JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Team Andrews is proud to announce that three outstanding Airmen were selected to attend the Air Force Academy preparatory school through Leaders Encouraging Airman Development Program, which is designed to take eligible, motivated Airmen and provide them with the opportunity to gain a commission and a degree through the Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Co.
Airman 1st Class James L. Walsh, 744th Communications Squadron cyber transport systems apprentice; Airman 1st Class John Duncan, 11th Wing Knowledge operations journeyman; and Airman 1st Class Javier T. Arana, 11th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical systems apprentice were selected to attend the preparatory school no later than July 6.
The LEAD program is a highly competitive application process and of all of the applicants, there are only 50 available slots for Active Duty Airmen to attend the AF Academy Preparatory school.
"There were other commissioning programs that I was looking into, but the LEAD program was definitely my first choice," said Airman Walsh.
Each Airman had their own personal motivations for taking advantage this opportunity to excel in their military careers.
Airman Walsh said he knew he wanted to attend the academy in 2006, after visiting the Academy for his cousin's graduation ceremony. After attending a local college and experiencing the financial strain of tuition costs, he enlisted.
"Applying for the program seemed like an excellent opportunity to pursue the program," said Airman Walsh. "It was like a second chance opening up."
Airman Arana heard about the LEAD program in the Joint Base Andrews Education and Training office, through the career assistance advisor, Senior Master Sgt. Tamar Dennis.
"She was the one who gave me all the information I needed," said Airman Arana.
He previously applied for the Air Force academy prior to enlisting in the military, but found it was extremely competitive. Furthermore, a letter of recommendation is required from a congressman or president.
Being enlisted in the military allowed the three Airmen the opportunity to be nominated by their commanders instead.
His acceptance further validated his faith that he is moving in the right direction and doing what he is called to do, he said.
Airman Duncan said he has always had aspirations to commission in the Air Force and one day hopes to be a pilot.
"Through the LEAD program, I will be able to jumpstart my Air Force career toward my goal," said Airman Duncan.
Each of the Airmen agreed that the most difficult part of the program after meeting all the initial requirements was getting all the paperwork and documents turned in.
To begin the process to attend the preparatory school, applicants must meet three initial requirements. They must be under 22 years of age July 1 of the year they would like to attend, must be single with no dependants and lastly have a commander nomination.
Afterward, the Airmen begin a rather lengthy application process, including submission of educational documents and records, essays and interviews.
"It's hard to stay vigilant with the process and finish the application on top of all of you other Airman responsibilities, but if you stay with it and meet all of the deadlines, it is all worth it," said Airman Duncan.
For more information about the LEAD program, visit the Education and Training Building on 1414 Arkansas Drive and speak to a career counselor.
"I'd urge anyone who meets the requirements, even if they're not sure if they really want to attend the Academy, to start the application," said Airman Walsh. "Even if you get accepted, you still have the choice whether or not you take that acceptance."