Warbird reaps education benefits

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Stratton
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  A Senior Airman from the 5th Civil Engineer Squadron here received his Bachelor of Arts in Emergency and Disaster Management, a four-year degree, in an astounding 36 months. 

This hard-working Airman is Senior Airman Ross Monten, 5th CES emergency management specialist, who recently received his undergraduate degree from the American Military University, which is an online university with emphasis on programs in homeland security, national security, intelligence, and emergency and disaster management. 

"He is very energetic and strong willed," said Senior Airman Daniel Blair, 5th CES electrical engineer. "He has a good head on his shoulders and knows exactly what he wants."

He is a physical training leader for his squadron and has maintained a 100-percent composite score on his PT tests. He won his squadron airman of the quarter and the 5th Bomb Wing dorm room of the quarter awards in April 2006. He deployed to Iraq from September 2007 through February 2008. 

Airman Monten received the Pitsenbarger Award with his Community College of the Air Force degree, which is a one-time grant of $500 to selected top Air Force enlisted personnel who plan to pursue a baccalaureate degree from the Air Force Association, and he maintained a 3.9 grade point average.

"He is a sharp, squared away, recruiting poster Airman who has a reputation for great leadership skills and takes his job seriously," said Lt. Col. Brian May, 5th CES commander. "We create an environment in the 5th CES where education is just as important as the mission."

The pursuit of education is commonplace here. Warbirds and Rough Riders alike are encouraged to pursue their educational endeavors. It is well known that an educated Airman is a battle-ready warrior.

"When I first arrived here, it was my goal to serve my country and gain valuable active-duty experience," Airman Monten said. "At the same time, I wanted to finish my Community College of the Air Force degree and achieve my undergraduate degree."

Airman Monten came to Minot AFB in October 2005, fresh out of high school and with no higher education on his palette. He wanted to pursue a degree, which complemented his job. Airman Monten said he wanted to expand his job knowledge and be more useful to his unit here. It is a very interesting subject to study, he added.

"The emergency management office is responsible for training Airmen who deploy to a chemical warfare environment," Colonel May said. "Monten has prepared hundreds of Airmen for JWAD (Joint Warfare Analysis Division)."

"Monten has always appeared to be a young, sharp and dedicated professional," said Master Sgt. Christopher Kozel, 5th CES first sergeant.

In an effort to continue his education, Airman Monten applied for Palace Chase, which is a program that allows active-duty members the opportunity of transferring to a hometown Air National Guard unit.

"Palace Chase is one way we support the Total Force (active duty, ANG and Air Force Reserves) mission for those who are close to achieving a degree or have a degree," Colonel May said. "It is not a competitive program, but applicants must meet quality standards and be recommended by their commander."

"I am absolutely excited to have received Palace Chase," Airman Monten said. "It is a great opportunity that lets me remain in the Air Force while I collect time-in-grade and pursue my graduate degree."

Airman Monten will transfer to the Minnesota ANG 133rd Airlift Wing in Minneapolis this August. He will begin his graduate degree in public policy at the Hubert Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota, beginning this fall.

"I am extremely happy for this opportunity, because it allows me to go to a 'brick and mortar' graduate school," Airman Monten said. "After the online classes, it will be nice to interact with fellow classmates face-to-face."

Airman Monten emphasized any Airman with zero college credits fresh out of high school can accomplish a four-year degree with proper time management.

"Palace Chase is very good if you're close to finishing your undergraduate and want to go for your graduate while maintaining a military lifestyle," Airman Monten said. "You also get to choose the university you go to."

In the end, Warbirds and Rough Riders are encouraged to pursue their education dreams. The Air Force will support all Airmen, whether active-duty, ANG or AFR. The Air Force education program is just one benefit that sets this organization apart from all other opportunities.

For more information regarding palace chase or other education opportunities, contact the base education center at 723-3344 or logon to library.minot.accqolnet.org.