Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio – An Air Force Life Cycle Management Center noncommissioned officer was recently selected as a 2024 Senior Leader Enlisted Commissioning Program – Active Duty Scholarship recipient.
technology.Sergeant Abigail BartlesonCurrently a Scientific Applications Technician in the Technology Applications Warehouse, she will become a Contracts Officer upon appointment.
SLECP-A accepts candidates who do not have a bachelor's degree, but who have completed at least 24 semester hours or equivalent coursework by the end of the SLECP selection period and who plan to earn a bachelor's degree within three years at an accredited institution. Targeted. This program provides an opportunity for noncommissioned officers to earn a degree while on active duty.
“Ever since I first enlisted, my end goal has always been to be on duty. As anyone who works full-time and goes to school at the same time knows, meeting active duty obligations and assignment deadlines It can be difficult to balance both,” Bartleson said. “When I learned that there was a referral program that would allow me to focus 100% on school without cutting off or losing my active duty benefits, I knew this program (SLECP-A) was the best way for me.”
Bartleson credits her mentors and current mentors for encouraging her to apply to the program.
“I was fortunate to have several mentors, including my current mentor, who knew of my dream of entering the service and encouraged me to apply,” she said. . “There were a lot of adjustments that needed to be made, so they supported me every step of the application process and made everything perfect.”
Bartleson was approved to work in the White House communications agency in Washington, D.C., starting in 2024 before being accepted into the commission program.
“While I was a little disappointed to turn down this once-in-a-lifetime role, having this commissioning opportunity has opened up a new and exciting future for me,” she added. “Commissioning was always my long-term plan, so in a way this didn't change my overall goal, but rather brought me closer to it.”
Bartleson is looking forward to starting a new chapter in his Air Force career.
“I'm very emotional and I'm glad all the hard work has paid off,” she said. “I am grateful to the many people who helped me throughout my time in the Air Force. Above all, I am truly honored that AFMC saw my potential and entrusted me with the responsibility of being an officer. .”
Sergeant Robert Jones, the senior noncommissioned officer with AFLCMC Investigator 6 Cryptography and Cyber Systems Division, described Bartleson as a caring, humble and hard-working person.
“Abigail had a genuine heart for helping other Airmen,” Jones said. “She has received numerous awards, but these honors are a testament to Bartleson's inner and fundamental care for Airmen and the outward expression of her passion for making things better. It’s not too much.”
Jones emphasized that although Bartleson's job can be physically and mentally demanding, she is used to working with junior Airmen and getting her hands dirty.
“She's self-motivated and shows incredible self-motivation. She remains coachable and open-minded,” Jones added. “She actively listens first and then responds accordingly, both verbally and with her actions. Her officer corps is lucky to have her.”
