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JBSA News
NEWS | Dec. 15, 2006

Potential ambassadors face board

By April Blumer 37th Training Wing Public Affairs

Nine Airmen took turns sitting before a seven-member board Dec. 15 in hopes of earning the Lackland Air Force Base ambassadorship for 2007.

Two of the Airmen - one male, one female - will be selected to represent the Air Force and Lackland AFB to San Antonio and the surrounding communities during the upcoming year.

"This is an opportunity to be more involved in the community," said ambassador-hopeful Master Sgt. Rodney Holm in the 342nd Training Squadron. "(It's a way) to have a blue-suiter out there showing that Lackland cares."

During the interview process, the civilian and military panel asked the Airmen to speak on topics ranging from current events to personal qualifications.

"It was a very relaxed interview process, except for my natural nerves," said first-time ambassador applicant Staff Sgt. Valentina Beamus, 59th Dental Squadron. "Everyone had a smile and was nodding their heads. They really wanted to know what I had to say."

Maj. LeAnn Lamb, assigned to the 59th Medical Wing and one of the panel judges, said the scoring of the applicants was extremely close.

"I am amazed by the tremendous quality each of the candidates brought with them. Any of the nominees we talked to today would represent Lackland and the Air Force very well."

For 1st Lt. Jeremy Hooper, a board member assigned to the 68th Airlift Squadron, recommending the right person was a hard choice.

"They were all outstanding individuals," the lieutenant said. "We had to look for the smallest, most distinguishing qualities while we were scoring."

The board president, Col. Bonnie Lind, said she will present the board's recommendations to Brig. Gen. Darrell Jones, the 37th Training Wing commander, who will then make the final decision.

No date has been set for the announcement.

Other Airmen interviewing for the ambassadorship are:
Capt. C. Brent Dishman, 37th Training Wing
2nd Lt. Rebecca Maertens, 59th Surgical Operations Group
Master Sgt. Armando Trevino, Defense Language Institute English Language Center
Tech. Sgt. Magdalena Cortez, 737th Training Group
Tech. Sgt. Taneshia Lucas, 37th Training Group
Staff Sgt. Rachael Badillo, 59th Aeromedical Dental Group
Staff Sgt. Carlos Coronado, 737th TRG