Air Force Aerospace Science Instructor

TSgt George L. Linen Sr., known to many as, “Sarge” is a New Jersey resident and has been employed as an Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Aerospace Science Instructor at Bridgeton High School for the past 14 years. He received his bachelor’s degree from Ashford University in Educational Studies and three Associates Degrees from the Community College of the Air Force in Human Resources Management, Occupational Education, and Aircraft Maintenance. TSgt Linen is the oldest child of Bernard and Mary Linen. He was born and raised in Newark, NJ, where he met his high school sweetheart, Lennita Porter, and has been married for more than 30 years. The father of five: former Air Force SSgt Alicia Linen, Navy Petty Officer Michael Rawles, Air Force SSgt George L. Linen, Jr., Mary Linen, a current graduate student at University of Southern California, and Godson, Javon Daves, an Auto Technician at Team Nissan. TSgt Linen is a proud grandfather of four and soon to be five, with a granddaughter due in July. TSgt Linen lives and teaches by the Air Force core values, “Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All That You Do.”

What makes TSgt George L. Linen, Sr. unique is his ability to relate to people on different levels, especially with his students. Growing up in the inner city of Newark, New Jersey, during the 1980s has influenced his understanding of the difficulties underprivileged children face. TSgt Linen’s childhood was marred by crime, family substance abuse, and a single-parent home. He attributes his success to the influence of his high school guidance counselor, Mr. Boulware. During a moment in TSgt Linen’s life where he was at a crossroad, Mr. Boulware stepped in and allowed him to learn and understand what he could become.

In 2020, TSgt Linen received the honor of being recognized by the Southern New Jersey NAACP as an Outstanding Educator for Cumberland County based on his tireless dedication to the staff and students in school and community by coordinating food drives, clothing drives, and a free youth summer camp for the families of the communities of Bridgeton and Cumberland County.

TSgt Linen earned several awards and acknowledgments: AETC Safety Non-Commissioned Officer of the Quarter, Junior Instructor Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year, Air Force Recruiting Service Senior Recruiter Badges, Non-Commissioned Officer of the Quarter, Top Liaison Non-Commissioned Officer Honors, and a Meritorious Service Medal. TSgt Linen was recommended to become the first Interactive Video Training Course Instructor for the F-15 Technical Program and authored the career development course. This experience well-prepared him for his new teaching challenge of teaching virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Currently, TSgt Linen is the head coach for the Bridgeton High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team. He is also a BEA Union Representative for Bridgeton High School. A former Chaplin for the VFW Post 1795 and a member of the Vineland Chapter NAACP. An active member of Union Baptist Temple of Bridgeton, NJ, and a Police Athletic League Basketball coach and mentor. TSgt Linen thanks God for allowing him the opportunity to assist others in creating success for themselves.