RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Taking the oath of enlistment isn’t enough for some Airmen. The Leaders Encouraging Airman Development program gives those individuals the opportunity to commission by enrolling in the U.S. Air Force Academy. The application process alone deters many from taking that first step.
Senior Airman Tynisha Spencer, assigned to the 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron on RAF Mildenhall, England, was congratulated by her leadership April 4, 2016, for being chosen for the LEAD program. This pivotal moment was forecast from the moment Spencer learned about the program at the start of her military career.
“I heard about the academy during my time at the Air Force Military Entrance Processing Station from one of the career advisors, and from there my obsession grew to find out more,” said Spencer, 100th LRS traffic management journeyman. “Arriving at my first duty station, I wanted to become a part of the few that are accepted to the academy.”
The eager Airman learned about the LEAD program eligibility requirements and wasted no time building an application package. Some of the requirements include age restritions, marital status, ACT or SAT scores, candidate fitness assessment and recommendation. Meeting these requirements is not enough; applicants must prove themselves of high moral character and dedication through essays, letters of recommendation and interviews.
Spencer joined the base honor guard program in 2014 and has since distinguished herself as an integral member of the team.
“I think she was accepted because of her drive, dedication and her always positive attitude,” said Staff Sgt. James Stay, NCO in charge of the RAF Mildenhall Base Honor Guard. “She has dedicated more than 250 hours to the program, including a six month deployment. She comes to practice with a smile, ready-to-work attitude and always gives 100 percent. The honor guard is losing one of our sharpest members, but the Air Force is gaining a great leader.”
The honor guardsman also established herself as a sharp Airman in her squadron.
When Master Sgt. Rosana Flores, 100th LRS cargo movement section chief, met Spencer two years ago, she described how the Airman was quiet and shy, but exhibited an inner drive to excel.
“Since then, Spencer has become such an influential and outgoing leader among her peers and coworkers,” Flores said. “She strongly upholds the Air Force core values, has such a positive outlook, is well spoken and is an all-around sharp individual.”
Creating a strong application package can be daunting because of the many required elements. In addition to dedication and drive, leadership support is a key attribute to creating a package that will distinguish itself from the other applicants.
“I think every part of my enlisted career prepared me for this great opportunity because I had leadership that pushed me to get started on continuing my education,” Spencer explained. “They also supported me volunteering and provided opportunities for me to go out and run for Airmen Committed to Excellence treasurer and join the base honor guard. I would not be where I am now if I didn’t have leadership that was flexible and worked with me to be ambitious about the things I really care to be a part of.”
Senior Airman Spencer’s motivation for base and community involvement made her a well-rounded candidate for the LEAD program.
"She strongly upholds the Air Force core values, has such a positive outlook and is well spoken," explained Flores. “She has the drive, determination, and positive attitude to become an outstanding officer leading the enlisted personnel towards a bright future.”
The morning of April 4, the 100th LRS Airman was made to believe that she was in trouble when in reality her leadership had gathered at her work place to give her praise and congratulations for all of her hard work.
“I was overwhelmed with excitement and could not believe that it was real,” the humble Airman described. “My eyes began to get all watery and I started to cry, happy tears of course. I could not believe that my hard work and stressful days finally paid off, especially when I was trying to complete my application while being deployed.”
Her success not only made her family proud, but also those in her leadership.
“The day my commander announced Senior Airman Spencer's acceptance into the LEAD program, it was not only an exciting moment for her, but also a proud moment for me, seeing how far she had come,” said Flores.
As her time to leave for the academy draws near and final preparations are completed, the Team Mildenhall Airman says she still can’t believe that she will be leaving active duty to begin a new journey.
Spencer gives a word of advice for those interested in the LEAD program.
“If going to the academy is something you really want to do, go for it and don’t let anything stop you,” she stated. “I know I’m probably not the smartest, fastest or strongest person alive, but if I want something badly enough I will never give up.”
To summarize her outlook on the experience, she quotes Eric Thomas, an American motivational speaker, author and minister, “You have to want success like you want to breathe.”