HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah — Leading by example is expected of all Airmen as they progress through the ranks and one noncommissioned officer here has taken that expectation seriously.
Staff Sgt. Ismael Cabrera, 75th Medical Support Squadron, has had a positive impact on the Air Force by looking for ways to help fellow Airmen reach their full potential. He now wants to provide an even more positive impact: He set a goal to become an officer, submitted an application package and was accepted for commissioning as a Medical Service Corps officer.
“The first thing I learned when I came into the Air Force is that you have to lead by example,” said Cabrera. “So if I want to motivate others, I have to be an example to them first. In order to motivate others, you need to be motivated yourself, so that’s what I try to do every day. I always look forward to coming to work, to get the mission done and that’s what I enjoy doing.”
According to the Air Force Medical Service website, MSC officers are professional healthcare administrators who are critical in leading and managing one of the nation’s largest, most diverse healthcare systems. There are approximately 1,000 officers serving in the MSC.
In August, Cabrera will depart Hill to attend Commissioned Officer Training at Maxwell AFB, Alabama. Then, after COT graduation, he’ll depart for his first assignment as an officer to the U.S. Air Force Academy and attend the Health Services Administration course in San Antonio.
At the Academy, he knows others will expect a lot of him based on his military experience.
“I’m going to be held to a higher standard and more will be expected of me as a prior-enlisted Airmen with more than seven years of experience,” he said. “During my enlistment time I’ve seen and worked with many officers, so I know that they lead from a higher level. Serving as an officer, I can make a better impact on Airmen and help them strive to reach their full potential.”
Leading by example, taking care of people and striving for higher levels of responsibility, Cabrera enjoys motivating others.
“There’s always room for improvement and there’s always room to better oneself,” he said. “I think this is a great opportunity for me to grow, to lead people and to actually see what I can accomplish at a higher level.”
Airman 1st Class Qadry Brown, 75th Medical Support Squadron, is one of the Airmen who has benefited directly from Cabrera’s influence and mentoring.
“Sergeant Cabrera took me under his wing and showed me the ropes,” said Brown. “He’s been a mentor to me since I’ve been here. He’s given me all the tools I need to succeed in the Air Force and I really appreciate him.”
By setting and accomplishing goals, and mentoring and serving others, Cabrera has embraced the concept of service before self.
“If you set goals for yourself and have a willingness to accomplish them, you can actually do it,” he said.
For more information on a career in health services administration, visit https://www.airforce.com/careers/detail/health-services-administrator-hospital-administrator.
