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Pope NCO to join Army of One

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Vicki Johnson
  • 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
POPE AFB, N.C. --  An information manager from the 43rd Mission Support Group is trading his Air Force blue for Army green. 

Staff Sgt. Percy Vela, graduated from Campbell University in August with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army after completing Officer Candidate School at Fort Campbell, Ky. 

"Getting my commission was my main goal," said Sergeant Vela. "Force shaping caused the commissioning board for the Air Force to be cancelled for this year and I didn't want to wait." 

The Army does a great job recruiting, said Sergeant Vela. I met the requirements and wanted to use my degree. It's a good way to go. 

Sergeant Vela was deployed with the Army in 2004 and feels that experience will help him in making the transition. 

"I have worked with the Army and I know how they operate. That will help me in my new job," said Sergeant Vela. 

"As Staff Sgt.Vela continues on his quest to receive a commission into the United States Army let there be no mistake that he takes with him a host of talents that are already imparted upon him as an NCO," said Col. Pat Savoy, 43rd Mission Support Group Commander. "Though a loss to us, the Army will quickly recognize on day one that they are receiving a skilled leader, follower, communicator and professional - compliments of the United States Air Force." 

The most important thing he learned in the Air Force that he thinks will help him with his transition to the Army is the proper use of the chain of command. 

"If you don't use everybody in the chain, somebody misses the opportunity to put their skills to work," said Sergeant Vela. 

The one piece of advice he had for supervisors is to pay attention to your Airmen. 

"More focus needs to be placed on making sure airmen know what educational opportunities are available. Supervisors need to help. Sometimes an airman just needs a little push, that's all it took for me." 

When asked what he would miss most about the Air Force Sergeant Vela said it would definitely be the people. 

"I will miss everybody I work with and the friends I have met in the Air Force," he said.