982 TRG Airmen is "Wingman of Choice" for May 13-17

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  • By 82nd Training Public Affiars
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Airman 1st Class Christian Leon, a knowledge operations manager with the 982nd Training Group, has been selected as the 82nd Training Wing commanders "Wingman of Choice" for May 13-17.

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: Christian

Hometown: Jensen Beach, Florida

Years of service and time on Sheppard: 1 year 6 months active duty and 1 year as a part of Team Sheppard

Family:  A1C Leon has a supporting mother, Iris Jones, and father, Kevin Jones, who support him in every aspect of his life.

Education: Currently working on Bachelor of Science degree in Physics. He is taking classes at Vernon College, but will transfer to Midwestern State University to finish his degree.

What inspires you: His faith inspires him along with all his family and friends.

Future goals: Main goal is to be accepted into the Air Force Academy to become a pilot. He continues to work on Senior Airman Below-the-Zone, make each rank the first time, and obtain his bachelor, master and doctorate degrees. He wants to serve 20, or more, years in the Air Force and then once retired, travel around the world.

Greatest accomplishment: His greatest personal accomplishment is joining the military saying, "not everyone can wear the uniform."

Hobbies, off-duty interests: Enjoys exercising and playing in any organized sport he can be a part of for the base. Leon also enjoys spending time with family and friends doing activities such as traveling, going to the movies, rodeos, car conventions, concerts and sporting events.

Reason for submission: Airman Leon joined the 982d Training Group with an outstanding positive can-do and dedicated attitude. As a part of the group's Knowledge Operations Management section, he processes all reports and decorations in a timely manner for the group and wing commander's signatures. He maintains the group Evaluation Management System (EMS), as well as the group SharePoint and Air Force Portal pages. He also archives technical training end of course survey's using the Technical Training Management System (TTMS) working on over 1,000 items each month. Along with this hard work in the group, A1C Leon demonstrates great organizational and management skills as lead for group and wing level programs. He successfully took charge of the National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October 2012 exceeding their attendance goal by 60%. More recently he single handedly ran the Sheppard Air Force Base Blood drive for the month of April bringing in 558 units of blood (which can save over 1600 lives), and surpassing the Texas Blood Institute's goal of 550. A1C Leon is also on the Junior Enlisted Team Sheppard council as Secretary where he brings the needs of all junior enlisted to the attention of base senior leadership.

Commander's name and comments: Since Airman Leon has become a member of the 982 TRG last year, his actions have consistently reflected what it truly means to embody the Wingman spirit. His drive for success and enthusiasm towards mission accomplishment keep his character sharper than any two-edged sword! Within the first three months A1C Leon joined the group, his Wingman abilities were put to the test when he rescued a woman from her burning car and saved her life while she was unable to help herself. Furthermore, A1C Leon has consistently stepped up to the plate to take on leadership roles in concert with the Command Chief of the 82 TRW (CMSgt Johnson) by serving on the Professional Organizations panel - gathering vital information and ideas with the ultimate goal of bettering Sheppard AFB. A1C Leon's future in the United States Air Force has barely begun, and yet it is exciting for me to think of all the awesome things that will come from his leadership and guidance as he advances in his career. There is no doubt in my mind that A1C Leon is the ultimate choice for the 82 TRW Wingman of Choice Award. - Col Peter A. Markle, 982 Training Group