Stripes to bars: Offutt Airman receives SLECP-O commission

  • Published
  • By Kendra Williams, 55th Wing Public Affairs

Tech. Sgt. Kevin Sequeira, 55th Contracting Squadron contracting officer commodities and services, was recently selected for the Senior Leader Enlisted Commissioning Program - Officer Training School.

The SLECP-O allows senior Air Force leaders to directly select outstanding enlisted Airmen for commissioning through OTS. 

“Tech. Sgt. Sequeira embodies the never quit attitude and truly embraces the Air Force core values,” said Master Sgt. Jacob Davis, 55th Contracting Squadron section chief. “His application for OTS was denied multiple times in the past and he never took no for an answer.” 

Despite being told no four times Sequeira persevered and was glad to get a yes, this time around.

“I felt honored and relieved. The response I would always tell myself when I wasn’t selected was to never give up.’,” said Sequeira. “There's no time to lick wounds. Get up and get ready for the next one. If this is truly what you want, continue to pursue. Be relentless.”

He found out a few months ago after a video call from Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass that he was chosen from a small group of Airmen Air Force-wide.

“I'm a firm believer that ‘Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.’ Prepare and you will get an opportunity,” said Sequeira. “I’ve prepared and I’m ready to step through into this new adventure.”

Sequeira decided to join the Air Force in 2013 after working a series of entry-level jobs. He has wanted to be an officer since the beginning of his career.

“We had several conversations over the last year about whether or not he should continue to pursue the officer route or settle into his forthcoming master sergeant stripe,” said Davis. “He maintained both paths simultaneously and has not only been a great noncommissioned officer but will make an awesome officer.”

Davis guided Sequeira while he completed his bachelor's degree and submitted various packages for OTS.

“I am proud to have taken part in growing him into the leader he is and cannot wait to watch him spread his wings and do great things for our Air Force on the journey he has ahead,” said Davis.