Mortuary affairs NCO to commission at OTS Published Jan. 28, 2013 By Master Sgt. Kevin Wallace 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- A mortuary affairs Airman will soon hang up his NCO stripes, trading them in for a shiny set of gold bars. Staff Sgt. Alan Brown, 366th Force Support Squadron mortuary affairs noncommissioned officer-in-charge, was selected for officer training school and upon completion, will be commissioned as a second lieutenant. Mountain Home Air Force Base is Brown's first assignment, and he spent his first two years on station working as a culinary expert and a storeroom clerk at the dining facility. He then moved to his current assignment at the 366th FSS Readiness Section. Brown was born in Wiesbaden, Germany, grew up in the military as an Army dependent and attributes much of his desire to commission to the example his parents set, he said. His wife and children also inspired his quest for Air Force gold. "The trust and faith that I have in God, my wife Nicol, and my two boys Alando and Nivon inspired me," said Brown. "I feel I owe them everything and the best of me. If I'm not doing or striving to do my best, how can I give that to them?" Brown deployed to Ali Air Base, Iraq, for six months in late 2008 and has been on temporary duty twice. When asked what attributes make a great leader, Brown responded: a leader should be inspirational, empathetic, passionate, intelligent, courageous, and have good communication skills, integrity, initiative, focus, good judgment and determination. "Set personal and professional goals for yourself," said Brown. "No matter the challenges and stress that may come, stay focused and determined to see them through." Brown is awaiting his OTS class date but is expected to attend in 2013.