By Airman 1st Class Chris Smith

460th Public Affairs

      He’s a dominant-looking man standing over six feet tall.  You can hear the southern, Brown Summit, N.C., drawl when he talks -- especially during his Elvis Presley impressions.  He’s known for being a “tough love” kind of guy, when necessary, as well as a compassionate man who works relentlessly to take care of his troops.

     Somehow these characteristics, along with many others, all rolled together to win him an award for being the best first sergeant in Fourteenth Air Force for 2004.

     Senior Master Sgt. Wayne Bishop, 460th Mission Support Squadron first sergeant, says the award came as an honor and a surprise.

     “When I was first told I won the Fourteenth Air Force award, I was shocked,” Sergeant Bishop said.  “I have never, in 21 and a half years in the Air Force, won this type of an award.”  The first sergeant said he’s also garnered group and wing level awards here and at other bases for being a first sergeant.

     Sergeant Bishop’s interest in becoming a first sergeant began more than 21 years ago as a young Airman.  Chief Master Sgt. John Moates, Sergeant Bishop’s first ever first sergeant at Laughlin Air Force Base, Nev., was a great Airman and a great man, according to Sergeant Bishop.

     “My very first first sergeant was an awesome guy,” Sergeant Bishop said.  “He cared for his people, took care of their needs and gave them a kick in the butt when they needed it.”

     Now that he’s a first sergeant and is charged with taking care of his people’s needs and giving the “kick in the butt” at times to those who need it, he knows the tough job Chief Moates was tasked with.

     “There’s not enough time in the day.  There is so much going on every day that goes along with being a first sergeant that most people never even know about.  Everybody always wants a piece of your time -- it seems like the days just run together,” said Sergeant Bishop.

     On the other hand, Sergeant Bishop says his job may be tough but it is also very rewarding.  The most rewarding part is seeing a difficult situation resolved, such as a financial, home or life situation that turns for the better because of his input or mentoring.

     Part of that mentoring to him involves his theory on being the best possible first sergeant he can.  His theory is to always try to understand things from others’ perspectives and try to relate to the people in his squadron.  He said not everyone grows up in a stable household, environment or even in the same culture.  Everyone reacts to situations differently and that must be taken into account in all situations. 

     Lt. Col. Paul D. Bauer, 460th Mission Support Squadron, credits Sergeant Bishop’s award to him being “genuine and involved.”

     “Sergeant Bishop sincerely cares about people but also isn’t afraid to let them know what is expected of them,” Colonel Bauer said.  “I think people can sense he is genuine and are willing to come to him with their problems and concerns.  From day one, Sergeant Bishop has been involved in every aspect of the squadron from the smallest problem to the most complex issue.”

     While many within his unit would say he has more than earned the award he’s received, Sergeant Bishop gives credit to the people around him for making him the best first sergeant in the Fourteenth Air Force.

     “There is no way I can take full credit for winning at this level.  If it were not for the people of the MSS and my prior squadron, the 18th Security Forces Squadron, I would not have been able to accomplish anything in 2004,” the first sergeant said.  “I’m blessed to have a great squadron of people who work hard to be the best.  I’m surrounded with awesome Airmen, NCOs, senior NCOs, officers and civilians.”

     Sergeant Bishop also credits his family for his success.  He says he had a good upbringing thanks to his parents and love from his sister.  He’s also missed many family events due to his first sergeant responsibilities.  His family never complains and supports him through it all.