Two alumni finish Air Force training

Two graduates of the Hot Springs County High School Class of 2016, Jacob Hart and Tyler Cornwell, recently graduated from Basic Military Training for the Air Force at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Both have attained the rank of E-3 Airman First Class.

The airmen completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Hart, the son of Mary and Rod Hart, graduated Nov. 29 and was one of the Element Leaders and a Dorm Chief. His mother said they are very proud of their son and he is going into Armament.

Hart’s Flight, 029, and its sister flight were the top PT flights. Hart was a member of the 321 training squadron, the Warthogs. He is also graduating this week from Technical Training in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Tyler, the son of Pat and Brenda Cornwell, was elected as Dorm Chief, who is the top leader of recruits in the flight. He was responsible for making sure that all orders, standard ops, and instructions were carried out correctly when the Training Instructors weren’t around.

To assist the Dorm Chief in this enormous responsibility, the flight is divided into elements, and an element leader is put in charge of each. Element Leaders report to the Dorm Chief and assist in assuring that members of the element comply with orders and instructions.

Being a Dorm Chief or an Element Leader means that in addition to being responsible for things you do wrong, you have the added pleasure of being responsible for things that members of the flight or element do wrong as well.

At the end of his Basic Military Training, Cornwell was awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Outstanding Airman, Flight 144. He was recognized by his fellow Airmen for excellence in all areas, including attitude, bearing, discipline, leadership, and teamwork. His skills and abilities set him apart, increased esprit de corps, and was critical to the success of his flight.

Cornwell will stay at Lackland Air Force Base where he has begun his Technical School for Security Forces.