B-1 crew chief accepted to USAFA

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Charles V. Rivezzo
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  For a young man who always knew he would join the military, attending a ROTC program at the University of Michigan was the first step in achieving his dream of commissioning as an Air Force officer. But for Airman 1st Class William Farrar, 7th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, receiving the opportunity to commission would take a roll of the dice to make his dream a reality.

Due to budget cuts during his sophomore year at the University of Michigan, Farrar was cut from the ROTC program, throwing a wrench into his future plans.

"I didn't want to be just a student going to school," Farrar said. "I was already used to the military lifestyle and loved it. When I was in high school and didn't make it into the Air Force Academy I thought about enlisting, so when I was cut from ROTC I decided to roll the dice and enlist knowing that I could either apply for the Academy again through various education programs or just finish my education while on active-duty."

Having attended the University of Michigan with the hopes of graduating with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Farrar enlisted in Aerospace Maintenance to ensure he would do something aircraft related.

"I have always dreamed of being a developmental engineer and designing aircraft," the B-1 crew chief said. "For me, having that hands-on experience and taking part in designing the future of our military aircraft would be a dream come true."

After spending nearly a year at Dyess learning the ins and outs of Air Force life, Farrar once again submitted his application to attend the Air Force Academy through the Leaders Encouraging Airmen Development, or LEAD, program.

The LEAD program is an ongoing Air Force effort to provide its brightest Airmen the opportunity to excel by offering them appointments to the Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Farrar competed with other Airmen from across the Air Force for 85 slots that are available to Airmen via the LEAD program. During a recent visit to the Academy, Farrar was one of five applicants who were notified early of their acceptance.

"I was absolutely thrilled when they told me that I had been accepted to the Academy," he said. "When I got accepted, it was just total relief and it showed me that I enlisted for a reason. It told me that this is what's meant for me, and that I did this for a reason and it paid off."

While this may have not been Farrar's plan from the beginning, he believes the experience and knowledge gained from his time as an active-duty Airman is irreplaceable and will not only benefit him as a student, but as a commissioned officer.

"I now know what it's like to work a 16-hour shift and the work it takes to be an active-duty Airman," he said. "The lessons I learned during my time as an enlisted Airman will never leave me, and will without a doubt make me a better leader and officer one day."