Wolf Pack Airman receives scholarship award

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alice Moore
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  An Airman from the 8th Security Forces Squadron was awarded a scholarship at a banquet in Seoul April 17. 

Airman 1st Class Jannette Meireles, 8th Security Forces Squadron town patrol member, was recognized by the United Service Organization during the annual Six-Star Salute, event where she was awarded a $2,500 scholarship. 

"We were having dinner and during the dinner, they were doing the presentation for the scholarship," Airman Meireles said. "They called my name and I practically ran up there. It was exciting. It was a lot of money and it means a lot to me." 

The USO Six Star Salute began in 1970 when a group of Korean civic leaders decided to express their country's gratitude to exemplary enlisted personnel serving throughout the Republic of Korea. 

Airman Meireles was selected to be recognized from the 8th Fighter Wing along with Staff Sgt. Katherine Roberts, 8th Operations Group and Staff Sgt. Lloyd Canieso, 8th Medical Support Squadron. 

The security forces squadron member said along with winning the scholarship the banquet was an awesome experience. 

"I met incredible people, both Korean and American. I felt like a VIP the whole time I've been here and it's been an incredible experience," she said. 

Lieutenant Colonel Mark Eichin, 8th SFS commander, said Airman Meireles is an exceptional young Airman. She was also a recent senior airman below-the-zone promotee after competing against her peers across the base. He said her scholarship award is just another testament of the level of Airman Meireles' professionalism and dedication. 

"I'm proud to have her a part of the unit," he said. "She represents the squadron and wing very well." 

Airman Meireles is currently pursuing her Community College of the Air Force degree in Criminal Justice. After graduating she plans on pursuing a bachelor's degree and would eventually like to earn a commission in the Air Force.