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WST manager a real-time ‘Top Performer’

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shane Dunaway
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
He runs a simulator, but his work ethic is for real.

Tech. Sgt. Mark Gandy, 736th Security Forces Squadron Warrior Skills Trainer program manager, was selected by Senior Master Sgt. Paul Cornell, 36th Contingency Response Group first sergeant, for his steadfast dedication to the Commando Warrior Combat Skills Training Course. In addition to managing a $4 million training simulator, he also holds duties as opposing forces program manager, combat arms instructor, equipment custodian and client support administrator in his squadron.

Sergeant Gandy started his career at Hanscom AFB in 1994 and moved on to Andersen AFB in 1997. After eight years at Lackland AFB serving in his job and as an instructor in the armory for the security forces tech school, he came back to Andersen AFB.

Sergeant Gandy's workload peaks when a CST class begins. The 15-year veteran often finds himself working 18 consecutive days with extremely long hours.

When he's not enhancing the abilities of today's warfighters on the ground, Sergeant Gandy volunteers time working with Airmen Against Drunk Driving, Network 5/6 and the Chalan Pago Neighborhood Watch program. He also love to use his talents with computers to help others outside work .

"I'm a big computer geek," Sergeant Gandy said. "I spend time fixing them. I help people around my squadron, spouses and their family member who have computer problems. I'll fix it for them free of charge."

Sergeant Gandy's intense workload gives him ample opportunities to excel and set a great example for his co-workers and leadership within the squadron.

"As a Combat Arms Training and Maintenance instructor, Sergeant Gandy has a knack for personalizing and injecting humor into his lessons which always keeps the students focused," said Maj. Kirk Hughes, 736th SFS commander. "Even more important, his meticulous nature leaves no details unaddressed which is reflected in the ground combat scenarios he has developed to better prepare security forces who are about to enter some of the most unstable regions around the world."