MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The commitment to the 6th Medical Group’s mission of “Prepare, Prevent, Heal, and Deploy,” has given two enlisted Airmen the opportunity to advance their education, and pursue new careers as commissioned officers.
Tech. Sgt. Nicole Sadir and Staff Sgt. Lisa Villarreal, 6th Medical Group aerospace medical technicians were two out of 43 Airmen selected Air Force wide for the 2019 Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program.
As NECP selectees, Sadir and Villarreal will work toward obtaining their bachelor’s degrees in nursing, commissioning as Nurse Corps officers upon completion.
“This is something I dreamed about and worked toward for years,” said Villarreal. “When I found out I was selected, I was completely shocked.”
Hard work and dedication are commonalities shared between the two Airmen.
“I have pushed myself and worked hard during my career,” said Sadir. “For the Air Force to recognize that effort, and to give me this opportunity, is an amazing feeling.”
Pursuing nursing has been a life-long ambition for Sadir and Villarreal, who thanked their mentors and leadership for helping them achieve this goal.
“I have worked closely with nurses for eight years in the Air Force, and I have always gravitated toward them to learn,” said Sadir. “Throughout my entire career I have had amazing mentors, supervisors and leadership and I want to thank them for all of their support.”
Like Sadir, Villarreal credited colleagues and nurses she has worked with in the Air Force for their influence and encouragement to apply for the NECP.
“Going all the way back to tech school, I’ve had great people teaching me how to do my job,” Villarreal said. “Since I’ve been at MacDill all of my supervisors have been so supportive and encouraging.”
Part of what set these Airmen apart in the application process is being well rounded Airmen.“NECP focuses on the whole Airmen concept, not just academics,” explained Villarreal. “You have to be good at your job, your Enlisted Performance Report and Physical Testing scores count, and awards and accomplishments are included.”
Once commissioned Sadir and Villarreal will attend Total Force Officer Training, and will have a 10 year commitment to fulfill as officers.
“I want to stay in the Air Force until I retire,” said Sadir. “I love the Air Force, and I am thankful for the opportunities I have been given.”
Similarly, Villarreal stated that she intends on staying in the Air force even after her 10 year commitment is complete.
“I love taking care of patients and I love the Air Force and I am so glad I will get to continue to work in both fields,” said Villarreal. “I plan on staying in and retiring as an Air Force nurse.”
Sadir and Villarreal are scheduled to start classes August 2019 at the University of South Florida, Tampa.
The NECP is open to Airmen in all career fields. Applicants must be U.S. citizens with a minimum rank of Airmen 1st Class. In addition applicants must meet retainability requirements, possess security clearances, and meet minimum GPA requirements of the nursing school they will attend.