Ensminger receives instructor pilot award Published March 24, 2010 By Capt. Matt Gjertsen 32nd Flying Training Squadron executive officer VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- A tremendous honor was bestowed upon an instructor pilot from the 32nd Flying Training Squadron this month. Capt. Sam Ensminger, additionally serving as the 71st Mission Support Group executive officer, received the Lt. Col. Martin H. Nelson Instructor Pilot Award. The award is given annually by the 99th Flying Training Squadron at Randolph AFB, Texas, to a member of the T-1 community in honor of a former instructor pilot who died of cancer nearly two years ago. "He (Colonel Nelson) was a pilot's instructor," said Lt. Col. David Cox, commander of the 99th FTS. "He epitomized what a professional aviation instructor ought to be - positive, articulate, motivating and educational." Captain Ensminger earned the award for his outstanding achievements as the flight commander for four different student classes. During that time he led 26 instructors and graduated 55 students. As one former student put it, Captain Ensminger's dedication to mission and concern for success make him by far the best instructor pilot. Outside of the flight room, Captain Ensminger worked tirelessly to improve operations. He organized the fly-in of a KC-135 to help increase the awareness of his students about the life they were about to enter. He also volunteered at the Vance Civilian Fly-in to enhance the understanding of local pilots about the T-1 mission. When he received the award during a ceremony here April 18, Captain Ensminger simply said, "This is to the students."