Staff Sgt. Sheldon Lettsome

  • Published
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  "Tip of the Spear" is a weekly spotlight designed to recognize outstanding Airmen for the work they do every day at Hurlburt Field. Staff Sgt. Sheldon Lettsome, 11th Intelligence Squadron geospatial analyst was selected for this week's spotlight. 

Name: Staff Sgt. Sheldon Lettsome

Unit: 11th Intelligence Squadron

Duty Title: Geospatial analyst

Hometown: Tortola, Virgin Islands and Orlando, Fla.

Date Entered the Air Force: June 1, 2004

Hobbies: Listening to music, running, gym, travelling, reading, writing, education and having a good time in general.

Why did you join the Air Force?
I joined to serve my country, gain life experience and further my education.

How does your Air Force specialty contribute to the mission?
We provide detailed geospatial analysis to the warfighter, both in-theater and at their home station.

If you were Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force for one day, how would you change the Air Force?
I would re-instate the base-swapping option for non-pipeliners.

What's your favorite thing about Hurlburt Field?
My favorite things are the beach life and its central location to attractions in Florida and other states.

What do you like most about being an Airman?
I like being able to make a living by defending my country and doing something that makes a difference in the world. But I most like being able to help and mold motivated young Airmen.

What's one thing you wish you were told before joining the Air Force? 
I would have liked more information about the educational options given to military members.

What motivates you at work?
The impact of my actions motivate me the most at work. The fact that my actions could be the difference between life and death for downrange Airmen pushes me to expect the best from myself as well as my crew.

Who are your role models?
Nelson Mandela, Shawn Corey Carter, Barack Obama, Bob Marley and Peyton Manning.

Advice to others?
In the words of the great lyricist and entrepreneur Shawn Corey Carter: "It's all about progression. Loiterers should be arrested." In other words, don't ever become stagnant in life, whether it's your career, education or anything else you strive for. Always look for that next challenge or hump to get over or you will find yourself stuck settling for what you have versus what you could have had.

Why was he selected?
"Sergeant Lettsome has dynamic leadership ability and always produces the highest quality results for the squadron. His experience and energy is invaluable to our Weapons and Tactics Flight along with the continual development of the squadron's tactics and procedures while still supporting 24/7 combat support operations. He is a proven professional whose attitude and dedication inspire those around him to excel."
-Lt. Col. Jacob Holmgren, 11th IS commander