John Walker:  

aircraft. During this period Sergeant Walker contributed immeasurably to the “Excellent” rating received during an Operational Readiness Inspection and Nuclear Surety Inspection by testing all 24 assigned squadron aircraft weapons systems thereby ensuring a 100 percent nuclear system pass rate. In 1989 Sergeant Walker was assigned to the 18th Fighter Squadron Eielson AFB Alaska. Here he initially worked the A-10A aircraft in support of nearby Army ground operations at Fort Wainwright, but was moved to the newly forming F-16C squadron utilizing the new night fighting technology of the BLOCK 40 upgrade. During this period Sergeant Walker performed the duties of weapons flight maintenance trainer and performed acceptance inspections on squadron aircraft. In 1992 Sergeant Walker was assigned to the 78th Fighter Squadron Shaw AFB South Carolina. Here he performed Weapons Load Crew Chief duties and was a critical player in the transition from BLOCK 42 to BLOCK 50 aircraft. Later he was selected to represent the squadron as their Squadron Lead Crew Chief working in Weapons Standardization Section. Ultimately, he was promoted to the position of Weapons Academics Instructor for the entire 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw, where he completely redesigned the curriculum by implementing emerging electronic instructional media. Following his promotion to MSgt, Sergeant Walker was assigned to the 79th Fighter Squadron where he performed Weapons Maintenance NCOIC duties. In October 2000 Sergeant Walker was transferred to his final military job position at the 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Luke AFB Arizona. Here he performed Production Supervisory duties and worked numerous armament issues making the 56th EMS Armament Flight the best in the USAF; he credits his success to the Outstanding NCO’s and Airmen serving with him. Sergeant Walkers’ military education includes the NCO Prepatory course at Misawa AB Japan, NCO Leadership School at Elmendorf AFB Alaska, and the NCO Academy at McGhee Tyson ANG Base Knoxville Tennessee. Sergeant Walker is a 2002 graduate from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and has earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Professional Aeronautics. His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 4 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 1 silver oak leaf cluster, and the National Defense Service Medal with 1 bronze star device.