Leading the Force: Tech. Sgt. Hudson named to OTS

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jenay Randolph
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  At the mere age of 30, Tech. Sgt. Toyre Hudson, a mental health technician assigned to the 6th Medical Support Squadron at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, fulfilled his childhood dream when he became the first selected for officer training school (OTS) in the Air Mobility Command through the Senior Enlisted Commissioning Program on September 11, 2015.

The Air Force released the Senior Enlisted Commissioning Program this year. This new program allows certain senior leaders to directly-select high performing enlisted members for commissioning through OTS.

Hudson was selected by the AMC commander, General Carlton D. Everhart II and AMC command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Victoria Gamble.

"I would describe the feeling of my accomplishments as a professional sports team winning a championship. The feeling of euphoria!" expressed Hudson overwhelmed with excitement. "As a kid growing up in a small town in Georgia, I never would have dreamt of accomplishing such amazing things while in the same breathe doing what I love to do -- serving my country."

The Columbus, Georgia, native grew up near Fort Benning where he recalled watching the young privates on base. He also had four uncles who served as senior noncommissioned officers in the United States Army.

"My family served in the military, and they inspired me to ultimately join and serve my country," said Hudson. "Personally, I look at my achievements as a family success with hopes of inspiring future generations who bear my last name."

After joining the Air Force in 2004, Hudson served six years as a security forces member before retraining to become a mental health technician in 2010. During his time as a defender, he was assigned to Kunsan Air Base, Korea, and Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. Also, he deployed twice in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, along with Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa.

Once retrained, he was assigned to MacDill, and he continued to deploy in support of OEF with two additional tours.

Originally, he dreamed of becoming a chief master sergeant in the Air Force. However, while making strides to be a chief, he became fixated with the idea of being the "first officer in [his] family."

In February 2016, he is scheduled to graduate from OTS, and he will return to the career field that molded him through his early years in the Air Force; he will be a defender once again.

"I will tell Airmen an opportunity for greater success doesn't always come on a silver platter," stated Hudson. "In my experiences, life will throw many obstacles in your way while working toward completing a goal. Some way, somehow, find a way to persevere. Stay optimistic in your journey of achieving your goals. The key is to never quit!"