Airman earns place at Academy

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shane M. Phipps
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Since its inception in 1954, the United States Air Force Academy has been considered one of the nation's most prestigious and selective universities.

With an established reputation of high professional and academic standards, its acceptance rate has been comparable to elite schools like Duke University, West Point and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

For many enlisted military members, the idea of attending such a prominent school is accepted as merely a faraway fantasy. However, through the Leaders Encouraging Airmen Development Program - one Airman has made this fantasy a reality.

"Ever since I was little, it's been my dream to go to the academy," said Airman Chloe Roze, 366th Comptroller Squadron customer service technician. "So when I found out about the LEAD Program, I immediately spoke with my lieutenant who is prior enlisted and went through the same process to commission."

After soliciting his help, Roze's lieutenant maintained a high level of confidence in his Airman's potential.

"The academy is definitely not for everyone, but after getting to know her, noticing her professionalism, how much she volunteers and how involved she is in physical fitness, it seemed like she would be a great candidate to not only go to the academy, but survive there as well," said 2nd Lt. Michael Brown, 366th CPTS financial services officer. "She just has the right personality."

After receiving an email stating she had not been accepted directly into the academy earlier this month, Roze endured an emotional week before receiving another email explaining she would first attend the academy's year-long preparatory college.

"I heard through the grapevine she didn't get accepted, and I was really upset at that decision because looking at her application compared to mine six years ago, she blew me out of the water," said Brown. "My initial feelings were if they accepted me, why wouldn't they accept her?"

The email confusion became an emotional rollercoaster for those involved, but was soon remedied.

"I was really disappointed in myself when I thought I didn't get in, but I was thrilled when I found out I had actually gotten into the prep-school," exclaimed Roze.

Once he realized she had in fact been admitted into the prep-school, things began to make sense to Brown as well.

"The vast majority of time, if they're young enough, prior enlisted are sent to the prep-school first," said Brown. "It's a better transition for them."

For Roze, this is a unique and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, however she remains dedicated to remembering where she comes from.

"I feel like I just won the lottery, and I have been given a huge opportunity to make a difference in the Air Force," she said. "I think being prior enlisted will give me more of a perspective on how to lead in the Air Force because I know what it's like to be as low ranking as an airman basic."

One of Roze's highest-ranking leaders acknowledges and respects an accomplishment of this magnitude.

"I am ecstatic she got into the academy," said Lt. Col. David Stephens, 366th CPTS commander. "It is well-deserved and I know she will do excellent."

Once Brown thoroughly understood the level of motivation and dedication Roze possessed, it was easy to push her in the right direction.

"She's a top-notch Airman," said Brown. "Losing her to go to the academy is bittersweet because in the time she's been here, she has excelled so much and has been a valued member of our team, but she has such personality and drive that she really needs to go and do something like this. To hold her back would be an absolute disservice to her and the Air Force because of what they could get out of an awesome young lady like Chloe."

Each year through the LEAD Program, the Air Force Academy accepts up to 85 active-duty Airmen and 85 Airmen serving in the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard.