Local Airman to attend USAF ‘Prep’ School

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Ray Bowden
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
A Holloman Airmen was one of three hundred prior-enlisted military and civilian personnel recently selected to attend the United States Air Force Preparatory School in Colorado Springs, CO., in July. 

Twenty-year-old Airman 1st Class Cindy Ventura, Aeromedical Dental Squadron public health technician, said she is ready for the challenge. 

"I've wanted to become an officer since high school," she said. "I've been preparing myself for a while, so even if I didn't get selected, I would still continue to progress as an enlisted member. I've prepared myself for either route." 

Often referred to as the "prep school," the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School's mission is to prepare, motivate and evaluate Airmen for admission into the Academy. 

The prep school is located on the Academy's Colorado Springs Campus and its 10-month program consists of academics, military training and athletic conditioning. 

Airman Ventura believes her time as an enlisted member will give her an advantage over students who enter the prep school straight of out high school. 

"I expect my enlisted experience will take me that much further," she said. "The discipline and respect for the chain of command instilled in me from day one will always stay with me." 

Lt. Col. Richard Baker, 49 ADOS commander, said he endorsed Airman Ventura's application and agreed she has the advantage of being enlisted before becoming an officer. 

"She has been given a different perspective on the Air Force and has seen first hand what those who may someday work for her go through on a regular basis. Airman Ventura has learned from the bottom up," he said. "This will add to her ability to be a great officer. She will do great things for the Air Force." 

According to Airman Ventura, prep school instructors often rely on prior-enlisted students to help motivate non-prior service students who have not already adapted to military service. 

"Out of a 300 person class, 50 are [prior enlisted] Airmen," she said. "Most everyone else is straight out of high school." 

Airmen Ventura is scheduled to graduate the prep school during June 2008 and become a first-year Academy cadet in July 2008. She said she hopes to pursue a business bachelor's degree. 

"While I want to become an effective leader and positively influence people, I will also always remember where I came from," she said. 

Airmen wishing to apply for the United States Air Force Preparatory School may contact Mr. Sam Mata or Ms. Chandell Gill at the Base Education Center at 572-3971.