Security Forces Airman to become military leader

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica McConnell
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  What does it take to be a leader? More specifically, what does it take to be an officer in the Air Force?

Among the newest group of those selected for the Airman Education and Commissioning Program, Air Force Global Strike Command Airman, Senior Airman Lee R. Kozokas, 5th Security Forces Squadron protection level one entry controller, answered these questions with confidence.

"I am a strong believer in leading by example," said Airman Kozokas. "If shortcuts are taken, those looking up to that leader are bound to do the same, resulting in potentially disastrous consequences. An effective leader should also have courage and excellent planning skills; both essential characteristics of good leadership."

His peers and supervisors said that Airman Kozokas already demonstrates these characteristics on a daily basis.

Staff Sgt. Christopher Ellis, 5th SFS operations assistant, believes Airman Kozokas has what it takes to be a successful officer.

"Airman Kozokas takes extraordinary circumstances above and beyond with his leadership skills, communication skills and most importantly, his loyalty to the Air Force and its core values," said Sergeant Ellis.

Capt. Michael Gallucci, 5th SFS operations and training officer, wasn't hesitant in stating why he thought Airman Kozokas was going to be an exceptional officer.

"He has set the standard for excellence since he arrived here in March 2008," said the captain.

Captain Gallucci said Airman Kozokas is a three-time nuclear surety inspection outstanding performer, a below the zone winner and the 2010 Global Strike Command Security Forces Airman of the Year.

"He is going to be an outstanding officer because of his drive, determination and positive can-do attitude," the captain continued. "He has incredible work ethic and always strives to set the bar to the highest levels!"

This Airman has only been in the Air Force for a little more than three years, yet he's already been accepted to the Air Force ROTC program at Pennsylvania State University.

"Shortly after being stationed here and getting familiar with standard Air Force operations, I decided that becoming an officer would be the right career choice for me," he said. "After that, I began seeking enlisted commissioning opportunities."

Once he found out how to apply, he started the process immediately. He said the application process was a difficult one to get through, but with the help of the education center's staff and Airman Kozokas' determination, he was able to submit it right on time.

"It consisted of more than 15 different documents ranging from physical fitness test scores to a complete degree plan approved by both the university and the ROTC detachment there," he said. "The largest challenge I encountered during this process was creating the package itself; more than 300 hours were put into its creation and many of the items required coordination with multiple agencies."

Airman Kozokas said he started the process many months in advance and established a timeline to ensure he continued to make progress. But he was sure to give credit to those who helped him the most.

"I believe the overall attention to detail put into my package played an enormous role in my selection," he started. "Lois Nelson, a member of the base education center staff, cared for my package as if it was her own. Without her dedication, submitting a flawless application would never have happened."

While enrolled in ROTC, Airman Kozokas' primary duty will be to attend classes under his selected major, a Bachelor of Science in business economics, as well as to attend leadership labs and aerospace study courses taught by ROTC detachment officers.

"Upon graduation, ROTC members are normally commissioned as a second lieutenant within 60 days," he added.

Airman Kozokas is being proactive by already setting his next long-term goal.

"While in ROTC, I hope to further develop my leadership skills and gain a better understanding of the officer corps," Airman Kozokas said. "Once I'm commissioned, my goal is to either earn a rated position or to be selected to obtain an Air Force Specialty Code in special tactics."

Airman Kozakas advises enlisted Airmen who want to become an officer to start at the base education center.

"They have in-depth knowledge of each program, which ultimately makes it easier to find which program is best for each individual," he said. "Other than that, it is key to be cognizant of the deadlines and ensure each one is met. The time put into the application is well worth a chance at becoming an Air Force officer."

For more information on commissioning opportunities, contact the base education center at 723-2772.