Instructor of the Week: Capt Thompson

Capt. Adam Thompson, 80th Operations Group executive officer and a native of Frederick, Maryland, has been in the Air Force for eight years and is the Instructor of the Week at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, for the week of September 27 - Oct. 3, 2016.

Most significant accomplishments:

“I was honored with the 'most valuable instructor pilot' award from an Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals class, along with 'the hammer' award from a few other classes,” Thompson said. “I am part of the team leading an initiative to improve the pilot training process, with the advanced pilot trainer on the horizon. Additionally, I received the 80th Flying Training Wing 'aviation well done' award for handling an emergency in flight while flying with a University of Kentucky Air Force ROTC cadet in the back seat. Lastly, I was awarded the 88th Fighter Training Squadron 'company grade officer of the quarter' for April through June of 2016.”

Airman’s story:

“I was born in Germany, while my father was a Flight Surgeon in the Air Force,” Thompson said. “Then I moved up and down the east coast until I entered the Air Force in 2008 through the ROTC program. I attended pilot training at Sheppard Air Force Base, and then became an F-15E Strike Eagle pilot with my first assignment at Lakenheath, United Kingdom. During that tour, I married my wife and we traveled Europe. I arrived in the 88th Fighter Training Squadron in October 2014 to instruct basic fighter maneuvers, surface attack, and surface attack tactics. While here, my wife had our first son, which is my best accomplishment to date.”

Commander’s comments:

“Captain Thompson promotes and ensures top-tier student training in the Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals program through his dedication both as the group executive officer and an IFF instructor pilot,” said Lt. Col. Richard Blagg, 88th FTS commander. “His focus on the transition to a wingman mindset is what helps to prepare future combat pilot for the Air Force. His help in additional duties, such as the advanced pilot trainer initiative, shows his ability to go above and beyond his daily duties and excel as an officer. He is an irreplaceable asset to the squadron, group, and wing with a bright future ahead.”