Smokin’ Aces: One class, two perfectionists

Published Oct. 1, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Robert L. McIlrath
82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The saying "great minds think alike" proved to be true for two students in the munitions systems apprentice course.

Airmen 1st Class Michael Thomas and Lee Milligan both received ACE awards Sept. 23, 2014, at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas.

The ACE award is the highest academic honor a student can receive and is earned for exceptional performance by maintaining a perfect 100 percent average through the entire course. The AMMO course consists of seven blocks, six of which are testable.

Both students distinguished themselves in class by also earning individual awards.

Airman 1st Class Thomas was the recipient AMMO Chief's Association award for maintaining high personal and military standards during his stay at Sheppard. Airman 1st Class Milligan earned the rare AMMO Warrior Award which is given to for exhibiting AMMO valor.

Thomas, a 25-year-old Spanish Fork, Utah, native will be heading to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. The Gautier, Miss., native, Milligan will be calling Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C., his new home.

Milligan and Thomas both upheld the Air Force core values while displaying exemplary attitude, perseverance and dedication, all of which contributed directly to their success.