An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Addicted to success: Senior Airman Tyler Roberts

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jensen Stidham
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE S.C. --  Growing up under the tender care of a retired Army Sgt. 1st Class, in Clarksville Tennessee, 23-year-old Senior Airman Tyler Roberts was taught to strive for excellence.

"He is not looked at as a senior airman, rather as a non commissioned officer," said Master Sgt. Brian Thompson, 20th Maintenance Group first sergeant.

The Senior Airman currently fills a one-man position that is normally held by a staff sergeant.

"He has taken on a very demanding program," said Thompson. "It requires extreme attention to detail and he is trusted to take sole responsibility."

Roberts is the 20th Maintenance Operations Squadron time compliance technical order manager.
When engineers employed by the Air Force send out recalls or upgrades on parts used by the 20th Fighter Wing, Roberts receives TCTOs signed off by Gen. Mark Welsh, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff, with the affected parts.

"Once I receive the TCTO, I then have 48 hrs to hold a meeting and notify all effected personnel," said Roberts. "I let them know the time period they have to complete the TCTO and what is required for them to complete it."

After each meeting, Roberts must get compliance signatures on a contract stating that the personnel involved understand what is expected.

"I then keep track of the progress of each TCTO and brief the 20th MXG Commander twice a week on any issues or problems," he said. "I am in charge of TCTO's for all Flightline work centers."

Although he is the only Airman within the 20th FW who does this job, he doesn't do it alone.

"I have a picture of my grandpa at my desk because it keeps me motivated," said Roberts. "He was my father-figure growing up. Every time I look at him it reminds me to continue to be the best Airman I can be."

"My grandpa told me one time 'If you're going to be a trash man, be the best darn trash man on the block.' That's kind of how I live my life, by striving to be best no matter what job I am doing," said Roberts.

Striving for excellence means Roberts plans to apply for the Scholarships for Outstanding Airman ROTC program this August to become a commissioned officer.

"My goal has always been to become an officer," said Roberts, who is currently working on his bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering. "I'm trying to fit in as much schoolwork as possible on the weekends."

With as much responsibility as Roberts has resting on his shoulders, he said, he likes to decompress each day in an intense way.

"I spend about two hours every day in the gym lifting weights," he said. "I got serious about the gym about two years ago. My first deployment had a lot to do with it. That got me started on my journey to be the best me I can be as far as fitness. It's a great way to relieve stress."

After deploying to Italy and Afghanistan, Roberts realized being the best he could be also meant giving back.

"I became a physical training leader because I wanted to help other individuals out that were having trouble with their fitness," he said.

"Roberts takes on any task presented to him with a professional attitude and completes it with excellence," said Tech. Sgt. Molly Munguia, 20th MOS NCO in charge of documentation.

"I'm addicted to success," said Roberts. "You only get one life to live so why settle for mediocrity."