RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The 12th Flying Training Wing announced the 2009 Randolph Ambassadors Tuesday.
The winners, selected by a panel of six judges, are Capt. Carlos Ferrer, 341st Recruiting Squadron, and Staff Sgt. Courtney Linde, 12th Contracting Squadron.
"I am excited about having two top-notch individuals representing Randolph this coming year and participating in community outreach activities," said Col. Jacqueline Van Ovost, 12 FTW commander.
The Randolph ambassadors will represent the base at more than 75 events throughout the year including parades, social and military functions, hospital and school visits, and the San Antonio Fiesta celebration in April. You can also expect to see the ambassadors at on-base events like 4th of July activities, Randolph Air Show, and the Annual Tree Lighting ceremony.
The first official ambassador function is the annual visit to the Audie Murphy Veterans Hospital in February.
Captain Ferrer hails from Camuy, Puerto Rico, and is the flight commander of the Operations Flight for the 341st RS located at Lackland Air Force Base. As a flight commander, he monitors the production effectiveness of 68 recruiters in ten flights geographically dispersed over a 125 thousand square-mile area and two states. In his position, he formulates and directs the implementation of recruiting plans, programs, goal allocation, and competition system for the squadron. In addition, Captain Ferrer serves as a liaison between the Military Entrance Processing Station, or MEPS, the unit, and the military, civic, education and community partners. Captain Ferrer also provides leadership and guidance for the squadron operations branch and two MEPS liaison teams.
Captain Ferrer received his Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico in 2003. He also completed the Air and Space Basic Course in residence at Maxwell AFB, Ala., and most recently, Squadron Officer's School in 2008. He is on track to complete his Master's of Science degree in Industrial Engineering this coming summer.
When Captain Ferrer isn't working, he spends his time keeping in top physical shape by working out and participating in triathlons and marathons. He also stays involved in multiple community service activities to include preparing dinners for wounded soldiers at the local Fisher House, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, and mentoring ROTC cadets in Air Force careers and opportunities.
Captain Ferrer says being selected as a Randolph Ambassador is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and is definitely one of the highlights of his career. He continues to say, "I'm looking forward to sharing my passion for the Air Force with the local community and show them how much we appreciate their outstanding support to our troops."
On a personal level he said, "As a native Puerto Rican, I have always appreciated the opportunities and freedom we have as United States citizens. In an effort to support this great country, I made the decision early in my life that I would join the United States Air Force. Becoming a commissioned officer is one of my greatest accomplishments, and now as a flight commander, I am able to promote the dream I am living proof of."
Randolph's other newest Ambassador, Sergeant Linde, is a native of Orinda, Calif. She is a contract specialist at the 12th CS, where she is responsible for procurement and administration of commodity and service contacts. Sergeant Linde directly supports the 12th FTW, Headquarters Air Education Training Command, Air Force Manpower Agency, 19th Air Force, and Randolph's mission partners. She is also a Unit Deployment Manager, ensuring her unit's military are always trained and ready for deployment.
Sergeant Linde has accomplished 52 credit hours towards her Community College of the Air Force degree in contracts management. She has also completed a mentorship course and is certified to counsel at-risk youth at local schools, and has earned her Acquisitation Professional Development Program Level II Contracting Certification. Her future plan is to complete her degree in Contract Administration.
Sergeant Linde is a certified master scuba driver and enjoys riding her horse on her off-duty time. She is also actively involved in several community endeavors, such as organizing and participating in the "Magic While You Wait" program through the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program, the "Campaign for a Cure," for St Jude Children's Hospital, helping to raise $700 for cancer patients, and the Toys for Tots program where she collected $2000 in gifts for children.
Sergeant Linde was thrilled to hear she will represent Randolph and the Air Force in 2009.
"I am honored and tremendously excited to be given the opportunity to serve Randolph AFB and the community. I absolutely love our great Air Force and I look forward to getting out in our community, meeting new people and sharing my experience as an Air Force member."
For more information on the ambassador program, call Susan Gandy, 12th FTW
Public Affairs at 652-4407.