AMOC graduate achieves ACE award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Robert L. McIlrath
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  An Airman in the aircraft maintenance officer course here graduated and earned the rare ACE award.

Capt. Michael Vinacco received the ACE award Aug. 22, 2014, during a graduation ceremony for the 363rd Training Squadron's AMOC. ACE awards are presented for maintaining a 100 percent GPA throughout the course.

Vinacco, a Poquoson, Va. native and Virginia Military Institute graduate, showed dedication and drive as he scored perfect test scores throughout the 14-week course.

"The hardest part was the last test," Vinacco said. "Knowing it all came down to 25 questions that I better get right."

Vinacco takes into account many contributing factors which allowed him to achieve this feat.

"The understanding of my family contributed most," he said. "A big thanks goes out to my wife and my fellow students for pitching in and doing a great job in the classroom."

The Japan-bound Airmen will soon reside at Kadena, Air Base where he will be the aircraft maintenance officer in charge of an F-15 Eagle.