Making the grade: Vance Airman receives acceptance for AFROTC Published Nov. 28, 2006 By TSgt M. Davis Public Affairs Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- SrA Andrew Heckathorn will be hitting the books this fall to accomplish two things: to get a degree and become an Air Force officer. He was recently accepted in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program that will allow him to go to college full time as an Air Force Reservist and later come back in the military as an officer. As an aircraft dispatcher for the 25th Flying Training Squadron, Airman Heckathorn brings his military experience to the table when he attends the University of Oklahoma on a scholarship this fall. "Since I already know what it is like to be in the Air Force, I'll be able to assist the other AFROTC students," he said. "Although this experience won't be new to me, I'll take it seriously, because this is what I've wanted to do all my life." Taking two college courses per semester at Embry-Riddle University, Airman Heckathorn garnered several college credits, but obtaining a degree would take years unless he could go full time. "In the AFROTC program, I would be able to attend school full time and get my bachelor's degree in computer science much faster," he explained. Having an enlisted background will come to his advantage as an officer, Airman Heckathorn said. "I feel I have a lot to offer as an officer and a leader. Coming back to the Air Force as an officer and a prior enlisted member, I will have a better sense of leadership and more perspective of the military," he said. "Also, I will know what it was like to be enlisted, and I will draw upon that experience to help me lead others more effectively. I really want to make a positive impact on young troops as I have received from other officers." The first step for people interested in the AFROTC program is contacting the Vance Education Office, said Jim Streck, education counselor. "We can help people gather the correct information to submit an AFROTC package," he said. "Individuals must have one year time in service and time on station." he AFROTC acceptance process is very competitive. Each year, the packages are due to the education office by Aug. 15 to be submitted to a review board that meets Oct. 15. Results are traditionally announced in December. The ROTC program serves two purposes, Mr. Streck explained. "The program allows members to finish their college degree faster by allowing them to go to school full time," he said. "And it brings members back as commissioned officers." Airman Heckathorn's dream is to become an F-15 pilot. "It would be great to come back to Vance as an officer and a student pilot," he said. "Anything is possible - it just takes pure self will and determination."