Four Dyess Airmen accepted into LEAD program

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Autumn Velez
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Four Dyess Airmen were recently appointed to the United States Air Force Academy's Preparatory School in Colorado Springs, Colo., as part of the Leaders Encouraging Airman Development program.

Every year, the United States Air Force Academy reserves 50 slots for enlisted, active-duty Airmen to attend the Academy's preparatory school as part of the LEAD program. This year, Senior Airman Michael Haig, 7th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, Senior Airman David Clement, 7th Communications Squadron, Airman 1st Class Tyler Lamb, 7th Operations Support Squadron, and Airman 1st Class Jaren Hinz, 7th Component Maintenance Squadron, were all accepted and will attend preparatory school starting July 9.

LEAD allows enlisted troops to enter the commissioned ranks by either direct admission into the Academy or by appointment to attend the USAFA Preparatory School for a greater chance of gaining admission to the Academy at a later date. While attending the prep school does not guarantee admission, it does make an applicant more likely to be accepted into the Academy.

"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to attend a highly accredited school," Haig said. "I am looking forward to taking the next big step toward my future."

For each Airman, the motive to attend the Academy is different.

"I applied to the Air Force Academy for the education benefits, leadership opportunities and the opportunities I will have in my career post-graduation," Lamb said. "I want to be the first person in my family to graduate from college; not just any college, but a prestigious military academy."

For Haig it's about preserving the Air Force culture.

"I want to take care of Airmen and help better the Air Force all while bettering myself," Haig said. "I feel the Academy is the perfect chance to not only advance my career, but to become a great leader."

Hinz on the other hand, is looking forward to growing as a person and a leader.

"I applied to the Academy because it's one of the top higher learning institutes in the country," Hinz said. "I believe that I will learn a great deal both academically and militarily. I also plan on gaining leadership skills."

Attending the Academy is about breaking tradition for Clement.

"My family is made up of five generations of military," Clement said. "By attending the Academy and eventually commissioning, I will be the first officer."

The acceptance process is different for enlisted members than it is for someone graduating high school. Typically, when someone applies after graduating, they must have a presidential, vice presidential or congressional nomination. Enlisted Airmen must have an Air Force Form 1786 completed and a statement from the commander that displays the character, ability and motivation of the applicant.

Factors that may make an applicant more competitive for acceptance include: SAT and ACT scores, strong high school transcripts, as well as athletic activities and other extracurricular activities.

"The process of applying is challenging within itself," Haig said. "Shortly after starting the application process, I was informed I was deploying. The process became significantly more difficult. While deployed, my leadership worked with me to help finish the final steps. After being accepted, it's extremely relieving to know this extensive process had reason behind it."

Without the assistance and support from leadership, acceptance to the Academy may not have happened for these Airmen.

"I am really blessed to have the leadership I have," Haig said. "Everyone in my chain-of-command, from my supervisor all the way up to my squadron commander went out of their way to help me out. My officer in charge, 2nd Lt. Christina Salinas is an Academy graduate; she helped me compose my package for submission. I cannot thank her or my commander, Maj. Brian Haws, enough. I owe many thanks to everyone who helped me along the way, because I honestly think it would have been impossible to get accepted without them."