Airman awarded LOA scholarship

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Elsea
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Senior Airman Phillip C. Clements, 43rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit, Integrated Avionics Technician, was awarded a National Logistics Officer Scholarship for $2,500 Oct. 6 at the Heritage Club.

The scholarship was open to all Department of Defense employees, however only five were selected. All five winners were scheduled to receive the scholarships in Las Vegas.
Airman Clements was unable to attend, due to an upcoming addition to his family.

"My wife is pregnant and due next month," Airmen Clements said. "She is feeling like the baby may come sooner. So, I chose not to go."

He also has a five- year-old daughter and a 17-month-old son. After the birth of their third child, he said the family will be complete.

In addition to being family oriented, he is also very serious about his career.

Airman Clements enlisted roughly two years ago. He was recently promoted for Senior Airman Below the Zone, it allows Airman to promote to Senior Airman six months early.

However, this was just a minor step on his career path.

"My goal is to retire a commissioned officer," Airman Clements. "I am currently looking into the Air Education Commissioning Program."

He said he would like to be a logistics officer and has been working on his education for several years.

"I already have one associate degree from ECPI in network security," Senior Airman Clements said. "I am working on my second associate degree in avionics system technology through Gulf Coast Community College."

He said he hopes to one day attain a bachelor's degree in either computer engineering or aeronautical engineering.

Although tuition assistance has been covering his classes, it did not cover his books. With assistance from his chain of command, Airman Clements applied for the scholarship.

"My first impression of Senior Airman Clements was that he was a professional, motivated Airman who is a strong member of the maintenance team and has a bright future," said Captain Seanna Less, 325th Maintenance Operations Squadron, Operations Officer.

Capt. Less assisted Airman Clements in applying for the scholarship.

"You should never let an opportunity pass you by, all they can do is say no," Captain Less said. "If they say no, then you are no worse off than you were before, but if they say yes ..."
Overall, Clements said this scholarship has been a blessing and could have not come at a more perfect time.

"I feel extremely privileged to receive the scholarship," said Airman Clements. "It has shown me that with the effort I put in I can be rewarded. It is a good feeling."