366 TRS NCO is "Commander's Wingman of Choice" for Dec. 31 - Jan. 4

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  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Tech. Sgt. Christopher Decker of the 366th Training Squadron was named the the 82nd TRW "Commander's Wingman of Choice" award winner for the week of Dec. 31 - Jan. 4.

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: Chris

Duty title: Section Chief, Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance training

Hometown: Uniontown, PA

Years of service and time on Sheppard: 15 years in Air Force/three years on Sheppard

Family: Wife Nichole, 12 year old son Noah

Education:  A.S., Ecological Controls, Community College of the Air Force;  A.S., Instructor of Technology and Military Science, CCAF.  Currently working towards B.S. in Communications from the University of Louisville.

What inspires you: My family and the Airmen I have graduated from the Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance Course

Future goals: Completing my degree and to retire from the Air Force as a chief master sergeant.

Greatest accomplishment: My family.

Hobbies, off-duty interests: Playing football and basketball with my son and competing in fantasy football.

Reason for submission:  Since his arrival, Tech. Sgt. Decker has worked diligently to improve his work center for his staff and their students. He implemented a "Warrior of the Month" program in which a candidate from the Army, Navy and Air Force are put through a board of the three senior leaders from each branch. Since the program's inception, two of the six Air Force winners have gone on to win below-the-zone at their gaining units. In addition, he also implemented an Airman Leader Board. Each rope candidate from his schoolhouse competes in a board consisting of a Tech. Sgt., Staff Sgt. and civilian. Since program implementation, the Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance schoolhouse has had more Airman leaders reach red rope status than any other squadron schoolhouse. Finally, Sergeant Decker also instituted a "Block Lead" program for his instructors. This program allows each instructor to own a piece of the course. The instructors work hand-in-hand with the training manager to help development course content, improve courseware and it also allows each instructor to work on a professional project to help them achieve a Master Instructor Badge.

Commander's comments: Tech. Sgt. Decker has impressed me at every turn. In addition to his outstanding leadership of 33 multi-service and civilian personnel as my Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance Instructor Supervisor, he is also one of my more experienced additional duty first sergeants. In fact, for the past three weeks he has masterfully filled in for my First Sergeant and has done a fantastic job. He coordinated with my two detachments for discipline reports, responded to three alcohol related incidents, organized a Health and Welfare inspection for 400 personnel and processed five elimination packages. Chris also worked with HVAC/R course leadership and the reserve liaison to ensure an Airman was able to return home to attend a funeral for his grandfather. In addition to all of this, he also coordinated the Air Force Civic Leaders visit for his schoolhouse. His charisma and can do attitude impressed our senior leaders and was touted as the highlight of the tour by many. Moreover, Sergeant Decker showcased his outstanding contributions to mission success by accomplishing all of this while he attended college classes and completed his Course 14. - Lt. Col. James Beam, 366th TRS commander