Bright futures

There are few things college engineer students hear in their lifetime.  “Welcome to the Air Force” being one of them.

Those words came from the mouth of Lt. Col. James Palumbo at the Pace Air Force recruiting center after UWF senior Roman Tillman signed the papers making him an official E3 Airman First Class. 

But the title was no cakewalk.  The student, who is still at UWF for engineering was one of three locals that were chosen for the Air Force Technical Degree Sponsorship Program, which takes 25 of the best aspiring engineers from around the nation and gives them a first class ticket into the Air Force.

Tillman, signed his papers to enter the Air Force Wednesday afternoon to start his active duty services starting on September 3. 

“The military is at the cutting edge of technology and we need people like this to keep us on that edge to defend our country,” Palumbo said.

The two other students, juniors Elizabeth Cherry and Heath Curtis were also accepted into the Air Force as part of the selection process.

All three of the students will be under the supervision of Technical Sgt. Michael Forehand, the Pace Air Force recruiter.

“These are three people from the local area out of 25 in the nation that got picked for this program,” Forehand said inside the recruiting office on Highway 90 on Wednesday.  “It shows the benefit of all of the hard work these students have put forth over the years.”

All of that hard work was showcased in front of a panel of six Colonels after an extensive application process for the engineering program.  The Colonels went through nearly two months of review before making a decision on the 25.

And these were not the typical college students according to Forehand.

“They have extensive community service hours, they are in honor programs and some play sports,” Forehand said. “They’ve clearly shown the Air Force they are leaders.”

All three will be a vital part of the Air Force, helping the military stay on the cutting edge of technology as part of the branches engineering sector.

“You have to be the brightest across the spectrum to be a part of this program,” Palumbo said. “These are the caliber of the folks we bring into the Air Force.”

The program utilizes the best of the best meteorology, electrical and computer-engineering students from around the United States.

Tillman, along with the other students will now be under the direction of Palumbo as part of his squadron starting in September.

“They will be members of the squadron for about a year, and by then they should become second lieutenants,” Palumbo said. “They’ve already clearly shown they are leaders, and that is exactly what we (Air Force) are looking for.”

On Wednesday, Tillman scribbled his initials on several pages of paper officially making him a First Class airman in the Air Force.

“I tell people I am proud of myself,” Tillman said before signing his papers. “All of this hard work has helped me get where I am today.”

Tillman and the other recruits will receive full benefits, pay and housing.  And all of them won’t be required to wear a uniform everyday. 

“In this day and age, it’s unique to see 12 percent of the people chosen for this program coming from this area,” Forehand said.  “These are clearly the best of the best.”