HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. -- HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. — On March 27, 2025, 2nd Lt. Brandon Lindner and 2nd Lt. Adriana E. Funes from the U.S. Air Force Academy visited Homestead Air Reserve Base to speak with enlisted Airmen about the Leaders Encouraging Airman Development (LEAD) Program, a unique pathway that helps outstanding enlisted members pursue a commission through the Academy.
“The program promotes leadership by allowing exceptional enlisted members to earn commissions through the Academy,” said 2nd Lt. Brandon Lindner.
Both lieutenants, former enlisted Airmen themselves, shared their experiences and spoke directly with attendees about what the transition from the enlisted force to the Academy looks like. The session gave Airmen a chance to ask questions, hear relatable insights, and picture themselves taking that next step.
One of Homestead’s own, Senior Airman Faith Thomas from the 482d Fighter Wing Command Staff, recently made that leap. She’s currently attending Officer Training School in Texas, following her dream of becoming a commissioned officer.
Events like this are designed to inform and inspire. They highlight the Air Force’s commitment to developing leaders from within and remind Airmen that the opportunity is there if they’re willing to take the leap.
For more information about the LEAD Program, contact the U.S. Air Force Academy’s admissions team at:
USAFA_LEAD@afacademy.af.edu
Call or text 719-661-8428