Beale Airman selected for OTS

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Bobby Cummings
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The Air Force recently released its latest Officer Training School rated selection board results. Of the 228 selectee's, 50 of them are currently enlisted.

Senior Airman Benjamin Ryan, 9th Contracting Squadron contract specialist, is one of the selected OTS candidates.

"I'm extremely humbled and honored for the opportunity to become an officer," Ryan said. "I'm looking forward to being in a leadership role where my decisions will have a significant impact on the people around me."

The Wingate, North Carolina native attended East Carolina University, where he graduated with a Health Fitness Specialist degree. While attending ECU Ben played four years of varsity football as a kicker and punter. He was the starting punter for the Pirates during his junior and senior year and was selected as a team captain for his senior season.

"I've experienced being the youngest individual on a team, and I understand the sacrifices that need to be made to become a leader. I've experienced the climb," Ryan said. "It's the same situation for me in the Air Force. I started my career as a junior enlisted Airman, hopefully years from now I can finish my career as a senior officer."

After completing his bachelor's degree and the conclusion of his college football career, Ryan enlisted in the Air Force with aspirations of becoming a pararescuemen. He was unable to complete indoctrination training and he was faced with the decision to re-class into another career field or leave the Air Force.

He chose to stay. He became a contract specialist.

"When I joined the Air Force I wanted to be on the cutting edge, I wanted to be at the tip of the spear executing the mission," Ryan said. "I believe the position I've been accepted for will be at the forefront of the fight."

While stationed at Beale, Ben has been acknowledged as an extraordinary Airman for the work he has completed at the 9th CONS. He was recently selected as his squadron's Airman of the Quarter.

"Senior Airman Ryan has been an invaluable asset to the 9th CONS because of his ability to quickly master new tasks, and present problem solutions," said Staff Sgt. Mikhail Andrade, 9th CONS contract administrator. "Ben has portrayed officer qualities, such as management, problem solving and leadership. I believe he will be an exceptional officer."

According to Ryan, he believes the experiences he has gained from his time playing college football and his time as an enlisted member will give him an advantageous perspective when leading Airmen as an officer.

"I have been surrounded by tremendous leadership during my career in the Air Force and on the football field. My coaches were inspirations of mine and the leadership here at 9th CONS has been encouraging and supportive," Ryan said. "I can't thank them enough. Going forward, I will prove to them supporting me was a smart decision. I'm excited about my future."

(Portions of this article were taken from the Official Website of the U.S. Air Force)