Local NCOs accepted to officer training school Published May 26, 2009 By 2Lt Emerson Drain 20th Space Control Squadron unit public affairs representative 20th Space COntrol Squadron EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Two 20th Space Control Squadron noncommissioned officers will trade stripes for bars as they have been selected to attend the U.S. Air Force Officer Training School. After completing OTS, Tech. Sgt. Marcianna Pease and Tech. Sgt. Charles Lightfoot will serve as space and missile operators with one significant difference: their new gold bars. "This squadron has celebrated many remarkable achievements in the last 40 years, but getting two NCOs into OTS is a first," said Lt. Col. Thomas Falzarano, 20th SCS commander Serving her country was a value Sergeant Pease learned to appreciate before even putting on a uniform. "I grew up an Army brat, said Sergeant Pease. " My father supported my decision to join the military but persuaded me to join the Air Force. I also took it as an opportunity to find a sense of independence. " Sergeant Lightfoot credits his family as being his main inspiration. "My children were my primary motivation for completing a degree and applying for a commission. This is a tremendous opportunity presented for our family," he said. Sergeant Pease earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice through the University of Phoenix and is currently working on a master's degree in space studies at Embry Riddle University. Sergeant Lightfoot will work to earn a professional aeronautics bachelors degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.