HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center ICBM Systems Directorate employee Jeff Smith was awarded a $1,000 scholarship by the Logistics Officer Association this month.
The LOA Scholarship Program is designed to promote education for junior enlisted, officers and civilians of the armed forces in the logistics, acquisition and technology career fields.
Annually, up to six winners are selected at the national level and then invited to the National LOA Symposium to receive their scholarship. This year’s Symposium took place Oct. 9-12 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Smith received a personal invitation to the symposium, but was unable to attend due to his final exam to complete his master’s degree. Instead, he accepted the award during a Commanders Call at Hill.
Smith began his civil service career in 2017 through the Palace Acquire program as a logistics management specialist. He later became a commissioned officer in the Air Force Reserve as well.
Shortly after beginning his career, Smith discovered his position offered him the opportunity to pursue a degree in business administration.
“I decided to quickly apply and pursue the degree and master the necessary leadership traits to achieve my career endeavors,” Smith said. “The Logistics Officer Association National Scholarship award is of great value to me because it provides a foundation to earn a (master’s degree) and develop the vital knowledge and critical leadership skills necessary for my career aspirations as a future Air Force leader.”
“I am grateful for the 2018 LOA National Nomination and I look forward to continue serving my country in the world’s greatest Air Force,” Smith said.
The LOA is a non-profit organization comprised of military officers and civilians in the logistics, acquisition, and technology career fields.
According to the LOA website atloa.org, its purpose is to enhance the mission of the U.S. Air Force and the Department of Defense through concerted efforts to promote quality logistics, professional development of logistics, acquisition and technology officers, and an open forum for leadership, management and technical interchange.