Master Sergeant Daryl Shines

Master Sergeant Daryl Shines, of Montgomery, Alabama, epitomizes the Air Force values of integrity, service and excellence. As an NCO leader in the 40th Air Expeditionary Wing, Master Sgt. Shines directed B-52 munitions build-up operations in support of missions over Afghanistan. His team was among the first to deploy for Operation Enduring Freedom, assembling over 14,000 bombs used during the first 4 months of the war. He instilled enormous pride and sense of mission in his 90-person team. As an example, outside of his deployment tent city, Master Sgt. Shines helped coordinate a special memorial for the victims of the 9/11 tragedy called "Pentagon Park." This reinforced the sense of solemn purpose and importance of the mission at hand. Master Sgt. Shines is also highly involved in his community, volunteering for youth sports and counseling programs. "He leads by example, deferring the credit that he deserves," said one airman under his command. "Master Sgt. Shines is an outstanding NCO, a superb leader," says one superior officer. "A shining example of a true Air Force professional," says another commander. Master Sgt. Shines is a fine example of the superior quality of personnel serving in the United States Air Force.