Upon graduating from the United States Air Force Academy, I took a little while to think back at how my journey began in my pursuit to becoming an officer in the United States Air Force. My college career started at Lincoln Trail College. In the two years that I attended Lincoln Trail College, I developed my work ethic, my education, and my character. These developments are what served as my foundation playing a vital role in my success at the United States Air Force Academy. Having a small town atmosphere, Lincoln Trail College provided me the opportunity to transition to college life much easier than if I had gone to a much larger college. I learned how to manage my time effectively, as college life is more strenuous than I had ever experienced. And because of the small student to teacher ratio, I was able to receive the extra instruction that I needed in order to have a successful academic career at Lincoln Trail.
Lincoln Trail College not only developed my education, but it also cultivated my character. I firmly believe that a place is defined by the people that are there. From the great people at Lincoln Trail College, I learned the importance of honesty, selflessness, and to always do my best right there in the hallways on a day to day basis. These lessons were very essential because of the institution where I would soon be continuing my education. At the United States Air Force Academy, we lived these very words as they are displayed in the Air Force’s core values—Integrity first, Service before self, and Excellence in all we do. Lincoln Trail College helped mold me into the officer that I am today. Without Lincoln Trail College, I would not have been prepared enough to succeed at the United States Air Force Academy through four long years of constant academic, military, and athletic strains. Lincoln Trail College prepared me in all aspects to fulfill my desire to become an officer in the United States Armed Forces.
Very Respectfully,
2nd Lt. Troy W. Jeffers, United States Air Force
United States Air Force Academy class of 2008
Lincoln Trail College class of 2004
I graduated from Lincoln Trail College in 1985 with an Associate in Science degree. I specialized in business classes during my two years at Lincoln Trail before I transferred to Eastern Illinois University. I received a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from EIU in 1987. 
