Sheppard NCO is 2013 AETC Airman Instructor of Year

by Dan Hawkins
82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

4/25/2013 - SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 2012 calendar year was a busy one for Staff Sgt. Jordan Loving between moving, learning a new job, going to Airman Leadership School and finishing up a college degree, but in the end it all paid off with his selection as Air Education and Training Command's Airman Instructor of the Year for 2013.

Loving, an aircraft metals technology instructor at the 361st Training Squadron, impressed his leadership immediately upon his arrival at Sheppard in early 2012 with his work ethic and desire to get certified to teach as soon as possible.

"Jordan's drive to be successful stood out from the beginning," said Lt. Col. Bart Kenerson, 361st TRS commander.

To achieve his goal of being certified, Loving hit the ground running. He completed the basic instructor course and ALS (as a class leader no less), not to mention finishing the final four classes he needed to earn his Community College of the Air Force associates degree.

Although the certification process can be intimidating to first-time instructors, Loving attacked every part of the process.

"It was hectic...no doubt about it," Loving said. "But I wanted to be teaching as soon as possible after I got here."

He was also instrumental in the unit's highway cleanup activities and his shop's 'Adopt-a-Highway' program.

Although relatively new to the NCO ranks (Loving was promoted to staff sergeant in November, 2012), he sees the big picture regarding the 82nd Training Wing's mission of training and inspiring Airmen.

"I like being able to affect my workplace and the students directly," Loving said. "Teaching Airmen the right way to do things and to have pride in their work...it's awesome."

Loving volunteered for instructor duty in part to be with his wife, Staff Sgt. Tulu Loving, a military training leader at the 366th Training Squadron here.

"I knew there wasn't a regular metals shop here at Sheppard," Loving said. "I was at Dyess (Air Force Base) and wanted to come to Wichita Falls, so I volunteered to be an instructor and got picked up."

Although the "I Love Me" wall is full after a year overflowing with squadron, group, wing and MAJCOM awards, Loving isn't slowing down.

 

"I'd like to finish a bachelor's degree," the NCO said of his long-term goals. "I also want to make technical sergeant...there's no excuse not to do these things here."