Unsung hero: Staff Sgt. Antoine L. Thompson

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Solomon Cook
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Airmen are meant to be interchangeable pieces of a larger machine, but at times certain individuals stand out as crucial components that keep things running efficiently.
One of those individuals is Staff Sgt. Antoine L. Thompson, 325th Logistics Readiness Squadron special handling NCO in charge.

A Killeen, Texas native, Thompson, was drawn to the Air Force by sense of duty, honor and comradery that comes with serving in the military.

"I currently work in Air Transportation," Thompson said. "My day-to-day duties include processing and loading passengers and cargo, conducting joint inspections, inspecting hazardous materials, and building load plans."


Thompson was selected by his leadership amid his peers as an outstanding Airman that deserves recognition.

"I believe I was selected to be the unsung hero because of my efforts and accomplishments that ultimately led me to win a 325th Mission Support Group Annual Award," Thompson said. "It's good to see that all of our hard work hasn't gone unnoticed. Being selected and recognized means a lot to me, because it shows me that my leadership cares."

Prior to achieving the rank of staff sergeant and squadron-wide recognition, Thompson also received early promotion through the mechanism known as "Senior Airman Below-the-Zone."

The purpose of BTZ promotion is to provide an opportunity for exceptional E-3's  a one-time consideration for early promotion to senior airman. Airmen selected for senior airmen
BTZ should be those who have clearly demonstrated the potential for advancement and increased responsibility and are ready to move on to the next higher grade - and Thompson fit the bill.

But Thompson isn't all work. He is a fan of the Dallas Cowboys and hip hop music.

"My favorite type of music is hip hop because it is very diverse and it's the only genre that I can listen to in the gym while I'm lifting weights," Thompson said. "As far as being a Cowboys fan, it is just a part of growing up in central Texas."

These things, as well as going to church, help him deal with any stress he may encounter.

In addition to his work achievements, Thompson is also a soon-to-be father. His wife is currently eight months pregnant with their first child.

"Both of us are very excited to meet our new addition to the family," Thompson said.