Two ACE winners , one tale of success

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  There is a saying that "good things come in pairs." Well, a pair of two Airmen-in-training here achieved the ACE Award Aug. 16, for scoring a 100 percent average throughout each block of testing.

Airman Basic Zachary Cody of Lexington, N.C., and Airman Basic Alex Barnes of Apple Valley, Minn., Both from the 361st Training Squadron, are aircrew flight equipment technicians who make sure they are the life-line pilots can depend on.

"We're the pilots last resort, our stuff has to work," Cody said. "There is no margin for error." Cody, who will be based at Sheppard, and Barnes, who is headed for Macdill Air Force Base, Fla., both count each other as their biggest motivation in striving for excellence.

"We challenge each other," Barnes said. "Neither of us wants to lose to one another."

Cody and Barnes were linked together from day one of their Air Force careers as each other's brother flight. When they came to Sheppard they decided that it was a good idea to continue working together.

"Every night before each block test we studied," Barnes said. "It was working, so we kept it going."

Tech. Sgt. Steven Moreira , 361st TRS aircrew flight equipment instructor, said he was impressed from the beginning by his students' performance.

"I was blown away," he said. "They were very meticulous in their studying."

Moreira is passionate about having his students excel in a field he has devoted himself to.

"I feel a sense of pride when they (the students) tell me that my teaching is working for them," he said.
 
Moreira believes mentorship is the key to helping his students achieve their maximum potential inside and outside the classroom. He thinks of tech school as a formative process where students can learn about the value of doing the best they can.

"This is the time to affect young minds," he said. "I can take young Airman and spin them on the right path."

Before the final test on Aug. 16, the Airmen were nervous about the last obstacle in their way before they could claim the ACE award.

"Sleeping last night was difficult," Barnes commented with a wry smile.

When the two Airmen took their final test together and found out they had earned the ACE award, they found the moment surreal. In the end they believe hard work and dedication is what has made them successful so far.

"If you stay motivated and work hard, you are going to do great things throughout your career and entire life," Moreira said.