Warrior of the Week: Andy Shelton

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  • By Public Affairs
  • Public Affairs
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  Andy Shelton, 71st Logistics Readiness Squadron civil engineer flight budget technician, was nominated as Warrior of the Week because he "truly values the Vance team concept. Whether providing customer support in funding housing orders, helping members with Defense Travel System issues or processing financial documents for the CE flight, his professionalism and dedication help support Team Vance's mission accomplishments," according to Walter Sweet Jr., director of CE.
As the flight's budget technician, Mr. Shelton ensures CE funds are used efficiently and properly. He uses several different financial programs, such as DTS, Automated Business Services System, Commander's Resource Integrated System and integrated Financial Management, in tracking the financial status of the flight. He also certifies availability of funds for military family housing and unaccompanied quarters orders for Team Vance members moving into government quarters.
Mr. Shelton is right at home on Vance. The Enid native took his oath of enlistment on the base in Aug. 1972, along with his sister Mary Sue, who joined under the delayed enlistment program. The sibling swearing- in ceremony attracted local media coverage and Mr. Shelton recalls the duo having their picture taken alongside one of the helicopters assigned to Vance at that time.
Before retiring as a master sergeant in 1992, the Enid High class of 1971 graduate's assignments included McConnell AFB, Kan., Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Columbus AFB, Miss., Eielson and Elmendorf AFBs, Alaska and a 1988 to 1990 tour at Vance. The other half of the sibling swearing-in ceremony, now Mary Sue Boyle, also retired as a master sergeant and lives in Orlando, Fla.
Mr. Shelton has been married to the former Nancy Keeler of Enid for 33 years. The couple has two grown children, Drew of Enid, and Becky of Rochester, Mich.
"I can't thank my wife enough for all the support she has given me," Mr. Shelton said. "She has always been there for me no matter what I needed."
Before accepting his present position, he was a voucher examiner for the 71st Comptroller Squadron for two years. Prior to that he was manager of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program for 2004.
Mr. Shelton continued his association with the VITA program as a volunteer, personally providing valuable tax support for more than 50 military, civilians and dependents this year. He also volunteers his time for the Adopt-A-Highway Program cleanup and Christmas in Action programs.
In addition to his volunteer activities, Mr. Shelton is completing requirements for his master's degree in accounting which he expects to receive in October.
When not spending time with volunteering and school, Mr. Shelton enjoys spending time with his family and learning in general. He particularly enjoys learning about computer programs.