Sergeant selected for AFIT program Published June 6, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Jacob Corbin 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Almost all Airmen know they can attend school while enlisted, but not many have the chance to make attaining their master's degree a full-time job. Master Sgt. Theodore Heiman, a career development course writer with the 365th Training Squadron, was notified April 26 that he had just that chance. Sergeant Heiman will attend the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, to earn his second master's degree. Sergeant Heiman also has a master's degree in professional avionics. This next degree will be in logistics management, which he hopes to one day put to good use working on the Air Force Smart Operations 21 program. "We can help shape the Air Force into something more sensible and streamlined," he said in reference to AFSO21. Preparation for his application began last year, he said by taking a graduate program entry exam, gathering as many letters of recommendation as he could and meeting with members of his chain of command. But in the end, his months of preparation was shown to be worth it when Lt. Col. Joan Fournier, 365th TRS commander, told him he was one of only 10 enlisted members to be chosen for the program. "It's a month later and I'm still kind of in shock," Sergeant Heiman said. "I hoped to be accepted but it was still a surprise. I'm excited, and I know it's going to be a lot of work, but I have my family supporting me. Ultimately that is what will make the difference." Colonel Fournier seems to think her Airman can handle it, though. "He is very detail-oriented," she said. "He's the perfect person for the program. The AFIT program is an excellent opportunity to select high-quality individuals for specific advanced positions." She also said she's very proud he was selected for the highly-rigorous program. Sergeant Heiman will report to Wright-Patterson Aug. 13 and will spend 18 months working for his degree.