Three Joint Base Andrews Airmen selected for Prep School

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U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  Three Airmen stationed at Joint Base Andrews, Md., were selected to attend the Air Force Academy Preparatory School here through the Leaders Encouraging Airmen Development program, officials at Joint Base Andrews announced May 19.

Selected for the Prep School were:

-- Airman 1st Class James Walsh, a 744th Communications Squadron cyber transport systems apprentice
-- Airman 1st Class John Duncan, an 11th Wing knowledge operations journeyman
-- Airman 1st Class Javier Arana, an 11th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical systems apprentice

LEAD is a highly competitive program that provides eligible, motivated Airmen with the opporutnity to gain a commission and a bachelor's degree through the Academy. About 20 percent of the Preparatory School's openings are available to enlisted Airmen each year.

Airman Walsh said LEAD was his first choice among commissioning programs to apply for. He decided he wanted to attend the Academy in 2006 after visiting the Academy for his cousin's graduation ceremony and after enduring the financial strain of tuition costs at a local college.

"Applying for the program seemed like an excellent opportunity," he said. "It was like a second chance."

Airman Arana said he heard about LEAD through the Joint Base Andrews Education and Training office through Senior Master Sgt. Tamar Davis, the 11th Wing career assistance adviser. He had previously applied for direct entry into the Academy but hit a roadblock: applicants for direct entry must have a letter of recommendation from their congressman or senator or from the president. Enlisted applicants only need a nomination by their commanders.

Airman Duncan said he has always aspired for a commission in the Air Force and one day hopes to become a pilot.

"Through the LEAD program, I'll be able to jump start my Air Force career toward my goal," he said.

Airman Duncan said the most challenging part of the program was turning in the required paperwork and documents.

"It's hard to stay vigilant with the process and finish the application on top of all your other Airman responsibilities, but if you stay with it and meet all the deadlines, it's all worth it," he said.

To apply, candidates must be nominated by their commanders, must be younger than 22 by July 1 of the year they plan to attend and must be single with no dependents.

"I'd urge anyone who meets the requirements, even if they're not sure whether they really want to attend the Academy, to start their application," Airman Walsh said. "Even if you get accepted, you still have the choice whether or not to take that acceptance."

For more information about the LEAD program, contact your local base education office or speak with your base career assistance adviser.

(Information compiled from Joint Base Andrews news releases and staff reports.)