Airman earns Army Distinguished Instructor Award

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Vernon Cunningham
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  An Air Force instructor from the 364th Training Squadron Operating Location B at Fort Lee, Va., was recently awarded the Army Quartermaster School's Distinguished Instructor Award.

Tech. Sgt. Kara Opperman, Joint Service Petroleum Laboratory Course instructor, teaches students about quality surveillance of petroleum products in a joint environment. She also instructs on the specific Air Force aspects of quality control.

Sergeant Opperman has been a course instructor for three years.

Master Sgt. Thomas Bender, Petroleum Laboratory Course master instructor, said Sergeant Opperman's hard work helped her take full advantage of her situation.

"Teaching in a joint service environment offers instructors unique opportunities to earn multi-service recognition," said Master Sgt. Bender. "Tech. Sgt. Opperman did just that."

To be eligible to compete for the DIA, the sergeant had to have at least 24 months teaching experience, be selected by management as a potential candidate, achieve an outstanding classroom evaluation rating and maintain a passing score on her physical training fitness assessment.

Sergeant Opperman said she was able to fulfill the requirements because she had really great mentors who taught her in the beginning and created a foundation that she could build on.

"I am excited about the award," she said. "It makes us feel appreciated for all the hard work we put into the classroom."

Next, she will represent the Laboratory Training Division and 364th TRS in the Training and Doctrine Instructor of the Year competition.

"To prepare for the TRADOC competition, I will be brushing up on the Army regulations with which I am less familiar," said the sergeant. "This competition is making me aware of the differences and similarities between AETC and TRADOC. Overall, it will make me a better instructor."

The TRADOC Instructor of the Year competition will test her technical proficiency, communication skills and student interaction. In addition, she will undergo a classroom evaluation and appear before a panel of professionals.

TRADOC is the Army equivalent of the Air Education and Training Command.