Instructor receives the Nuclear Deterrence Operations award Published Sept. 11, 2015 By Frank H. Carter 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- A recently arrived instructor with the 363rd Training Squadron's Air Force Logistics Officer School was presented the 2014 Nuclear Deterrence Operations Company Grade Officer of the Year award by Brig. Gen. Patrick J. Doherty, 82nd Training Wing commander, at the Sheppard Air Force Base Theater Sept. 9. Capt. Michael Hillier received the award for his contributions as a nuclear officer. It recognizes outstanding achievement in nuclear deterrence operations across the entire enterprise. Nominations are solicited from agencies such as the Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, major commands and combatant commanders. "This award is an incredible honor and I am still completely blown away by it," said Hillier. "This award really belongs to the men and women of the 39th Maintenance Squadron (Incirlik AB, Turkey). The members of that squadron are some of the best in the Air Force. They work incredibly long hours, have a high tempo mission, and they come to work every day with a smile. They make me so proud to wear the uniform and serve alongside of them. They are absolutely my motivation and they made my job easy." Hillier's first assignment as an officer was at Malmstrom AFB, Mont. as an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile maintenance officer from Feb. 2010 to April 2013. He served a two-year tour at Incirlik, from April 2013 to April 2015 where he was the munitions flight commander and the munitions accountability supply officer for three weapon stockpiles valued at $18 billion. The NDO award was presented during the opening of The Professional Identity and Character Based Leadership Development program.