Niagara-based Airman may become AFA cadet

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Andrew Caya
  • 914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. --  An aerospace ground equipment apprentice with the 914th Maintenance Squadron will visit the Air Force Academy Jan. 13-15 to visit and possibly be accepted into the prestigious military school.

Senior Airman Magdalena Torres will attend a three-day "Leaders Encouraging Airman Development Diversity Visitation Program" at the Academy.

The Academy and its programs really open doors, Airman Torres said. "It's very exciting to be selected for the program."

Second Lt. Amanda Castravet, the director for the LEAD Diversity Visitation Program, discussed the selection process and the opportunities of the program she heads.

"We treat all LEAD DVP applicants just like they are applying to the Academy," Lieutenant Castravet said. "We are looking for stellar Airmen who chose military service before college and who are willing to work hard for their education."

Although Airman Torres is undergoing the same selection process as other cadets, there is something she will face that not many cadets have.

"When she enters Basic Cadet Training, she will be put into a leadership role due to the fact that she is in the operational Air Force," Lieutenant Castravet said. Other cadets will look to Airman Torres as a role model.

Lieutenant Castravet said NCOs and officers should let their outstanding Airmen know about what the Air Force Academy can offer.

"We like to see the Airmen succeed here," she added.

If accepted into the Academy, Airman Torres said she is not sure what academic area she will concentrate in; however, she added, "It feels great to be accepted into this program."