LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Senior Airman Sandra Troncoso, 47th Operations Support Squadron host aviation resource management (HARM) technician, was chosen by wing leadership to be the “XLer” of the week, Feb. 10, 2020, at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas.
The “XLer” award, presented by Col. Lee Gentile, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Brian Lewis, 47th Operations Group superintendent, is given to those who consistently make outstanding contributions to their unit and the Laughlin mission.
Troncoso, a native of Alamogordo, New Mexico, manages and tracks flight records for approximately 900 flying personnel at Laughlin.
Amid the recent paper-to-digital record transfer, she stepped up and led the charge in returning all paper flight records to Laughlin’s flyers. She also displayed cross-functional skills by training 10 squadron aviation resource managers in the handling of records, increasing SARMs ability at the squadron level.
Troncoso took her expertise a step further by leading flight records briefings and reviews for Laughlin’s most senior ranking fliers, from the wing commander, vice and operations group commander. For her it was not only a privilege, but an honor because this role is typically reserved for seasoned NCOs.
“Being one of the few airmen that got one shot, or three was pretty cool,” she said.
Despite managing records for the Air Force’s sixth-busiest airfield, filling an NCO billet as a junior enlisted Airman, all on top of being a new mother, Troncoso finds ways to balance all aspects of her professional and personal development. She still found time to pass a college level examination program (CLEP) test for college credit.
“I had to learn how to multitask and I learned fast,” Troncoso said. “A lot of the time we have so much foot traffic in the HARM office, and each person needs something different. So I think the job really prepared me for this.”
Furthermore, she attributes her drive, dedication and success to her newborn baby girl.
“I think before I had my baby I wanted things for me,” Troncoso said. “Now that I have her, everything I do is for her.”
Even with her recognition and praise for stepping out of her comfort zone and exceling at work, Troncoso said she couldn’t be where she is now without good mentoring and support from her team.
“Staff Sgt. Scheinost and Senior Master Sgt. Humphreys helped me a lot, they motivate me and remind me that I was doing a good job. If I didn’t have them to push me, I don’t think I’d be doing as well as I am now,” she said. “And the airmen help a lot too. They make me laugh every day and that helps for sure. So I think we have a pretty great team. I couldn’t do it without them.”
For her ability step up and take charge when her shop needs her to the most and for mastering the day-to-day balancing act of personal life and professional life, Senior Airman Sandra Troncoso was awarded the “XLer” of the Week.