THE GRIFFON • Summer 2015 • 17
Noncommissioned Officer to Officer
Staff Sgt. Sandra Salinas-Fernandez, previously a 95th Training Division Drill Sergeant, graduates from the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School Class 002-15. Photo by Mrs. Deborah Williams, 108th Training Command (IET), Public Affairs
By Mrs. Deborah Williams 108th Training Command (IET) Public Affairs
FORT BENNING, Ga. — Prior to their graduation, the U.S. Army Officer School Candidates of Class 002-15, Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 11th Infantry Regiment, held a formal Dining Out at the National Infantry Museum, Fort Benning, Georgia on Feb 17. The commanding general of the 108th Training Command (IET), Maj. Gen. Leslie Purser, was the guest speaker. Purser was invited by one of the graduates previously assigned to the 95th Training Division (IET), 108th Training Command (IET), for nine years. Staff Sgt. Sandra Salinas-Fernandez, a former drill sergeant, recently received a conditional release from the Army Reserve to attend OCS. “I met Maj. Gen. Purser at the Drill Sgt. of the Year Competition last year, where I was a competitor,” said Salinas-Fernandez.“Another Soldier in my class here, Staff Sgt. John McKinney, also from the 108th, and I believed Maj. Gen. Purser would be a great speaker for our class as she has a significant military background, a member of the Reserve and a female.” After the social hour and photos, every graduate went through the receiving line. Posting of the Colors opened the official ceremony followed by the invocation and toasts.At the completion of the dinner meal, Purser spoke to the graduates. “I was provided with some data
Staff Sgt. Sandra Salinas-Fernandez, recent graduate of the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School, was previously a 95th Training Division (IET) Drill Sergeant. She maneuvers through obstacles on the Confidence Course during the Best Warrior Competition, NCO of the Year and DSOY in Fort Huachuca, Arizona in 2014. Photo by Master Sgt. Deborah Williams, 108th Training Command (IET), Public Affairs
on this class and I was really impressed. Of 127 graduates, 21 have masters degrees, three law degrees, 17 NCAA Athletes (to include an Olympian) and seven Fortune 500 Company employees. But what impressed me most were your PT scores.You guys are awesome! Congratulations!” Purser said. Purser said great leaders such as retired Senator Bob Dole, retired General Tommy Franks and the Honorable Caspar Weinberger, to name a few, are all graduates of the Officer Candidate School. “Just like you, they Recent graduate of the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School, Staff Sgt. Sandra Salinas-Fernandez, previously all once sat here a 95th Training Division (IET) Drill Sergeant, competes in the Night Land Navigation at the Best Warrior Comwith an uncertain, petition, NCO of the Year and DSOY in Fort Huachuca, Arizona in 2014. Photo by Master Sgt. Deborah Williams, but optimistic 108th Training Command (IET), Public Affairs future.They took their skills and leadership to help wanted to do something more. and I enjoyed every minute of it.” shape this country into a “Under the 108th, I worked at the “I came up through the ranks better place and I know that U.S.Army Drill Sergeant School in the from private to staff sergeant.As a many of you will become great S4 during the time when the Reserve NCO I was given tasks and tools to influential leaders as well.” Component was deactivating the accomplish the mission and impact Several Soldiers in the school in order to combine with the Army, but I wanted to do it on graduating class were well the Active Component, thereby, a larger scale so by becoming an on their way to achieving the forming a consolidated School,” officer I feel the opportunities are kind of leadership that Purser McKinney said.“It was an awesome limitless,” McKinney concluded. spoke of. Salinas-Fernandez and opportunity to work with the Salinas-Fernandez also plans McKinney were inspired by Reserve and Active Component to continue to strive for goals their time spent in the 108th and Soldiers.They worked well together she has set for herself.
