Spear named 'Instructor of the Week'

  • Published
  • By Staff Reports
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Tech. Sgt. Amber Spear, 359th Training Squadron Detachment one instructor supervisor and native of Booneville, Ark., has been in the Air Force for 14 years and is the Instructor of the Week for Oct. 13-19, 2015. Spear oversees supplemental upgrade courses and is responsible for leading 11 other instructors.

How she impacts the training mission: 

"As an Instructor Supervisor, Spear flawlessly led 11 instructors through 12,000 training hours, replenishing 40 units, and 9 major commands with a 100 percent graduation rate," said Master Sgt. Shantel Whiting, 359th TRS Career Development Course writer. "Spear was handpicked for a Mobile Training Team lead positon to Oman, where she coordinated with engineers to develop F-16 fighter aircraft technical inspection procedures. Her acute knowledge and technical expertise increased the Royal Air Force Oman nondestructive inspection proficiency by 75 percent while saving $14.6 million annually. Spear was also a key member for the annual NDI corporate activity. Spear briefed 8 major command career field managers on training capabilities, increasing NDI qualifications for over 1,000 technicians. Additionally, Spear is a qualified SARC Victim's Advocate who educated 56 staff members on vital SAPR training, reinforcing Air Force directives. Furthermore, Spear was selected as an additional duty 1st sergeant and completed a 32-hour seminar, bolstering her leadership skill set, while overseeing the morale and welfare of 200 students."

Most significant accomplishments:
Spear has executed over 1000 instructor hours and has completed requirements for her Community College of the Air Force instructor certification level II. She also completed her Bachelor's degree in social science, and won the Top 3 NCO instructor of the year award and the 2015 Squadron NCO of the 2nd quarter award.

"Spear joined the Air Force to travel, and attend school, and has been able to accomplish both during her career," said Whiting. "She enjoys coaching her sons' soccer team and cheering them on during baseballs games. She is also an active member of her church and enjoys being stationed in the Pensacola Area."