Maintenance student wins ACE award Published Aug. 1, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- On July 29 the ACE award, given for maintaining a 100 percent grade average throughout each block test, was achieved by Airman 1st Class Elijah Lahud, a 362nd Training Squadron student from Duluth, MN, who is slated to go to the Air National Guard 148th Fighter Wing in his hometown. "I feel a sense of relief and pride," said Lahud. "I wanted to do the best I could." At this point Lahud feels ready to take on his next challenge, and counts being at the top as something that he always wanted during his class. "I didn't want to do just one thing," he said. "I wanted to be the best." Lahud also felt that his parents were proud of him. "They're impressed," he said. "They think it's a big deal." His instructor credits his success with a sense of determination and competitiveness. "He's got a drive to be the best," said Staff Sgt. Patrick Mckenna, 362nd TRS F-16 maintenance instructor. "This shows other students it's possible." The pressure of performance was felt by Lahud throughout much of the time he was testing. "The most stressful part is asking yourself whether or not you're pushing yourself hard enough," he said. Lahud feels that getting an ACE award is just one more way he can be of service to the Air Force. "I'm here to be an asset," he said. "I'm committed to that goal."