373rd TRS SNCO is "Commander's Wingman of Choice" for Nov. 26-30

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  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Master Sgt. Mark Swope of the 373rd Training Squadron was named the the 82nd TRW "Commander's Wingman of Choice" award winner for the week of Nov. 26-30.

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: Mark

Duty title: HH-60/CV-22 Training Manager

Hometown: Chambersburg, PA

Years of service and time on Sheppard: 18 years in AF/8 Yrs at Sheppard

Family: Heather/Wife; Allyndrea/Step-Daughter; Alex/Step-son

Education: Associates in Applied Science, Avionic Systems Technology, CCAF;
Associates in Applied Science, Instructor of Technology and Military Science, CCAF;
Bachelors of Aeronautical Science, Embry Riddle Aeronautical Univ.; Masters of Aeronautical Science, Embry Riddle Aeronautical Univ.

What inspires you: A sense of accomplishment and knowing that effort applied is for a worthwhile cause. I try to do that in all facets of my life from being a loving husband and father, leader in Boy Scouts, a Training Manager, or just volunteering where needed; I put my best effort forward and strive to make a positive impact.

Future goals: Continue to pursue further education and possibly complete a doctorate degree someday. Completion of FAA Airframe and Power plant certificates. Pursue a career in aviation safety management/accident investigation.

Greatest accomplishment: Achieving the rank of Master Sergeant and completing a masters degree.

Hobbies, off-duty interests: Hunting, fishing, camping with the family, avid Boy Scout leader, volunteering where needed

Reason for submission:  Master Sgt. Swope is a leader who gets things done!  He facilitated the 982nd Training Group Curriculum Conference, which identified 27 action items and standardized processes for 47 GSUs.  Sergeant Swope led an AFSO21 event; streamlining and updating curriculum documentation processes; this resulted in a group operating instruction rewrite. 

He is also a mentor to the base and community! Served as SNCO mentor for an ALS class; facilitating group discussions and teamwork; motivated 12 future supervisors.  Master Sgt. Swope is a district chairman for the Boy Scouts of America Council, leading a 35 person committee.  The committee coordinated 10 events impacting 1300 youth. 

Commander's comments:  Mark is an outstanding SNCO! He continually steps up for new challenges and is the "go to guy" for the curriculum development process across the 982 TRG. He is currently heading up an AFSO21 event which has created a more efficient process for reviewing and documenting curriculum throughout the group. He is also very active on base and in the community. Mark continually goes above and beyond to make an impact in all that he does on and off duty. I am pleased to nominate him for the Wingman of Choice Award. - Maj. Jeffry Beard, 373rd TRS commander