Medic selected for OTS Published May 31, 2013 By Airman 1st Class John D. Partlow 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- After Air Force officials announced the Officer Training School selection board results, one member of Team XL's professional life drastically changed. Staff Sgt. Lara Ashley, 47th Medical Operations Squadron NCO in charge of public health, was selected to become an acquisitions officer. "I have struggled for the last five years with whether I wanted to stay enlisted or become an officer," said Ashley. "I finally came to the decision to apply because I feel like I can make a bigger impact in the Air Force as an officer." A native of Grenada, Miss., Ashley has been at Laughlin for a year and a half, after being stationed overseas for approximately eight and a half years. "I am so thankful for having spent the last 10 years enlisted," said Ashley. "These years' worth of experience will only help me further excel as an officer, but more so help me be the best leader I can be for the enlisted around me." Senior Airman Chloe O'Neal, 47th MDOS public health technician, works closely with Ashley on a daily basis. "Staff Sgt. Ashley is a great supervisor, role model and mentor," said O'Neal. "If the Air Force wanted the best, they got it." Officer Training School applicants are evaluated by work experience, accomplishments, adaptability, character, leadership ability, potential for future growth and other recommendations. The Air Force allows 16.47 percent of applicants to transition from being an enlisted member to serving as an officer. Though she made the slim margin, Ashley isn't taking any of the credit. "I am ecstatic, thankful and blessed," said Ashley. "I've had so many people help get me here, I certainly could not have done this without them."