Sheppard members honored by Daughters of the American Revolution

  • Published
  • By Debi Smith
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Air Force technical training mission, steeped in its own historical milestones, intersected with the rich history of the Major Frances Grice Chapter, Texas Society Daughters of the American Revolution on March 26 at the country club in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Susan McRae, DAR Military Awards chairwoman for the Sheppard Air Force Base Technical Training awards, began coordinating last fall to select four outstanding technical training personnel to honor at their annual luncheon.

The assembly prides itself on the three primary goals of patriotism, education and historical preservation. State Registrar, Margaret Jones, emphasized the organization has a core mission to God, country and home.

She told the awardees, their spouses, supervisors and commanders that "the Daughters of the American Revolution are behind you serving in our military 100 percent."

"We support the Wounded Warriors Program and recently raised $6,000 in 30 minutes," Mrs. Jones said. "That money will be used to buy computers and universal television remotes. Let us know if you need anything and we will get you what you need."

Each individual, representing a technical training group at the base, received a plaque and $100 gift. Honorees, their spouses and unit supporters shared the military mission and their own career stories while exchanging information about the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Staff Sgt. Justin Nichols is a Maintenance Analysis course instructor assigned to the 363d Training Squadron. A graduate of the Airmen Leadership School and earning the John L. Levitow award, Sergeant Nichols volunteered for instructor duty and reported to Sheppard AFB in February 2009. Along with his current instructor duties, Sergeant Nichols serves as a board member for Airmen Against Drunk Driving and the Junior Enlisted Team Sheppard and is an active volunteer both on and off-base. He attends Embry Riddle Aeronautical University pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Technical Management.

Tech. Sgt. Gary Haley is a Fuels Advanced Course Instructor assigned to the 364th TRS. In 200, he deployed to Operation Southern Watch in Saudi Arabia and in 2003 Operation Enduring Freedom at Diego Garcia. Sergeant Haley has served at Sheppard AFB since 2009, and has been selected as NCO of the Quarter for Jan-Mar 2010. He has earned Community College of the Air Force Associate's Degrees in Logistics Management and Instructor of Technology and Military Science. He is currently enrolled with the University of Maryland earning a Bachelor degree in history.

Capt. Wendy Moreno is the Resource Management Course Director, 382nd Training Squadron. Captain Moreno served 11 years as an enlisted Health Services Manager and was selected for a commission in the Medical Service Corps and went on to Commissioned Officer Training at Maxwell AFB, Alabama in 2003. She was selected for an Air Force Institute of Technology civilian institution master's degree program in 2006. She attended the School of Rural Public Health at the Texas A&M University Health Science Center in 2007 and a ten-week internship in 2008 with the Surgeon General's Office in Washington, DC as part of her academic program. Captain Moreno graduated with honors in 2009 and assumed her current position as the Resource Management Course Director.


Tech. Sgt. Brandon Broadway is the Curriculum Manager for all C-5 aircraft Field Training Detachment courses assigned to the 373rd Training Squadron. He received the 2004 Academic Achievement Award from Airman Leadership School, the 2009 NCO of the year for the 365th TRS and nominated for the prestigious General Leo Marquez maintenance award. Since 2008, Sergeant Broadway has served as President of the JETS. He has earned Community College of the Air Force Associate's Degrees in Avionics Systems Technology and Instructor of Technology and Military Science. He is currently enrolled with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Technical Management and Safety.