Beale Airman to attend Air Force Academy prep school

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Bobby Cummings
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Each year, through the Leaders Encouraging Airmen Development (LEAD) program, the Air Force Academy accepts up to 85 active-duty Airmen and 85 serving in the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard.

Senior Airman Tyler, 306th Intelligence Squadron, has been accepted through the LEAD program to attend the Air Force Academy Preparatory School.

"It's an honor and very exciting to attend this program," Tyler said. "I'm interested in becoming a pilot, but more than anything I want to be an officer for the leadership opportunities."

The Prep School's academic year is divided into quarters, each approximately nine weeks long. The school provides extensive instruction in English, science, math, as well as military training and athletic development.

Tyler has been at Beale for nearly two years and has deployed to Afghanistan.

"He's going to be a leader day one when he steps off the bus," said Capt. Brandon, 1st Reconnaissance Squadron. "Having already gone through basic training combined with his experiences downrange, the younger cadets will look to him for leadership."

Tyler is a 21-year-old Connecticut native. He had joined the Air Force to continue a family tradition. From the beginning of his career, his supervisor recognized him as an exemplary Airman.

"We relied on (Tyler) early on," said Staff Sgt. Rob, Tyler's prior supervisor and instructor. "If we needed help with anything, he was there; he's very high-speed. Tyler really stood out and took on many of the non-commissioned officer duties."

Tyler will begin his journey toward a commission in July.

"The LEAD program is a tremendous opportunity for young, bright Airmen to be admitted into the Prep School or the Air Force Academy," Brandon said. "The Academy sets aside a certain amount of slots each year for Airmen across the Air Force, and to be accepted into the program is a tremendous honor."