Lakenheath Airman has sights set on AF Academy

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dawn M. Weber
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Perfection is what he strives for on a daily basis. After all, his job could mean the difference between life and death for pilots.

As a 48th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment journeyman, Senior Airman Justin Bishop's strive for perfection helped him earn Senior Airman-Below-the-Zone, as well as an acceptance into the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School.

He applied through the Leaders Encouraging Airman Development program, developed to give Airmen the opportunity to compete for appointments to the Academy and Academy Prep School.

Through LEAD, commanders may nominate highly-qualified Airmen with officer potential. Every year, 85 slots are reserved for direct appointment to the Academy and 50 slots for the Academy Prep School.

"I made sure my work was always done and that I became proficient at my job before participating in extracurricular activities," Bishop said. "I am very particular about the way I spend my time. I like to prioritize everything."

Bishop has gone above and beyond since arriving on station two years ago, ensuring 493rd Fighter Squadron pilots' equipment is always in working order. He is responsible for inspecting, repairing and maintaining equipment such as; helmets, oxygen masks, parachutes, flotation devices, survival kits, and other types of aircrew flight equipment.

"Knowing that my job is essential to the mission and the lives of so many gives me perspective on what is truly important," Bishop said. "I use that as motivation to work to the best of my ability each and every day."

Bishop says working with the pilots from the 493rd Fighter Squadron has been a great experience and his inspiration when applying to the U.S. Air Force Academy, hoping to one day become a fighter pilot, himself.

"They have taught me a lot about what it means to be an officer and a leader. They have also given me advice on potentially being a pilot."

With the help and advice from the pilots, Bishop has been studying core subjects he will be tested on as well as trying to improve his fitness scores; but it is his sister, 2nd Lt. Courtney Bishop, Academy graduate, who has been Bishop's real motivation.

"She graduates in May from the Academy and has been a big inspiration to me. She has succeeded in everything she has attempted and continues to not only strive to, but reach her goals every day."

Bishop will attend the Academy's prep school in July. After completing 10 months of academics, he will be notified if he will be attending the Academy or returning to enlisted active duty.

"I could write a book on advice to help [Justin], but that takes the fun out of it," said Courtney. "I want him to never lose sight of why he applied to the Air Force Academy. But the advice I will give him is, the best way to find yourself is in your service to others and that even in the toughest times, I knew I was meant to be here and to serve my country."