DAVIS MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Taking care of people who accomplish the Air Force mission is key and the number one priority for Tech. Sgt. Scott Jenkins, 924th Maintenance Squadron Aerospace Reclamation and repair crew chief.
Jenkins, won the prestigious John L. Levitow Award after attending the Non-Commissioned Officer’s Academy at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, from February 16 to March 25 of this year. The award is given to the Airman who excels the most both academically and as a leader during the course.
“I attribute my success to a vested interest in higher learning,” said Jenkins. “When I entered the Air Force in 2006 my supervisor expressed the importance of higher learning in regards to my career. Since then, I have accomplished two Community College of the Air Force degrees, a BA in English, and an MA in English, creative writing.”
Before joining the 924th MXS in April 2013, Jenkins served as an Aircraft Hydraulics System Specialist and instructor on active duty. He has since cross-trained to the crew chief career field and became an Air Reserve Technician in December of 2013.
“Tech. Sgt. Jenkins sets the standard in what he does daily,” said Master Sgt. Matthew Bradford, 924th MXS AR flight chief. “Being just good enough isn’t in his nature. He wants to excel, such was the case with him attending NCOA and winning the John Levitow Award, in his class of 153 peers.”
Jenkins expressed eagerness to lead and mentor at the flight level. Until then, he continues to learn and practice the skills gained from both the Air Force and his college education to better himself and those around him.
“Leaders must put ‘the person’ first and people must put ‘the mission’ first,” said Jenkins. “The most important thing to me is people. I hold the mental and physical state of subordinates in high regard. When I was coming up in the Air Force, several supervisors exemplified true leadership; however, a couple did not. The negative examples of supervisors who disregarded the wellness of subordinates taught me the true power of a leader. I use that experience to ensure no person is ignored or left feeling trapped.”
Besides his love for aircraft maintenance, Jenkins also has a passion for writing. He has opened a website for his short stories, is working on a novel, and is a blogger and editor leading a team of military writers for ‘Maintainer Nation.’ These sites have gained a following and provided him the confidence to continue a dream he has had since youth, to become an author. By summer 2016 his first book will be released for sale on Amazon.