Hydraulics student earns ACE award

Published Oct. 7, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson
82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Hard work and studying seem to have paid off for Airman 1st Class Chase Gdanski, a 364th Training Squadron hydraulic systems apprentice, as he earned the ACE award here.

The ACE award is achieved by students who achieve a 100 percent average throughout each block of testing.

The Fairview, Okla., native wanted his efforts in technical training to play a bigger part in his role as an Airman.

"I knew I needed to do good," he said. "My record needs to reflect what kind of Airman I want to be."

While Gdanski was initially reluctant to aim for such an award, he came to believe it was possible as he succeeded throughout the course.

"I didn't know whether or not I was going to get it done," he said. "After I passed the tests, it started to become a possibility."

Staff Sgt. Samuel Osifalujo, a 364th TRS hydraulics instructor, knew he saw something that set Gdanski apart from others the moment he stepped inside his classroom.

"I'm proud of him," he said. "He believes in himself and I could see that from day one. I always knew he was above average."

While maintaining a 100 percent average for the course was challenging, Gdanski decided to take a more conventional and humble approach.

"They (the instructors) gave me the appropriate tools I needed to succeed," he said. "I just went out and did what I had to do."

As Gdanski prepares to move on to his next assignment at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., he is eager to use the knowledge he has acquired for the betterment of the Air Force mission.

"I really enjoy what I do and I can't wait to get out there and do it for real," he said.