With those words from Lt. Col. David Siegrist, 1st Airlift Squadron commander, Staff Sgt. Sean Batson, 1st Airlift Squadron Special Air Mission communications systems operator, became Officer Training School candidate Sean Batson.

‘‘Staff Sgt. Batson is one of the most reliable military members I have seen,” said Colonel Siegrist. ‘‘He has and continues to perform brilliantly in SAM FOX fashion well above the requirements and standards of his rank.”

Sergeant Batson has come a long way from original goals he set when he first joined the Air Force: which consisted of, ‘‘putting in his four years, getting experience, and getting out.” In his almost six years of service and flying around the world, Sergeant Batson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Middle Eastern studies with honors and now plans to make the Air Force his career.

A California native and son of Army soldiers, Sergeant Batson almost decided not to enter the Air Force. ‘‘I was involved, in of all things, theater as a stage manager,” explained Sergeant Batson. ‘‘But, as you can imagine, it was tough to make a living, so I joined the Air Force. As an Airman 1st Class AWACS crewmember, I guess you could say that I found myself in a totally different kind of ‘theater’ — one which still incorporated direction and making sure that certain things get done.”

As for his Army parents’ reaction when Sergeant Batson chose to ‘go blue’? ‘‘They were happy I went into the Air Force,” Sergeant Batson said with a smile.

Sergeant Batson’s determination and focus is evident and his devotion to the Air Force is unmistakable — most especially when Sergeant Batson recounts the lessons learned while serving his country.

‘‘The United States Air Force has provided me with countless opportunities to excel and better myself. I have learned the meaning of the complete force structure, where every Airman, regardless of position or rank, has a critical role in mission accomplishment,” said Sergeant Batson

The sergeant credits his initial desire to be a commissioned officer from the officers he met along the way, whom he found to be gifted leaders; especially those who also happened to be prior enlisted. ‘‘Under their leadership, I realized that I gained so much from them as leaders and mentors. That’s really the point where I said, ‘I’m going to be an officer.’ It was one of those, ‘if they can do it, so can I.’ I then set a new goal: to get my degree and go for OTS.”

Sergeant Batson’s leadership qualities have opened doors, including his service as a First-Term Airman Center instructor, where he taught and led over 220 Airmen. Sergeant Batson explained his role, ‘‘I imparted the knowledge and keys to success that I learned over the last five years as an enlisted professional.”

‘‘He is respected by his peers and pure leadership potential is unmatched. When he walks into a room, people know he is a leader,” said Colonel Siegrist.

Sergeant Batson’s determination and desire to learn is evident in his free time as well. ‘‘I read a lot in my off-time. I’m currently reading Kenneth Pollack’s ‘The Persian Puzzle’ and Steve Davies’ ‘Red Eagles.’ I love history and current events.”

As for his future target? ‘‘My next goal is to go to Weapons School. It’ll take a couple of years, but that’s what I’m going for.”

Sergeant Batson is accustomed to aiming high in the Air Force. Given his determination, there is no doubt he will hit this target.‘‘When you meet Sergeant Batson, you know right away that he is the one for increased responsibility and broader service to the United States Air Force,” said Colonel Siegrist.