JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- The 433rd Airlift Wing hosted the University of Texas at San Antonio Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Spring commissioning ceremony here, May 14.
The commissioning ceremony included an Air Force Reserve Command C-5M Super Galaxy and a Texas Air National Guard 149th Fighter Wing F-16 Fighting Falcon as backdrops in support of 20 new Air Force second lieutenants.
Among the keynote speakers were Lt. Col. Kirk Hoffman, UTSA, Air Force Detachment 842 commander, who was followed by retired Gen. David L. Goldfein, 21st Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
“Commissioning is a special day that happens only once in an officers career,” said Hoffman. “Remember, this is only step one in a new chapter. Now, the challenge is to go out and lead the Airmen of the Air Force.”
During the ceremony, Goldfein highlighted what made him want to serve in the Air Force.
“When you recite the oath today, think of the citizens you are honored to protect and defend,” said Goldfein. “It is why I served and I offer it to you today for your life and purpose in the years ahead.”
The ceremony ended with the departure of the Air Force Song and the departure of the official party.
“It feels awesome to graduate and I’ve had a long journey to get to where I am,” said newly commissioned 2nd Lt. Elizabeth Alvarado, who will be assigned as a contracting officer at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming. “But it definitely means a lot and I’m not taking it lightly.”
Among the other graduates were a set of cousins, 2nd Lt. Dante DeBlanc and 2nd Lt. Brandon DeBlanc.
“It feels good that a lot of hard work has come to fruition, because it’s not easy,” said newly commissioned Brandon DeBlanc, who will be assigned as a public affairs officer at Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C. “This means everything, because having so many of my family members and being able to celebrate this with my cousin means a lot.”
After the ceremony, the new lieutenants were congratulated by their families and given the opportunity to take pictures by the aircraft on display.