Eglin Airman selected for OTS Published June 4, 2012 By Lois Walsh Team Eglin Public Affairs EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla -- Staff Sgt. Jacob John always had his eye on the prize. After five years, the timing was finally right for him to achieve one of his long-term goals. John, a craftsman in the 96th Civil Engineer Squadron's Emergency Management flight, was one of 283 men and women across the Air Force selected for an officer's commission. Air Force Recruiting Service officials considered 960 applications for slots at the Officers Training School at Maxwell AFB, Ala. The basic officer training program consists of 12 weeks of military instruction and leadership development for college graduates leading to a commission as a second lieutenant. A native of Baton Rouge, La., John earned his degree at Louisiana State University prior to joining the military. He gave Army ROTC a shot while in college, but decided to change course. After graduation in 2007, he enlisted in the Air Force. "I always wanted to be in the military, but at the time there weren't any officers' slots open for someone with a sociology degree, so I thought I'd enlist and eventually find my way," the sergeant said. "I like the Air Force because air and space superiority wins wars and I wanted to be a part of that." John "found his way" with the help of people like his squadron commander, Lt. Col. David Meissen and Jean Mattiza, an education counselor at the base's education center. CEG commander Col. Anthony Higdon also endorsed his nomination. "After observing Sergeant John and his work, I was pleased to recommend him. He is proactive and shows strong leadership which are qualities to be a good officer," Higdon said. "I would be happy after he gets commissioned to have him back in our organization, I'm that confident of his abilities." Mattiza said part of her job is guiding candidates for ROTC or medical scholarships and OTS. She delivers commissioning briefings and offers assistance with the lengthy application packages needed for the recruiting service's selection board. John credits her expertise with helping secure his slot; her review of the personal essay, resume and other forms were vital components for the application. He said his wife, Audrie, also a staff sergeant in emergency management, was "very helpful and not afraid to tell me that something I've written needed to be modified." Meissen's last day as the 96 CES commander was the day after he congratulated John on his selection. It was also the Johns' third wedding anniversary. "We both worked that day instead of taking off," John said with a smile. John is now waiting for a date for classes to start. He's about to talk to a few people about the course so he's prepared for the challenge. He's also awaiting the birth of his and his wife's first child in August. "The timing won't be perfect but this is what we want for our family," John said. "It's good to finally hear," he said. "My wife is especially happy." John won't be able to stay in emergency management once he's commissioned because EM falls under civil engineering and he does not have a degree in that discipline. He's planning for a career in the force support squadron and is getting more information on that field from contacts he's made in the emergency operations center. Mattiza said she's ecstatic for John and is a strong proponent of the commissioning avenues open to Airmen. She knows, regardless of rank, all the Airmen are a vital part of the Air Force. "It's so exciting to help someone attain his goal," she said.