SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --
Tech. Sgt. Tanisha
Spencer, Sheppard Noncommissioned Officer Academy instructor and native of Fort
Lauderdale, Florida, has been in the Air Force for 13 years and is the
Instructor of the Week at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, for the week of April
12-18, 2016.
Most significant accomplishments:
“My
greatest accomplishment was leaving home and joining the Air Force,” Spencer
said. “I am grateful for all the opportunities the Air Force has afforded me
throughout my career. I have experience in three different career fields:
dental assistant, public health, and Enlisted Professional Military Education
Instructor. Within those career fields, I had the opportunity to lead several
process improvements efforts and I have learned what it takes to take care of my
fellow Airman. I have also gained deployment experience outside of my career
fields. Although every day is not unicorns and rainbows, I have met some
awesome people along my journey - those I can really call my wingmen.”
Airman’s story:
“I
joined the Air Force because I grew up in a low income family, around crime,
and I wanted to see the world,” she said. “I was very shy and quiet as a child
but I had a wild imagination. When I joined the Air Force, it was hard at first
getting used to being away from my mom and brother but I have had many great
experiences.”
“I
have learned valuable knowledge on how to get out of my comfort zone from being
in different jobs,” she continued. “My family taught me work ethic and
responsibility – I always give 100 percent. I’m a very energetic person, even
though I am an introvert. I am very creative and have a lively imagination … I
am very optimistic and driven. Even though it took me a while to determine ‘what
I wanted to be when I grew up,’ I feel like I found my purpose: design (graphic
design, motion graphics, interior design, etc.).”
“I
love creating and revamping things to improve them and helping with projects to
improve morale,” Spencer said. “My hope for the future is to continue to grow
as an Air Force leader, retire, become a graphic designer, and travel the
world.”
Supervisor
comments:
“Tech.
Sergeant Spencer provides world-class enlisted professional military education to
NCOs (noncommissioned officers) at the SNCOA (senior noncommissioned officer
academy),” said Master Sgt. David Cameron, NCO Academy instructor. “She is
responsible for leading and mentoring 14 NCOs through seven 175 curriculum hour
classes per year.”
“During
these classes, she develops her NCOs’ knowledge and skills in Profession of
Arms, Drill and Ceremony, Communication, Organizational Management, Leadership,
and Fitness,” Cameron continued. “Additionally, she leads the SNCOA’s Student
Legacy Program guiding the creation and presentation of class legacy gifts. Additionally,
she has been an integral part of many improvement projects at the SNCOA. Most recently, she utilized her graphic
design skills to develop a lithograph representing the SNCOA and its heritage.
It was combined with other items to enhance the appearance and professionalism
of the SNCOA Commandant’s Conference Room.”