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Scott Airman accepted into OTS, pilot training

  • Published
  • By Airman Gwendalyn Smith
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- --  
Airman 1st Class Cameron Emerson, a 375th Civil Engineer Squadron execution support member, was recently selected to attend Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.

Officer Training School is a rigorous, nine-week program designed to challenge participants both mentally and physically. The purpose of OTS is to develop an individual into a world-class officer of character who possesses the American warrior ethos, embodies the Air Force Core Values, and is prepared to lead Airmen.

Emerson wanted to commission not only to challenge himself and set a goal, but to also be the best he could for his family.

"I want to build a better life for my family," said Emerson. "The Air Force has taught me how to be motivated and have higher aspirations. Before I joined, I never thought of myself as being the best at any particular thing, and now that I'm starting to have accomplishments like this, I'm more confident, and it's teaching me how to strive for the best every time. My religious beliefs and knowing God's plan for my life also help me to strive to do my best in my life."

Emerson is assigned to be a pilot and he said it's something he would never imagine being able to do before.

"I never thought in my dreams that it would be me flying a plane," said Emerson. "My first career thoughts were to become a contracting officer, intelligence, navigator or possibly security forces."

In order to attend OTS, selectees must have a bachelor's degree and pass the Air Force Officer Qualification Test. Emerson has a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a Bachelor of Arts in German.

"I wanted to commission before I joined," said Emerson. "I already had my degree before I enlisted, but both my officer and enlisted recruiters said the boards for officer were closed. They suggested that I enlist first, then try to commission later on."

Emerson then made it a priority to apply and meet all the other requirements as soon as he could. His hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed by his leadership.

"I knew Airman Emerson wanted to commission shortly after he arrived on station," said Staff Sgt. Noé Rosas, Emerson's supervisor. "It's one of the first things that we talked about after he came to the squadron. He asked what he could do to start heading in that direction."

With the help of leadership and fellow Airmen in his office, Emerson put together his package and application. After reaching his goal, he said he was elated to find out about his acceptance.

"One day around the time that the results were supposed to be released, our flight chief asked that everyone go to the commander's office for a meeting," said Emerson. "Everyone was really confused and didn't know what was going on."

Emerson and his coworkers walked in and Maj. Bradly Bucholz, 375th CES acting commander, was on the phone and wanted to talk to everybody. Then came the reason for the meeting. Bucholz told everyone that he had received an e-mail about Emerson's selection to OTS.

"It was a big surprise to me and everybody else," said Emerson.
Emerson said his family, leadership, and co-workers are excited and proud of his accomplishment, and he could not be more thankful.

"Everyone has been super helpful and supportive the whole time," said Emerson. "My family was very proud of me, especially my mom, because she had the same aspirations. My fellow workers were supportive while I was working on getting my package together. I would take a little bit of time from work each day, and they would help make sure everything was done so I could have that time."

To his leadership, there is no doubt he is capable of being a strong leader.

"He is a very determined person who will set a goal and achieve it," said Rosas. "I think he'll be excellent as an officer; he's a very family-oriented person and with a very humanistic approach towards both life and professional situations, so being installed in the right position, he has the potential of encouraging an amazing work environment."