HVAC instructor selected as commander's "Wingman of Choice"

  • Published
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Tech. Sgt. Michael Murray, an 366th Training Squadron section chief from Maplesville, Ala., who has 16 years of service in the Air Force has been selected as the commander's "Wingman of Choice". He is inspired by the success of his fellow Airmen and counts his greatest accomplishment as his 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: Wife; Bobbie, Sons; Austin, Logan and Dallas

Education (Include name of school and degree in what area): Associates in Electrical and Mechanical Technology from Community College of the Air Force.

Future goals: Finish bachelor's degree and retire from the Air Force

Hobbies, off-duty interests: Coaching youth football and spending time with family.

Why is this person the Wingman of Choice?

Since his arrival Tech. Sgt. Murray has implemented numerous programs designed to further the proficiency of his instructors and students. He revamped the block lead program, which provides each instructor with a little ownership of the course. This program has allowed his instructors to assist with course development and also help meet requirements for the Master Instructor Award. Tech. Sgt. Murray oversees an Outstanding Instructor Award program which is voted on by the students and presented to the instructor that had the greatest impact on their technical growth. Tech. Sgt. Murray has also implemented programs designed for the betterment of over 500 Navy and Air Force students per year. He devised a program to assist students that were identified for having difficulty grasping the material and needed assistance. He enlists the help of his fellow military instructors to hold night and weekend classes for those individuals who are willing to participate. Since this program's inception, his test failure rate has dropped a dramatic 30 percent.


Commander's name and comments:

Lt Col Jeffrey J. White, 366th TRS commander

In my short time here I have seen the dedication and concern Tech. Sgt. Murray has for his students and instructors. As the section chief of my third largest schoolhouse, his responsibilities are incredible. He trains over 500 multi-service students each year and supervises 30 military and civilian instructors. In addition to the responsibilities in his schoolhouse, he is also my most seasoned exercise evaluation team lead. In this capacity he has overseen four wing exercises in the past four months. His unmatched work ethic has ensured the squadron stands ready to respond to anything thrown our way. Tech. Sgt. Murray is a truly selfless professional and an asset to my team.