Former 944th FW Airman keeps focus on life-long dream

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Barbara Plante
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  As one of 200 graduating from the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School May 26 and receiving an appointment to attend the Academy in the fall, Cadet Andrew J. Kacura-Miller, a former 944th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels technician, became one step closer to filling a life-long dream to attend the USAFA and become a pilot.

As a senior airman with the 944th Fighter Wing, Airman Kacura-Miller competed for one of 50 slots given to enlisted Airmen though the "Leaders Encouraging Airman Development" Program and was given the appointment to the preparatory school, which is the equivalent of being offered a full one year college scholarship.

The LEAD Program delegates authority to unit and wing commanders to nominate highly-qualified Airmen to attend the Academy with no Congressional appointment necessary. This provides commanders the ability to give exceptional Airmen with the desire and potential for the program a chance to achieve their goal. 

Cadet Kacura-Miller attended the prep school, located just outside Colorado Springs Colo., for 10 months. During his time there he studied mathematics, English, science, and military history while participating in strenuous military training and physical fitness programs.

"I was speechless for about five minutes after I heard the news that I had been accepted [to the prep school]. I guess you could say I was in disbelief and really excited," he said. "I always wanted to attend the Academy but it seemed out of reach for me. I really had so much encouragement from the people in my squadron."

While at the prep school, he worked hard and kept focused because he really wanted to get to the academy and be called a cadet. 

"I wasn't worried that I wouldn't be successful, but the program did open my eyes. Being prior enlisted and a little more mature helped me through the 10 months but everyone starts off at the same level and you have to show that you really want the appointment," Cadet Kacura-Miller said.

Prior to the presentation of diplomas and appointments, the Prep School recognized its top achievers for the year where Cadet Candidate Kacura-Miller received honors for character development. 

"After being handed my graduation prep school certificate, official appointment certificate and prep school coin I felt so proud and my family was right up front to see me," he said. "I am definitely excited to show that I made it through the prep school. I am professional and I can make it through the Academy."

Cadet Kacura-Miller enlisted in the Air Force and joined the 944th FW, through the delayed entry program in August 2005, a year before he graduated high school. Entering basic training right after graduation he followed the foot steps of both his father and older brother. His father, Master Sgt. (Ret) Bruce W. Miller, an original member of the 944th FW who retired in April 2007, encouraged his sons to also serve their country in the Air Force and with 944th FW. 

"I always knew I wanted to be a pilot but I wanted to make sure the military was the best fit for me so I decided to go to basic training and join the 944th," Cadet Kacura-Miller said. 

Senior Airman Brian Miller, a 944th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels technician, is proud of younger brother. 

"I am so proud of him," Airman Miller said. "He has wanted to do this since we were little -- go the Academy and be a pilot. This is really a big deal for him. I miss having him around but I know he is going on to better things, and I'm extremely happy for him. He has studied hard and fitness has always been a big part of his life."

With his successful completion of the preparatory school, Cadet Kacura-Miller now has the opportunity to continue on with his dream as he enters the Academy June 25 to begin basic cadet training the Class of 2013. Ultimately he hopes to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electronic Engineering, obtain a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force and become a pilot.

"The 944th Fuels section and the entire LRS are very excited about Cadet Kacura-Miller's completion of the prep school and his appointment to the USAF academy," said Capt. Ryan Avery, 944th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels officer in charge. "Andrew was a stellar young Airman from the day he stepped into the unit. This is an incredible opportunity for him and we have supported him in every way possible throughout the process. It says a great deal about this superb section, squadron and wing to have one of our own selected for this prestigious program. We wish Andrew the very best and I look forward to serving with him in the future as an officer in the United States Air Force."

Any sharp enlisted Airmen with the goal of attending the Academy, who has not yet turned 23 by July 1 of the year they would enter the Academy should look into the LEAD Program. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or be able to attain citizenship before entry into the Academy the following year, be unmarried, have no dependents and be of high moral character.

They must complete compete an Air Force Form 1786: Application for Appointment to the USAFA Under Quota Allotted to Enlisted Members of the Regular and Reserve Components of the Air Force. It requires personal information, immediate commander's endorsement (no lower than squadron commander or equivalent) and Military Personnel Flight coordination.

For more information on the LEAD program, visit www.academyadmissions.com or call (719) 333-8574 or (800) 443-9266.