47th Medical Group commissions one of their own

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Ashley Wolfe
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Not everyone would wait more than 10 years to see their dream come true. There are some who would give up by that point.

This is not the case for newly-commissioned 2nd Lt. Kristine Morris, 47th Medical Group. She endured many years to see her dream of commissioning as an officer in the Air Force come true.

As secretary to the 47th Medical Group deputy commander, Lieutenant Morris is a civil servant with 10 years of experience.

In order to commission, she went through a health services Air Force recruiter in San Antonio that helps place civilians in Air Force jobs with the focus of commissioning.

She is married to Tech. Sgt. Sean Morris, 47th MDG education and training manager, who is currently deployed to Afghanistan.

Sergeant Morris was able to be a part of the ceremony via a cell phone video camera, watching it take place from Afghanistan. Dressed in his Airman Battle Uniform and armed with his weapon, he witnessed the oath of office and signing of the commissioning certificate. His wife jokingly commented on the fact that he brought a gun to her commissioning ceremony.

"I have loved every minute of this, especially being a military spouse, a role that I consider to have been my most important and a role that will not change with this commissioning," said Lieutenant Morris.

Lieutenant Col. Kirk Philips, 47th Medical Group deputy commander, swore Lieutenant Morris in.

"It is a great honor to have been asked to do this," he said. "She makes sure operations go smoothly and we want to let her know how much she has been appreciated."

He was reluctant to let his secretary go.

"You don't have to do this. We could walk out right now and just eat some cake," he joked during the ceremony.

After the oath of office was given, Lieutenant Morris said a few words about her journey to achieve her dream.

"We don't always know if we'll reach our goals and dreams. Always keep striving for what you want. This means no less to me now than it did 10 or 15 years ago," she said.

This heartfelt comment brought tears to the eyes of some in the audience.

Lieutenant Morris has certainly overcome obstacles to reach her dream. Her hard work and perseverance are evident in the way she leads her life every day.

"Kristine is truly an action officer. We are only giving her recognition for what she deserves," said Lieutenant Colonel Philips.

"It is pretty rare for an executive secretary to become a commissioned officer. She has beaten tremendous odds to get here," said Col. Pete Peters, 47th Medical Group commander.

She will be leaving for Maxwell Air Force Base for Commissioned Officer Training in early March and expects to be assigned to Nellis AFB as her first assignment.

"I'm excited and nervous for a career change. I've wanted to do this for a long time. My husband has been such an amazing support. The fact he could see this event today makes the whole thing worth it," said Lieutenant Morris.

There are a number of commissioning options available. For more information, contact Joshua Probst at the Laughlin Education Center at 830-298-5529.