434th FTS collects second straight instructor of the year award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Blake Mize
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  For the second consecutive year, Laughlin, and more specifically the 434th Fighter Training Squadron, is home to the best Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals instructor in the entire Air Education and Training Command.

Capt. Kris Person, 434th FTS, was recently named Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals Instructor Pilot of the year for 19th Air Force. It is the second year in a row that an instructor pilot from the 434th FTS has been recognized with this honor. Capt. Jeremy Guinther, 434th FTS, won the award last year.

Lt. Col. James Walker, 434th FTS commander, said that the two stand-out instructors' dedication to students, desire to better themselves and leadership on the ground and in the air set them apart to garner the award.

"They're both well-rounded officers and instructors with remarkable initiative and drive," said Lt. Col. Walker.

So what does the 434th FTS do differently that causes these awards, that are chosen from a group of 135 fighter fundamentals instructors throughout AETC, to keep coming in?

"We don't do anything different; we just do it better," said Lt. Col. Walker, who has commanded the 434th FTS since June of 2008. "We place a high value on instructing and flying abilities as well as our legacy of excellence."

Lt. Col. Walker said Capt. Person's personal drive, mission focus, exceptional mentorship skills and excellent rapport with students were all contributing factors that he feels separated Capt. Person from the rest of the instructors throughout AETC.

"Probably the most important factor is being surrounded by and learning from the phenomenal instructor pilots in the squadron," said Capt. Person. "Every 434th IP is exceptionally talented, and could easily have been selected to receive this award."

The 434th FTS, which has been active since 1943 and based at Laughlin since July of 2007, operates the T-38 talon aircraft.