GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind., -- Hard work and dedication has paid off for five Grissom members who were recently selected to join the officer ranks through the Deserving Airman program.
“The group we interviewed, as a whole was phenomenal,” said Col. Anne Noel, 434th Air Refueling Wing vice commander. “They are top Airmen and leaders in their squadron and in their civilian capacity and displayed extraordinary military and civilian records.”
The Deserving Airman Commissioning Program is designed to select highly qualified enlisted members, who hold a bachelor’s degree, for leadership roles as officers. Applicants must submit a detailed package and if selected to advance, interview before a panel.
Upon selection and completion of officer training schools candidates will receive a commission as a Second Lieutenant.
Recently selected at Grissom were:
Tech. Sgt. Edward Black, 434th Civil Engineer Squadron
Staff Sgt. Logan Devos, 434th Aerospace Medicine Squadron
Tech Sgt. Robert Grasmick, 434th CES
Tech. Sgt. Kurt Maloney, 434th Maintenance Squadron
Master Sgt. Franklin Willis, 434th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
“It makes me extremely excited to see what the future holds for Grissom, with the candidates selected,” Noel said.
Selecting the best of the best is a process that takes time for both the applicant and interviewer.
Maloney suggests that anyone interested in applying tackle the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test right away because the scores don’t expire and the test is a required part of the package.
“I had to complete my packet on short notice and I was only able to get it ready in time because I already had the test completed,” he said.
Equally important to preparing on paper and for the in-person interview, is preparing for leadership.
“I think the best preparation is to think about the traits of leaders you’ve worked with, both good and bad,” Maloney said. “Use those examples and develop an idea of what kind of leader you want to be.”
“The more people you can get to mentor you along the way makes it that much easier. With the knowledge and assistance of others to help along the way, there is nothing that cannot be accomplished,” Grasmick said.
Noel said Grissom officials usually hold interviews once, or when necessary, twice yearly. Announcements about submissions and interviews are typically sent via email. All ranks are encouraged to apply.
“If you envision yourself in the officer ranks, take a chance,” Noel said. “Ask questions about how to put your package together, attention to detail does matter. If you have applied and were not selected, usually there is feedback given on how to improve for next time.”
“I am a firm believer in growing Grissom from within,” she added. “Our enlisted force is exceptionally strong and to be able to have an Airman build upon what they have already learned will likely create a first-rate officer.”
The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Men and women from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.
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