News

From Airman to Second Lieutenant

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ashlin Federick
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  An Airman from the 436th Comptroller Squadron commissioned as a second lieutenant into the Medical Service Corps of the U.S. Air Force during a ceremony Jan. 10, 2014, held at The Landings, here.

Second Lt. Sonya Yelbert, MSC officer, received the news of her acceptance into MSC in October 2013. Yelbert, who will be flight commander of resource management after graduation from commissioned officer training school, said she was both nervous and excited at the same time. Prior to joining the military, Yelbert worked as a supervisor in higher education. She believes her experience in management will help her lead in her new role.

"I have been in the Air Force for a long time but this is a whole different ball game," said Yelbert. "I am no longer enlisted, so I have to change my whole mindset. I am now the decision maker and the one who has to be the leader."

Maj. William Vivoni, 436th CPTS commander, said he is extremely proud of Yelbert for getting her commission as an MSC officer.

"Her exceptional financial expertise and her community involvement won her multiple prestigious awards including the Air Force Sergeants Association Division 2 Airman of the Year in 2011, Air Force Sergeants Association International Volunteer Service Person for 2012, 436th Airlift Wing Airman of the Year 2012 and Senior Airman Below the Zone," said Vivoni. "I am confident she will be just as successful as an Air Force officer. They made the right choice in commissioning this outstanding Airman."

Yelbert, a native of New York City, enlisted in the Air Force in September 2010. She joined with a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Mathematical Sciences and a Master of Arts in Economics and International Finance. She decided to apply for the MSC because she was looking for a challenge and wanted to do something new.

Yelbert will attend four weeks of commissioned officer training school at Maxwell AFB, Ala. Upon graduation she will be assigned to Goodfellow AFB, Texas.

"I have a little bit of a disadvantage because I don't have the medical background but I do have the finance background," said Yelbert. "I am a quick learner so I think I can pick it up."

For her fellow Airmen who are considering commissioning, Yelbert advises doing research. She also said it is important for them to be active in their unit and their base.

"I know the biggest thing for me is that I had support from my leadership and the members on Dover AFB," said Yelbert. "My supervisor read my essays and went over everything. I also had many recommendations from my leadership. It was great that I was supported so well."

Master Sgt. David Rife, 436th CPTS financial management flight chief and first sergeant, said Yelbert gets things done around the squadron that a person wouldn't expect of her rank to get done. He said she is involved in everything from getting people to volunteer, to mentoring younger Airmen.

"She is a leader in our squadron and I am proud of her," said Rife. "I think this is well deserved. You see young Airmen and the potential in them. You see what they could be and what they want to be in life and I am glad someone is reaching for the stars to get to where they want to be."