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Instructor of the Week: TSgt. Spencer

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  • By Staff Reports
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

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.”