Vance staff sergeant selected for OTS

  • Published
  • By By Tech. Sgt. Mary Davis
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Team Vance member Staff Sgt. Robert Belus will trade his enlisted stripes for lieutenant bars in 2008 with his recent selection to attend U.S. Air Force Officer Training School.

As a budget analyst for the 71st Comptroller Squadron, Sergeant Belus is excited to serve in a different military capacity.

"I feel that becoming an officer will give me the opportunity to do more for my fellow Airmen," said the staff sergeant, who is currently deployed at Balad, Iraq.

Joining the Air Force was easy for Sergeant Belus, since it is the only lifestyle he's ever known.

"I enjoyed growing up in the Air Force as a military child and the sense of family that had with it," he said. "Serving in the military is a way for me to be a part of something bigger than myself, with a purpose that goes beyond a paycheck or benefits."

Sergeant Belus earned a bachelor of history degree from Baylor University in December 2003. He will attend OTS and later begin training for his new career as an air battle manager.
"I selected that job because I heard it was challenging and allowed you to travel the world," he said.

During his four-year career, Sergeant Belus has looked up to many people, but one mentor inspired him to greatness.

"Tech. Sgt. Everett Calloway, my first NCOIC is my mentor. As a new Airman, he gave me the opportunity to test myself, and the sky was the limit as to what I could do," Sergeant Belus said. "He was always there to guide and advise me both personally and professionally. Had it not been for him, I don't think I would have had the opportunity to accomplish everything I've done until now, nor do I think I'd still be in the Air Force. He was very influential in my development as an Airman and a leader."

Sergeant Belus took the advice of his mentor and ran with it. He earned several awards including the 71st CPTS Airman of the month and year 2006, and was also named the 2006 Air Force Sergeants Association Airman of the Year at the Division 9 level.

"I'm very excited for Staff Sergeant Belus," said Maj. Monroe Neal Jr., 71st CPTS commander. "He's worked hard during his tenure in the enlisted ranks. His acceptance into OTS shows that the Air Force recognizes his leadership ability. It's a win-win situation for Robert and the Air Force."