Civil engineering instructor named commander's 'Wingman of Choice'

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  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Tech. Sgt. Thlaythla Meak is the commander's "Wingman of Choice" for the week of April 7-11. The 82nd Training Wing "Wingman of Choice" award program is the commanders way of acknowledging Airmen for a job well done and to recognize Airman who exemplify the spirit of the program.

Criteria for consideration include outstanding duty performance, community involvement and exemplary leadership.

Go by name: Thlay

Squadron: 366th Training Squadron
Duty title: water and fuel system maintenance instructor
Hometown: Lowell, Mass.
Years of service: 9 years
Time on Sheppard: 3 ½ years

Family: Wife and two children
Education: Associates of Applied Sciences degree in electrical and mechanical technology from Community College of the Air Force.
What inspires you: My father's legacy.
Future goals: Smooth transition back into operational Air Force, finish Bachelors degree and make Master Sgt. Greatest accomplishment: Allowed the opportunity to mold the minds of the new Air Force.
Hobbies, off-duty interests: Enjoys the outdoors, fishing, soccer, activities with the family and prepping for the zombie apocalypse.

Why is this person the Wingman of Choice? Since his arrival, Tech. Sgt. Meak has far exceeded every standard that has been levied upon him. He began his tour volunteering to serve in the elite base honor guard. As an honor guardsmen and flight leader, he coordinated 8,400 detail hours, trained 13 fellow guardsmen, and honored fallen warriors as he led the completion of 69 ceremonies. After serving a two year tour at the base honor guard, he was handpicked to lead the squadron safety program. In this capacity, he acted as the advisor to the Headquarters Air Force Safety Officer for eight flights, two multi-state detachments and more than 2,000 personnel yearly. Furthermore, on a bi-weekly basis, Meak educated more than 400 students on proper mishap prevention and reporting procedures, which culminated in an astounding 15 percent drop in mishap reports over a 1 year period and an 82 percent drop in findings during the 2013 safety inspection. Meak has also embodied the volunteer spirit. While at Sheppard, he devoted an insurmountable amount of his off-duty time to the Wichita Falls Humane Society, Habitat for Humanity, Christmas in Action, the Wichita Falls "Chain-Off" program, Airmen Against Drunk Driving, Meals On Wheels, Tabs for Toys, the Air Force Sergeants Association, Junior Enlisted Team Sheppard, and many other squadron and base organizations. Meak's efforts, along with the more than 3,000 teaching hours that he has logged, have left an incredible mark on the community of Wichita Falls and Sheppard Air Force Base.

Commander's comments: According to Lt. Col. Jeffrey J. White, 366th TRS commander, "In my short time here, I have seen the dedication and concern Meak has for his students and fellow instructors in my largest schoolhouse, encompassing more than 900 joint-service and international students each year. He is an incredible asset to this organization and I am proud to have him on board. His unmatched work ethic has ensured that this squadron stands ready to respond to anything thrown our way. I whole heartedly recommend Meak for this award. He is most deserving and epitomizes the Wingman of Choice concept."