Weather officer recognized with AETC award Published March 23, 2009 By Airman 1st Class David Salanitri 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, BILOXI, MISS. -- Capt. Mark Sheldon is Air Education and Training Command's weather company grade officer of the year for 2008. "Captain Sheldon's dedication to the mission is extraordinary, and his leadership has been invaluable to the many successes of the 81st Operations Support Flight," said Col. Chris Valle, 81st Training Wing vice commander. "He willingly stepped in to lead the flight when the commander deployed for six months, successfully guided the flight through two contract awards totaling $8 million, led the weather shop during a very active hurricane season and postured the entire weather operation for transition to contract operations during the A-76 process. I am not surprised at all by Captain Sheldon's accomplishment." The 21½ year Air Force veteran, who's been at Keesler for three years, is the acting 81st OSF director of operations. Captain Sheldon's next assignment takes him to Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., where he'll be the deputy chief of training for the Air Force Weather Agency.