HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Hanscom’s career assistance advisor recently assigned five Airmen attending the First Term Airmen Course to write about why they wear the uniform.
The Airmen, each with less than one year of service, were attending the mandatory course Oct. 26 through 30 that prepares them for their transition from a structured training environment to the operational Air Force.
“Since part of FTAC is all about re-enforcing ideas about becoming a professional and bettering oneself, the essay is a perfect way for the Airmen to reflect on why it is that they are actually serving in the Air Force,” said Master Sgt. Michael Kennedy, the career assistance advisor who oversees the course.
Airmen were told to write two to three paragraphs. The winning essay was read to the class on the final day of the five-day course.
The top submission was written by Airman 1st Class Kayla Stevens, who was initially denied entrance into the Air Force.
“I am probably one of the most stubborn people that Tampa MEPS [Military Entrance Processing Station] ever encountered, as I went there about 10-15 times,” she wrote in her essay.
Stevens, who is a member of the Judge Advocate Office, learned soon after enrolling at the University of Pittsburgh that she was eligible to enlist.
“I wanted to do something that involved helping people ... I am a fundamental piece to the world’s greatest Air Force,” she wrote, adding that the Air Force gives her purpose.
The course, which seeks to cultivate healthy and positive lifestyles for new Airmen, typically has more than 10 students per session. However, in order to maintain social distance in the classroom, this latest iteration was limited to five first-term Airmen.
Airman 1st Class Brittany Senft, a 66th Security Forces Squadron member who enlisted after graduating college, wrote about what her service means to her.
“Joining the world's greatest Air Force has been nothing but a privilege and honor,” she wrote.
Airman 1st Class Daelon Rich, also assigned to Security Forces, highlighted that he was the first in his family to serve in the military.
“The Air Force has definitely shown me that I am blessed to be part of the family,” wrote Rich.
An Airman assigned to the 66th Medical Squadron wrote about what he hopes to get from the Air Force.
“I joined the Air Force because I believe this is a perfect opportunity to grow,” wrote Airman 1st Class Jorge Infante.
An SFS defender wrote about how he wants to set a positive example for others in his family.
“I wanted to prove that I could accomplish a goal that I had always envisioned for myself and to show my niece and nephew that they can pursue and accomplish their dreams,” Airman 1st Class Vincent Tragno wrote.
Kennedy said that while the essay is not part of the official curriculum, he would like to continue assigning it to future students.
“After several months in a structured training environment, I thought it was a good reminder for them to write about why they volunteered to serve in the Air Force,” he said.