LEAD program … Enlisted Airman’s path to the Academy

Published Nov. 25, 2008
By Master Sgt. Keith Houin
501st Combat Wing Public Affairs

RAF Alconbury UK -- As a high school senior, Katie Newkirk was making all the typical choices a senior has to make as graduation gets closer. An eye opening discussion with her dad was the clincher in a decision that would help determine her future. The Police Captain asked her to factor in life issues such as job security, life insurance, medical and dental benefits, topics "I never would have thought of on my own at that age," she said. After several of these discussions with her dad, Katie felt she was not ready for college yet. She decided to follow in her sister's footsteps and serve her country in Air Force Intelligence, always knowing she would eventually go back for her degree.

As an Imagery Analyst at U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt AFB, Nebraska, Senior Airman Newkirk was an avid volunteer, involved in base sports and took night classes at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. These activities combined with her on-duty performance caught the eye of Maj. Rex Miller, who asked Newkirk if she had ever given thought to the Air Force Academy. Unaware of the Academy or the opportunity to go, she did some research. Armed with information from Maj. Miller and her own fact finding, Airman Newkirk decided to give the Academy a shot.

Though she did not know the program was called Leaders Encouraging Airman Development (LEAD) when she started the process, Airman Newkirk soon found herself Cadet Newkirk and pursuing a degree and a commission at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Under the LEAD Program, unit and wing commanders may nominate exceptional airmen for admission to the U.S. Air Force Academy, unlike high school students, who must obtain one of several competitive congressional-appointed nominations. Upon graduation, cadets receive a Bachelor of Science degree in one of 35+ majors offered at the school and a commission as a Second Lieutenant.

In May 2008, Cadet Newkirk became Lieutenant Newkirk in a graduation ceremony unparallel to any other, as President Bush was the guest speaker and distributor of the diplomas to each graduate. Now working as the 501st Combat Support Wing Protocol Officer, 2LT Newkirk is an advocate for the program and shares her knowledge about the program with motivated airmen.

For Airmen looking to take the next step the process needs to start in the Spring/Winter season. Annually, there are 85 slots available for active-duty and 85 for National Guard and Reserve members of all services. Slots are also reserved at the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School for enlisted troops who are slightly deficient in selected admission areas. These cadet candidates can apply for the Academy upon successful completion of the prep school program.

For Academy direct entry, applicants must be of high moral character, no older than 22 on inprocessing day of the year entering the Academy (date changes annually), a U.S. citizen or be able to obtain citizenship before entry in the Academy the following year, be unmarried and have no dependents. For Preparatory School entry, the same criteria apply except applicants must not have passed their 22nd birthday by July 1 of the entry year. The deadline for the initial application is Jan. 31. For more information contact the Spangdahlem base education office at 452-6335.