Instructor of the Week: Capt. Coker

Capt. Tom Coker, 88th Fighter Training Squadron Flight Commander and native of Colleyville, Texas, has been in the Air Force for seven years and is the Instructor of the Week at Sheppard Air Force Base for the week of June 7-13, 2016.

Most significant accomplishments:

“I was given the chance to be the Warrior Call Project Officer,” said Coker. “That job involved planning, coordinating and executed the 80th Flying Training Wing warrior call at a hangar on the flight line for 450 Airmen, a Local band, and a guest speaker with more than 6,000 hours flying the F-16.”

“As an Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals flight commander, I have been able to train and mentor four IFF flights of 46 total fledgling fighter pilots,” he said. “All classes graduated with a 100 percent success rate and a 100 percent on time or ahead of timeline for their follow-on training. Also, three classes honored me with their votes as the most valuable instructor pilot in IFF.”

“I also updated the IFF reporting procedures, enabling students TDY to Sheppard from other bases to have an easier transition,” Coker continued. “Lastly, I volunteered as the squadron representative for suicide awareness. That role made me responsible for ensuring all 88th FTS members’ currencies in their suicide prevention training by briefing the group as a whole as well as at the individual level.”

Airman’s story:

“I was raised in the Dallas Fort Worth area here in Texas,” Coker said. “I graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2009 and completed pilot training at Vance Air Force Base in 2011. My first assignment was to the F-15 Strike Eagle at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho. I arrived in the 88th FTS just over one year ago to instruct basic fighter maneuvers, surface attack, and surface attack tactics.” 

Commander’s comments:

“Captain Coker enables and ensure world-class student training in the Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals program through his dedication both as a flight commander and an IFF instructor pilot,” said Lt. Col. Richard Blagg Jr., 88th FTS commander. “His additional help in squadron activities and wing events like the most recent warrior call demonstrate his ability to excel as an officer and instructor pilot. He is an incredible asset to the squadron, group, and wing with a bright future ahead.”