7/23/2008 - Airmen of Raider 21 -- Lieutenant Shepherd spent his childhood in Pennsylvania. He attended Penn State University earning a Bachelor Degree in journalism with a minor in history and military studies while enrolled in the Reserve Officer Training Corps. He graduated and earned his Air Force commission in 2005.
Once on active duty, Lieutenant Shepherd completed Combat Systems Officer Training at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas in 2006. After receiving his navigator wings, he attended initial qualification training at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana and was assigned to fly the B-52H at Barksdale's 20th Bomb Squadron, 2d Bomb Wing in 2007. In addition to his duties as a fully qualified B-52 Navigator, he was also a scheduling officer for the 20th Bomb Squadron.
Lieutenant Shepherd deployed to Andersen AFB, Guam in June 2008 in support of the Department of Defense's continuous bomber presence in the Pacific area of responsibility. There he served as a flight scheduler for the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron.
Lieutenant Shepherd was a navigator with over 500 flying hours qualified in T-43 and B-52H aircraft. His awards include the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal and Global War On Terrorism Service Medal.
