From Oxford To The Air Force Academy, A Dream Realized For Lawson Barrett

For as long as he can remember, Lawson Barrett has wanted to fly jets. When he was in the seventh grade, he told his parents his dream of flight and of attending a military service academy. While his parents didn’t take him seriously at the time, they certainly do now. Last week, Lawson’s dream became reality as he made his way to the Air Force Academy to enroll as a freshman.
After graduating from Oxford High School with honors in 2016, Lawson attended New Mexico Military Institute after he wasn’t accepted into the Air Force Academy following his senior year. While adversity is never easy, it was during this period of tribulation that Lawson’s father Richard knew that his son was never going to give up.  
“I was most proud of him when he faced the adversity of not getting in after his senior year at Oxford,” Richard said. He said ‘I’m not going to give up on this dream.’ When he decided to go to New Mexico for a year, we knew he was going to make it because he was so determined. We’ve been so blessed. Lawson is a great kid, and it’s been incredible watching him grow up and mature.”

With several family members in the armed forces, service seems to be in Lawson’s blood. His grandfather served in the Air Force during the Vietnam war. When it came time to tour the campus, Lawson and his grandfather had the chance to spend quality time together, as he passed his memories and advice down to his grandson.
“He would always tell me about the Air Force, and he was excited when I started mentioning the Air Force as a possibility,” Lawson said. “He’s been by my side since this started, and being able to tour the campus with him while he told me about his memories from the Air Force was really nice.”
The application process for service academies is unlike any other application process. Lawson went through a rigorous application process which spanned a year and a half. Candidates must meet with state senators, write a number of essays, and continue to be leaders in their communities. During his time at OHS, Lawson became a captain in the JROTC program and was awarded several merits, including Cadet of the Year. Lawson was also involved in Boy’s State, Eagle Scouts and his local church while also receiving nominations from Senator Cochran, Senator Wicker and Congressman Kelly before being accepted into the Air Force Academy.
Steve Guyton has been the state’s Military Service Representative since 1989 and is tasked with preparing candidates from Mississippi for their interviews and application process. Lawson and Guyton worked in tandem, and Lawson was highly appreciative of Guyton’s help.
“Mr. Guyton was the light on the tip of the boat showing me which way to go, and if I had any questions he was always there with answers,” Lawson said.
Richard added, “Steve Guyton is the right guy to know because he puts more work into helping young men and women in Mississippi excel than any other one person.”
Guyton has helped Lawson through his application and now looks forward to seeing what he will do from here on out.
“It was my pleasure as Military Academy Rep for Senator Wicker to work with Lawson through Boy’s State and the Methodist Happening program while having the chance to get to know his character,” Guyton said. “Lawson is a young man of values who will serve our nation well and defend freedom and liberty for our nation.”
Lawson intends to major in biology or chemistry upon his arrival at the Air Force Academy. Lawson’s commitment to the Air Force will last seven years, with two of those years set aside for flight training. While he has a long way to go, making it to this point is a monumental moment for Lawson and his family.
“This is such a big step and the start of a new chapter in my life,” Lawson said. “I’ve worked as hard as I ever have. I couldn’t have done it without the people around me, and despite the nerves that go along with it, I’m very excited about it.”

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Steven Gagliano is the managing editor of Hottytoddy.com. He can be reached at steven.gagliano@hottytoddy.com. 
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