Agency uses education to build tomorrow’s leaders

  • Published
  • By Patricia Chavez
  • DTRA Public Affairs
Kirtland Air Force Base, NM --  The Defense Threat Reduction Agency kicked off its educational initiative by hosting an enlisted education fair and all-hands to recognize its enlisted members who are pursuing an education and to discuss educational opportunities on Mar. 22, at the Defense Threat Reduction University.

An open house followed with educational counselors and experts from various universities and the Kirtland Air Force Base Education Center available to discuss service-related opportunities.

"The level of education required to become leaders continues to grow. The enlisted leaders of today are being asked to do much more than the enlisted leaders of 20-30 years ago," said DTRA/SCC-WMD Director Kenneth A. Myers, during his opening statement. "We are asking you to be diplomats, leaders, to use very complex systems, to utilize them to perfection, and to understand and help accomplish the overall U.S. goals laid out by our President and our political leaders."

Myers urged enlisted members to continue their education, to challenge and continue to excel. "It is our responsibility to encourage you and ensure that you take the educational opportunities needed to succeed."

DTRA military members and senior leaders shared their personal stories on the impact that education has had in their lives and advise other enlisted members.

"Education has opened the doors to my life in many, many ways," said John Stocker, DTRA Nuclear Surety Inspections Division Chief, during the kickoff. "The best part of attending classes and getting those degrees, promotions and recognitions is that I influenced others, even my own children, on the importance of education too. In today's very competitive society, education simply opens doors. Whether you make the service a career or not, education will set you up for success."

Senior Master Sgt. Daniel Garcia, a DTRU Reserve Component instructor, also told his story.

"My education has allowed me to progress in the military above my peers and has afforded me job opportunities that I would not have had without my education," he said.

Garcia has had an impressive career as an educator. having served as the Director of the Bernalillo County Aquatics and the Paradise Hills Community Center, where he created the first modular skate park in Albuquerque and the first zero-depth pool in Bernalillo County. He also taught for five years in the Albuquerque Public Schools.

Garcia received his masters degree in business from the University of Phoenix in 2010, after graduating from the University of New Mexico with a B.S. in Education and receiving an Associate Degree in Human Resources from the Community College of the Air Force. He is enrolled in a doctoral business program and looks forward to being a professor and educating others.

DTRA leadership will highlight their commitment to education by holding an annual commencement to recognize the efforts of those who have sought to better themselves through education.