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Laughlin Airman earns rare commissioning scholarship

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Blake Mize
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  For the first time in five years, an enlisted Laughlin Airman has been awarded a scholarship that will result in his commissioning as an officer in the Air Force.

Airman 1st Class Tyler Sumrall, 47th Comptroller Squadron, was notified Jan. 28 that he had earned the scholarship through the Airman Scholarship Commissioning Program.

Not since 2006 had an Airman from Laughlin been selected for such a program and even longer since someone was selected for the ASCP in particular.

Airman Sumrall went through an extensive application process, which included him taking the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test and the ACT. Once he applied, it was nearly four months before he was notified of the result.

"I was ecstatic," said Airman Sumrall. "I was so happy the wait was over and that all the hard work had finally paid off."

The Airman, who plans to study political science at Arizona State University, was given the good news Jan. 28 when his commander, Maj. Shenen Hoefferle, 47th CPTS commander, called a squadron meeting. Many of Airman Sumrall's fellow squadron members became emotional when the news was announced and Maj. Hoefferle handed him two second lieutenant's bars, signifying the rank he will carry when he graduates from the program.

The soon-to-be-cadet was one of only 17 Airmen Air Force-wide to be chosen for the program and one of two Airmen 1st Class.

"This is a huge accomplishment," said Christine Engel, Laughlin's chief of education and training. "I have been working in the education center since March of 2007 and no Laughlin Airman has been selected for this or any other commissioning program at least since then."

Since his arrival at Laughlin in April of 2009, Airman Sumrall has been the recipient of numerous awards. He has been named 47th CPTS Airman of the quarter four times, Wing Staff Agency Airman of the quarter three times, Honor Guard member of the quarter once, 47th CPTS Airman of the year twice and is currently the WSA Airman of the year. He has also participated in intramural volleyball, football and basketball.

He will enroll as a freshman at ASU and begin classes in August of 2011.

"There is no better job than being in the Air Force and I feel like I will make a great officer," he said.

Those who decide such things seem to agree.