WC Missouri News

Five Airmen from Whiteman Air Force Base have been selected for commissioning in the United States Air Force. The individuals chosen are Master Sgt. Latisha Langley, Tech. Sgt. Katie South, Tech. Sgt. James Giles, Staff Sgt. Mathew Leyland, and Tech. Sgt. Scott Ebert.

These selectees will attend a nine-week training program at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama, known as the Air Force Officer Training School (OTS). Upon completion of this training, they will be commissioned as second lieutenants.

Formerly enlisted members bring valuable experience to their officer roles, leveraging their military background and skills to better understand and address the needs of enlisted personnel.

“I believe the Air Force needs officers who can effectively empower a team to accomplish the mission,” said Giles, assistant chief of logistics for Fire and Emergency Services at the 509th Civil Engineering Squadron. “Educational competency, technical expertise in one’s field, and a solid foundation in our core values are of course all required, but not a single leader can complete a goal without their team to back them up.”

Langley emphasized her motivation rooted in tradition and purpose: “Commitment to tradition and purpose is what motivated me to strive toward commissioning,” she said. “Coming from a military family it’s been an honor to continue the legacy of service my family has upheld for over 75 years."

South added that determination is crucial: “To make it you must not only possess the qualities that the Air Force values but also have the determination to push for the nomination.”

The OTS selectees aim to leverage their previous experiences as enlisted personnel while setting new goals as officers.

“As an officer, I hope to do my part leading units in positive directions by focusing on its members,” said Leyland, conventional crew chief at the 509th Munitions Squadron. “My aspiration is to develop those around me into strong foundational pillars that will not only hold up a unit but take it to new heights.”

Team Whiteman extends congratulations to all OTS selectees and looks forward to their future contributions.