VAFB Airmen capture AF, AETC awards: Medical group staff sergeant named top Aerospace Physiology NCO Published Dec. 11, 2006 By MSgt George F. Jozens Public Affairs Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- Team Vance has the number one Aerospace Physiology NCO in the Air Force for 2003. SSgt Lori Shackleford has earned the privilege of being named the best NCO in her career field for 2003. "It's great to have the best in the Air Force training the warriors of Team Vance," said Col Mike Callan, 71st Flying Training Wing commander. "Sergeant Shackleford's excellence helps keep all our pilots safe while they perform their flying operations." Sergeant Shackleford identified a catastrophic failure in the MH-15, live fire ejection seat trainer, according to her nomination. She then shut down operations and coordinated repairs, which assured student safety. In addition Sergeant Shackleford is a safety guru. She partook in 151 altitude chamber flights and tended to 11 people's reactions, which ensured 100 percent resolution. This ensured 742 students were safely trained. "We've always known that Lori was the best, and it's great to see the Air Force recognizing that fact," said Col Calhoun, 71st Medical Group commander. "She is a consistent star at both the wing and medical group and is most deserving of this award." She is cited as the premier unit instructor and the expert in 14 of 16 classes. She was consistently singled out as "best ever" on student critiques. In addition to Sergeant Shackleford's job accomplishments, she also is supportive in the community and with her self-improvement. She is an Ambassador in blue, according to the Air Force nomination. Sergeant Shackleford read to schoolchildren, participated in fundraisers, coordinated youth sports and served as a council member of the Child Development Center's parents advisory board, all while she earned 13 credits in pursuit of her business management degree and maintained a 4.0 grade point average.