Master Sgt. Latisha Bowen has not even been at the University of Arkansas a full year, and she has already racked up two competitive regional awards. Back in March, Bowen earned "Senior NCO (non-commissioned officer) of the Quarter" for the Air Force ROTC Southwest Region. The region contains approximately 36 detachments.

Senior NCO of the Quarter is awarded to an airman embodying exemplary leadership and excellence in her primary job duties, in this case, as a personnel officer. Among her job duties, she sees that the cadets get paid correctly, have their uniforms, and have all their travel arrangements in place to and from summer field training.

The successful candidate would have a record of significant self-improvement, which can include schooling, training and promoting to a higher rank. Bowen was promoted to the level of master sergeant in August 2015, just before arriving at the U of A. The successful candidate would also be very involved in community service. Her focus was on feeding the less fortunate and starting a St. Jude's fundraising campaign.

Bowen also earned the Headquarters AFROTC Lance P. Sijan USAF Leadership Award nomination. This award, named in honor of former Capt. Lance P. Sijan, recognizes the accomplishments of airmen who demonstrate the highest qualities of leadership in the performance of their duties and in how they conduct their personal lives. Bowen was determined to be the best out of 145 detachments.

Typically Sijan winners would demonstrate exceptional leadership traits in accomplishing the mission of their unit or would show ingenuity in overcoming unique problems or emergencies. They would also inspire others by personal example, by character and conduct displayed as a leader, and by eagerness to assist in accomplishing goals as well as participate in and lead community service activities.

"Prior to my arrival at the University of Arkansas last month, I was told that Master Sgt. Bowen was a top-performer among her peers even though she was a young Senior NCO and relatively new at the AFROTC Detachment," said Lt. Col. Marc E. Wolfe, the detachment commander. "Needless to say, I'm extremely proud and honored to serve alongside her."

Both awards are still in consideration at higher levels and the winners will be determined at a later date.