 |
| News > S.O.A.R.ing to new heights |
|
|
| |
| Photos | |
 |
Col. Tom Murphy, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Garry Berry, 47th FTW command chief, presents a pair of Lieutenant bars to Senior Airman Kathleen Davidson, 47th Medical Group medical technician, in front of the medical staff in the Laughlin Clinic at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Feb. 1, 2013. Davidson earned a scholarship through the Scholarships for Outstanding Airman to Reserve Officer Training Corps, where she will pursue a nursing degree and a commission into the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo/2nd Lt. David Tart)
|
Download HiRes
|
|
|
|
S.O.A.R.ing to new heights
Posted 2/8/2013 Updated 2/8/2013
Email story
Print story
by 2nd Lt. David J. Tart
47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
2/8/2013 - LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The lobby of the 47th medical building quickly filled as medical staff gathered around Col. Tom Murphy, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, who had an announcement to make. The announcement would change the career and life of one young airman standing in the room. Murphy began listing the Airman's accomplishments before asking them to step out and be recognized.
Senior Airmen Kathleen Davidson, 47th Medical Squadron medical technician, stepped forward. Murphy with a smile and with the audience cheering awarded Davidson a set of Lieutenant bars after being selected for the Scholarship for Outstanding Airman to Reserve Officer Training Corps.
"I am going to remember this moment for a long time," said Murphy. "This is really something special."
Davidson explained that the whole situation was amazing, but came as a surprise. She knew she was going to find out the results of her nomination in the next few weeks, but had no idea she had received the scholarship.
"It took a lot of work putting all the paperwork together and making sure I was qualified for everything" said Davidson. "It was quite the gauntlet to run through to make sure everything was good to go."
Davidson, an Anaheim, Calif. native, explained that the scholarship she received would cover up to $18,000 a year in tuition and $900 a year for books. The scholarship will enable her to attend the University of Tampa and pursue a nursing degree and join the cross-town ROTC detachment at the University of South Florida and commission as an officer in the Air Force.
"I joined the Air Force so I could pursue my education and serve others," said Davidson. "I really wanted to be in security forces, but was assigned as a medical technician. It was a shock being selected for medical; I didn't want to be around blood."
"After the initial shock though I really began to enjoy my job," said Davidson. "I realized it was a way to help people. Not in the same way as security forces but a very important way, making them better."
Davidson explained that this process was really life altering and brought her to the edge of tears. There was a long list of things she needed to accomplish and her decisions would affect her life in many ways.
"I thought about going up for this scholarship a year ago, but I shot myself in the foot thinking I was not ready," said Davidson. "With the support of my co-workers and at the medical clinic I was provided with the support I needed to take the leap and go for this opportunity."
"I now have an opportunity to become a nurse," said Davidson. "I like the idea of being a nurse, because I get to spend more face time with patients."
Davidson explained that there are other opportunities she is looking forward to as a nurse and officer in the Air Force.
"I look forward to being able to mentor Airmen like I was. I still remember when I first looked at the all the paperwork to start the process and was overwhelmed," said Davidson. With the support and guidance I received I was able to achieve this opportunity. I would like to have that same impact on someone else's career and life as well."
Davidson explained that this is only the start of her education. She is looking forward to pursuing her master's after she has completed her bachelor's degree. With the completion of school and her commissioning, she will receive her first salute from her brother who is enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, an event she is looking forward to.
There was one driving factor throughout this experience that has remained constant in her eyes, explained Davidson, a commitment to education and using that knowledge to help others.
"When I was a kid and my father was sick I remember the nurses taking care of him," said Davidson. "I can't wait to be a nurse and have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on someone else's life." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
