Avionics student flies through course as an ACE Published June 17, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Standing tall and clad in Air Force blues, waiting to receive his new occupational badge and certificate of graduation, Airman 1st Class Connor Tlusty distinguished himself by earning the ACE award June 16 on base. The ACE award, given for earning a 100 percent average, was something that the 365th Training Squadron student earned through hard work and dedication. As an F-16 Fighting Falcon avionics specialist, the Rockford, Iowa native is responsible for making sure the systems that keep the jet intact are up to par and ready to complete the Air Force mission at a moment's notice. "It took a lot of work, a lot of studying, a lot of focus and a lot of paying attention," Tlusty commented. The task of getting a 100 percent average was the result of him putting forth maximum effort. "Being in the Air Force, I always try to do my best here," he said. The nature of his job requires Tlusty to apply what he has learned and exercise his critical thinking. "Working on the jets and just figuring out what's wrong with it and knowing that you're the one that fixed it and that you're the reason that plane is up in the sky gets to you," he said. For Staff Sgt. Timothy Puckett, 365th TRS F-16 avionics instructor, teaching his first class and getting an ACE award student at the same time gave him a sense of pride in what he does as a teacher and reminded of him of why he likes the overall career field. "As instructors we have a first-hand into bringing out the troops that are going to be working next to us on the flight line, so we have a chance to make changes and groom the Airmen into the way that we want," he said. Headed for Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Tlusty looks forward to getting some operational time on the flight line and applying his new-found skills. "I'm looking forward to doing what I'm actually trained to do," he said.