Program coordinator is selected as commander's wingman of choice

  • Published
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Gina Menden, an 82nd Civil Engineering Squadron unit program coordinator from Kenosha, Wis., has been selected as the commander's wingman of choice. She has spent four years at Sheppard and is inspired by her faith and family.

The 82nd Training Wing "Commander's Wingman of Choice" award program is the commander's way of acknowledging Airmen for a job well done and to recognize Airmen who exemplify the Air Force core values. Criteria for consideration include outstanding duty performance, community involvement and exemplary leadership.

Family: Husband: Tech. Sgt. James Menden (362 Training Squadron instructor), Children: Arianna (10) and Andrew (8)

Education:
Masters of music degree (Viola Performance) - University of Arizona
Bachelors of music degree (Violin Performance) -Drake University

Future goals:
To see my children and music students grow up to be successful and valued citizens.

Greatest accomplishment:
It's hard to quantify whether having a beautiful family, helping a friend through a tough time, being chosen for a competitive symphony job after years of practice or simply being considered a "go-to" person is better. I just feel blessed that, at the end of the day, I can look at myself in the mirror and say "I've done well."

Hobbies, off-duty interests:
Off-duty, I'm a musician. My musical jobs and activities include being a violist in the Wichita Falls Symphony, co-music director for the Wichita Falls Youth Symphony Orchestra, private music instructor for over 20 students and being a judge for music festivals and competitions around the city. 

Why is this person the Wingman of Choice? Gina is the absolute go-to person for 17 different commander programs and knowledgeable in numerous other areas of civil engineering. She is employed as the unit program coordinator, but she is irreplaceable by performing numerous administrative duties for the squadron. She is one of few people that have mastered the work and life balance equation.

Commander's name and comments:
According to Mark McBurnett, "I wish I could clone Gina and place one of her in our areas that need improvement. Then we could win almost every award available."