RAF Mildenhall -- One of the benefits of being in the U.S. Air Force is the opportunity of pursuing higher levels of education. An Air Commando in the 352nd Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here recently increased his chances of getting his degree when he earned a $2,500 Logistics Officer Association Scholarship, Winston Churchill Chapter (RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath LOA Chapter).
Senior Airman Alexander Basila, 352nd SOAMXS MC-130J Command II electronic warfare system journeyman, was nominated for the scholarship by his supervisor.
The LOA Scholarship Program is designed to promote education for junior enlisted, officers and civilians of the Armed Forces in logistics career fields. Applicants are nominated based on their duty performance, academic excellence, and potential as a future logistician, according to the LOA guidance.
Basila is currently taking a math course towards his Community College of the Air Force Avionics Systems Technology degree. Upon completion of his CCAF degree, he plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering at Pennsylvania State University, where he has already been accepted.
“I plan to put the money toward English composition, and science classes,” said the 352nd SOAMXS journeyman, who currently attends his math class Monday through Thursday, on top of working swing shift hours.
Basila has accomplished much in his three years in the Air force, all of which led him to earning this scholarship. He’s been awarded the 2014 Knucklebuster Airman and Quality Assurance Outstanding Performance awards, and the First Sergeants’ Sharp Troop award.
The senior airman is certified as an emergency medical technician in CPR and basic life-saving skills and is qualified, within the career field of aircraft maintenance, to work on helicopters and any AFSOC-version of the C-130 legacy aircraft.
He has also worked on 15 self-help projects worth a total of $5 million; led a four-man MC-130J deployment-inspection team, and loaded three aircraft with defensive systems software which ensured an on-time forward-arming and refueling point in a deployed environment. Basila also generated aircraft for Operation Oaken Lotus, preparing five aircraft in eight hours and supporting the evacuation of 156 people at a U.S. Embassy.
In his off time, the electronic warfare system journeyman volunteered on several occasions, including serving food at the RAF Mildenhall annual awards banquet and working 14 hours for the Airmen Against Drunk Driving program.
“SrA Basila is a great Airman with outstanding records, and I’m proud of him for taking advantage of this opportunity, and for his selection as a scholarship recipient,” said Maj. Seanna Less, 352nd SOAMXS commander. “He’s smart, a great maintainer, a hard worker, and a leader among his peers. Additionally, he’s won many awards and received many accolades, letters of appreciation and coins from commanders and chiefs.”
Less said the National LOA Council selected her Airman for the scholarship, and added that she feels it’s well deserved.
“He’s excelled since joining the Air Force three years ago, and will continue to do so,” the 352nd SOAMXS commander said.
Basila’s long-term goal is to become a commissioned officer through officer training school.
“I aspire to, and am determined to become an aircraft maintenance officer, so I can continue in a career path that I respect, and serve my fellow Airmen, the U.S. Air Force, and the USA to the best of my ability,” he said.