Support Airman of the Week: TSgt. Wilhite

Tech. Sgt. Samuel Wilhite, 82nd Training Wing protocol NCO in Charge and native of Atlanta, Georgia, has been in the Air Force for nine years and is the Support Airman of the Week at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, for the week of Dec. 27, 2016 – Jan. 2, 2017.

Most significant accomplishments:

“My military career inspires me,” Wilhite said. “Being able to give back to this country in my own way means a lot to me. Knowing that my current job and the things that I have done over the years in my career help to protect my country and my family, inspire me every day to do it all over again.”

“I was coined by the current Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force,” he said. “I am a highly motivated NCO, so for me there could be no greater honor. Another great accomplishment was when I was six years old, I scored the buzzer beater for my basketball team, the first and only shot I made all year.”

Airman’s story:

“I love sports,” Wilhite said. “Although I am not currently on a team, I usually spend most of my free time coaching youth. For me, I feel like the bonds and lessons learned from a team sport are just as important as the sport itself. I also work out a lot, because I eat a lot.”

Supervisor comments:

“He worked tirelessly on the air show, senior leader offsite, change of commands, Senior NCO induction, and managed multiple distinguished visitor events, in their entirety; something unheard of for a brand new NCO in Charge,” said Lt. Anastasia Neely, 82nd TRW chief of protocol. “He has jumped in without hesitation for every 82nd Training Wing event and is continuously looking for ways to improve the section and himself.”

“In the few months Technical Sergeant Wilhite has been in the section, protocol has seen the busiest time in my year on the job, and he has continued to flawlessly support our mission despite being so new,” she said. “He does it all with a smile and unmatched professionalism as one of the sharpest and smartest NCOs I’ve worked with. On top of all the protocol work he has done, he has completed his Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education course, completed a TDY to protocol school, won wing staff agencies NCO of the quarter, and is a First Term Airman Center mentor.”