Vance senior NCO selected for officer training school
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --
A master sergeant with the 71st Mission Support Group learned that she was selected to go to Officer Training School during the May 22 wing staff meeting.
Master Sgt. Briana Edson was asked to assist in an award ceremony during the bi-weekly meeting of senior wing leadership. After the ceremony, as people were leaving, Col. Darren James, the 71st Flying Training Wing commander, called everyone back into the room and asked Edson to come to join him.
"He thanked me for doing a good job and said 'we promote people who do a good job, but instead of stripes you are getting bars,'" said Edson. "I was so happy."
Edson, an executive officer for the 71st MSG commander, had applied for OTS back in February.
When Edson enlisted 12 years ago she didn't have aspirations to become an officer, but as she progressed her perspective changed.
"It's something I've wanted to do for a long time," said Edson. "I want to make a positive impact on a higher level, and I feel that my experience as a senior NCO will put me in a good position to lead as an officer."
Edson is among 54 enlisted Airmen selected for OTS this year.
"Applying for OTS is a meticulous process," Edson said. "It takes a lot of time looking at all the requirements and gathering all that data. I got a lot of help and guidance from Education Services here."
The application process isn't just about having a college degree and a good military record. Applicants need a written recommendation from a commander and have to be interviewed by a major or above.
Edson received her letter of recommendation from the wing commander and conducted her interview with the 71st MSG commander, Col. Michael McDaniel.
"I'm honored to serve my country and will go wherever the Air Force needs me," said Edson. "It's my goal to develop Airmen and leave the Air Force better than I found it."
Edson could leave for officer training at Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Ala., within the next 12 months. She will serve as a communications officer when she completes her commissioning.
Master Sgt. Briana Edson was asked to assist in an award ceremony during the bi-weekly meeting of senior wing leadership. After the ceremony, as people were leaving, Col. Darren James, the 71st Flying Training Wing commander, called everyone back into the room and asked Edson to come to join him.
"He thanked me for doing a good job and said 'we promote people who do a good job, but instead of stripes you are getting bars,'" said Edson. "I was so happy."
Edson, an executive officer for the 71st MSG commander, had applied for OTS back in February.
When Edson enlisted 12 years ago she didn't have aspirations to become an officer, but as she progressed her perspective changed.
"It's something I've wanted to do for a long time," said Edson. "I want to make a positive impact on a higher level, and I feel that my experience as a senior NCO will put me in a good position to lead as an officer."
Edson is among 54 enlisted Airmen selected for OTS this year.
"Applying for OTS is a meticulous process," Edson said. "It takes a lot of time looking at all the requirements and gathering all that data. I got a lot of help and guidance from Education Services here."
The application process isn't just about having a college degree and a good military record. Applicants need a written recommendation from a commander and have to be interviewed by a major or above.
Edson received her letter of recommendation from the wing commander and conducted her interview with the 71st MSG commander, Col. Michael McDaniel.
"I'm honored to serve my country and will go wherever the Air Force needs me," said Edson. "It's my goal to develop Airmen and leave the Air Force better than I found it."
Edson could leave for officer training at Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Ala., within the next 12 months. She will serve as a communications officer when she completes her commissioning.
