wife-Jessica Son-Travis Education (Include name of school and degree in what area): CCAF - AS Applied Science Power plant Systems CCAF - AS Applied Science Instructor of Technical and Military Science. What inspires you: My family inspires me. I really find great pride in the ability to provide for them. The heritage and the people that have paid so much for what we have to enjoy in this country, and my ability to contribute furthering that. Future goals: Finish my BA Degree in management and be as effective as I possibly can each day within the rank I hold and to be a reliable resource and asset for my family and fellow military members. Greatest accomplishment: Combating one of the most difficult things in my life is my greatest accomplishment. Staying thankful and appreciative. I work to resist growing complacent for the things I have, and what I do. The greatest accomplishment I strive to hold is always being thankful and appreciative for what I do have, and am able to do. Hobbies, off-duty interests: Being with Family Technology Politics Hunting/Fishing Comics Movies I can appreciate just about anything. Reason for submission: Wildes has done an outstanding job as the 361st TRS Associate first sergeant, taking care of the entire unit. Andrew has demonstrated a remarkable amount of maturity and the ability to deal with Red Cross notifications for both permanent party and non-prior service Airmen while taking care of his instructors and students as the Instructor Supervisor of the 2A6X1H schoolhouse. Wildes versatility has made him a critical resource for the 361st TRS. Commander's name and comments: According to his squadron commander, Lt. Col. Barton Kenerson, Wildes is currently the instructor supervisor for propulsion flight and volunteered to become the assistant first sergeant. He is making a huge impact as the assistant first sergeant from day one on the job. He has already dealt with very difficult issues with NPS Airmen getting them care needed in dealing with the loss of loved ones and adjusting with the military lifestyle. He saw a void in getting Airmen involved and stepped up to plan an annual Sports Day for one thousand Airmen to improve the morale of the unit. His leadership has been critical to the early identification and save of five Airmen careers in only two weeks on the job. His outstanding leadership, attitude and professionalism make him a perfect fit to become a permanent first sergeant in the future.