Retiring SARC is "Wingman of Choice"

  • Published
  • By 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Valerie Cook, Sheppard's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Coordinator, was selected as the "Commander's Wingman of Choice".

A Wichita Falls native, Cook has served at Sheppard for 37 years and is inspired by her 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, Larry; son -Doug and his wife Jana; daughter, Stephanie and her husband Jonathon; grandchildren - Colby, Kynlee, Wyatt, Colt and Eli

Education: Bachelors of applied arts and sciences and masters in Public Management, both from Midwestern State University

Future goals: Continue volunteering at Hospice in Wichita Falls and spend more time with my grandchildren.

Greatest accomplishment: Obtaining my formal education. I was a non-traditional student and made many sacrifices along the way to obtain my education.

Hobbies, off-duty interests: Spending time at the lake, crafts, playing Sudoku and scrapbooking.

Why is this person the Wingman of Choice?  Valerie Cook serves as a mentor, confidant, advocate, consulter and motivator for both the 82nd Training Wing and the 80th Flying Training Wing. Cook has been vocal in our community and spearheaded the development and implementation of the teal rope program which currently has over 150 Students Against Sexual Assault and Harassment members. Cook has also hosted and creatively integrated training into several cultural and social events to distribute key information to our Airmen. Val has championed the fight against sexual assault in every way!

Commander's comments: Val has led the cultural shift in the base populace. She has definitely left her mark at Sheppard Air Force Base and will be greatly missed!  - Col. Eric Froehlich, 82nd Training Wing vice commander