Alamo Wing Staff Sgt. promoted to Captain Published May 15, 2007 By Master Sgt. Collen McGee 433rd Airlift Wing LACKLAND AFB -- Some people have an overwhelming compulsion built into their nature. For some, it is the desire to be successful in family matters. For others, it is career and income that drive them forward each day. For Captain Oliver George, the new officer in charge of the 433rd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight, the compulsion is one of service. That desire is so ingrained that he willingly went from commissioned officer to E-5 until he could find a commissioned position. Captain George's need to serve started in the Army. At the time he didn't realize how strong he'd later come to feel about serving his country. "I was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant from West Point and then I took the early out after Desert Storm to follow a previous mentor and pursue a civilian career," said Captain George. "I left active duty in 1992 as a First Lieutenant Promotable. In 1995, I received a later stating I was selected for promotion to Captain, but at the time it didn't fit into my plans." The years passed and soon Captain George's Individual Ready Reserve commitment reached an end. "I signed everything and said see ya, not realizing I signed my commission away," Captain George said. Two years later our country drastically changed and many people changed with it, including Captain George. "I had a sister in New York and when the towers collapsed I felt helpless," said Captain George. "I wasn't in the military; I wasn't assisting in any way. I wanted to do something but I wasn't in the military. I was Joe Civilian." But even the monumental events following 9-11 didn't make Oliver George rush out and become Airman George. Some internal discussion had to occur before he took the next step. "(I had some) self debate to answer the worry about being an only son and how my parents might be affected by my rejoining," said Captain George. Once the decision to rejoin was made, the next decision was where to join. (I spent) one year looking for a position and found out the only way to return to service at that time was to come in enlisted and find an officer billet later and apply for it," said Captain George. "Another mental debate ensued that lasted six months." But Captain George is not one to take no action once his mind is made up. "I couldn't live with myself," said Captain George. "I had decided to serve for at least 20 years and it didn't matter where. If I knew there was a chance and I didn't take it I'd always have that question - I said 'lets do it' - if it doesn't happen in three years (the term of his first enlistment) then I'll go to another branch of service and try again." Captain George already had experience with the Army and he was around the Air Force enough in his former capacity that a desire to see how the Air Force serves grew. The unit he chose first was the 433rd Security Forces Squadron. While there, Staff Sgt. George served whole-heartedly during his first enlistment while he applied for commissioned positions within the wing. "I don't often give personal recommendations out," said Tech. Sgt. Lori Darling, the 433rd SFS training manager, "but when Staff Sgt. George inquired about temporary active tour openings at Lackland, I informed Master Sgt. Simone Sauceda of the 37th SFS what an intelligent high-speed troop he was and that I wished I had more like him. She replied, 'Wow, you never recommended anyone before... Who is this guy?'" This guy turned out to be a sought after asset in the SFS. "The challenge of being known as a sharp troop is when the word gets out, everyone fights over you," said Sergeant Darling. "I noticed his work ethic immediately and I attempted to get Sergeant George assigned to training. Apparently, I was not the only one who noticed him and his caring demeanor deservingly got him selected as our new Unit Career Advisor." Career advisor is a great position, but it wasn't the goal Captain George had set for himself and it wasn't how he felt he could best serve his country. His three years was coming to an end and Captain George was already looking at his next option. "I was at two years and four months and I was already working on my plan B," said Captain George. "I'd already contacted my old power lifting coach in the Army and now he's the Maj. General in charge of Army Recruiting. The next stop I was going to contact the Navy too and I'd make a choice at the end of year." But two things happened in one day that cemented Captain George's Air Force career. "Tuesday, the 2nd of April, I got a call from Tino (Gonzalez, the education counselor at the 433rd Education and Training Office), my associate' s degree from CCAF (Community College of the Air Force) in Criminal Justice had come through," said Captain George. "That started off a good morning and that afternoon Chief (Ilee) Ersch (Chief of Personnel Programs) called me and said he had my oath of office there." Captain George may have taken the long road from first lieutenant to captain but he did show that patience and determination finally pay off. The reason he worked so hard to find an officer position was due to his personal calling to serve. "(I wanted an) opportunity to lead men and women, set a positive role model and just to do good things," said Captain George. "When an Airman comes up to me and says, 'because of you and the example set, I've done something with my life,' that lets me know I'm doing something right; gives me a sense of accomplishment." Captain George describes attitude toward service as one more of facilitator to other's success. "I'm just and upright guy that wants everyone to do well," he said. "People don't realize how much opportunity is here - what they have here, serve your country and take advantage of all your opportunities. Captain George's next step is to attend the Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal course at Eglin AFB, Fla. starting in June. The course is six months long and is rated as one of the most challenging.