Staff Sgt. Tyshawn Jenkins To Be Honored In Asbury Park

Staff Sergeant Tyshawn Jenkins is a 108th Wing intelligence analyst, but served 9 years as a fuels systems technician, with the Maintenance Squadron, New Jersey Air National Guard, Joint Base, McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey.

The Asbury Park District is holding an event at the Paramount Theatre February 28, 2019 to honor Jenkins.

• Where: Paramount Theatre
• Time: 5:30-7:30
• Date: February 28, 2019
• Theme: Blacks in the Military
• Honoree: Tyshawn Jenkins

As a leader within the fuel shop, he is responsible for creating new safety books for all shops assigned to the Wing’s Accessory Section. Additionally, he assists in the training of newly assigned personnel and in retraining personnel. Jenkins was selected to be on a special team responsible for creating an annual confined space-training program that emphasized emergency procedures. Within the maintenance section his focus is on effectiveness, professional development, military readiness, training, morale, and welfare of the fuel shop.

In 2010, Sergeant Jenkins began his military career by enlisting in the United States Air Force. He has served as an aircraft maintenance technician since his enlistment. Jenkins also assisted with relief efforts immediately following Superstorm Sandy in 2013. In 2015, he served in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

Sergeant Jenkins is a member of the Wing’s Honor Guard, which serves as a visible example of the Air Force in various ceremonies including change of commands and funerals for veterans. They also represent what is unique to the Guard – a dedication to furthering education. Jenkins completed his master of business administration degree in 2014, with a cumulative GPA of 3.5, while simultaneously passing the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test.

He was selected as the Maintainer of the Quarter, the 108th Airmen of the Year, and the 2016 Enlisted Association Air National Guard MSgt John E. Bodine Outstanding Airman Award. Sergeant Jenkins is devoted to philanthropy and promoting educational success within his community and thus, established an annual scholarship of $1000 to an exemplary student from Asbury Park High School in honor of his grandmother who battled cancer, a sister who was murdered and a victim of domestic abuse, as well as his grandfather, who served in WWII.

Family support has been essential while on assignments domestically and while deployed. The support of Wounded Warrior Project have been essential in his ability to stay grounded and focus on what is most important. Sergeant Jenkins has volunteered with the Wounded Warrior Project on several occasions. Some of which were his involvement and a group of service veterans that sorted food donations, checked expiration dates, and packed 480 after-school lunches for underprivileged children at the Pennsauken Food Bank of South Jersey. In addition, Sergeant Jenkins has volunteered annually at elementary schools during Read Across America, helping rebuild recreational areas in Washington DC school districts, and visiting veterans at community homes.

EDUCATION

2004 Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design and Computer Graphics, The College of New Jersey

2011 Air Force Aircraft Maintenance Course

2015 Air Force Noncommissioned Officer Academy, McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, TN

2015 Master of Business Administration in Marketing, Thomas Edison State College, Trenton, NJ

ASSIGNMENTS

1. June 2011 - August 2013, Aircraft Fuels Specialist, Atlantic City, NJ

2. August 2013 - Present, Aircraft Fuels Specialist, 108th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, McGuire AFB, NJ

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

Air Force Achievement Medal

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

Air Force Good Conduct Medal

Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal

National Defense Service Medal

Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal

Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon (with Gold Border)

Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon

Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with 1 M device)

USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon

AF Training Ribbon

STATE AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

New Jersey Commendation Medal

New Jersey Good Conduct Ribbon

New Jersey Merit Award Ribbon (with 1 device)

New Jersey State Service Ribbon

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION

Airmen First Class 18 Feb 2010

Senior Airman 29 Oct 2013

Staff Sergeant 13 Jan 2016