Keesler instructor selected for physician assistant program Published April 30, 2009 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, BILOXI, MISS. -- Tech. Sgt. Michael Jobe, 333rd Training Squadron, has been selected for the Tri-Service (Phase I) Physician Assistant Training Program at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, that begins in December. The two-year program, accredited by the University of Nebraska, includes a year of academic study, followed by a year of clinical rotation. "When I was younger, I wanted to go into physical therapy, but I just didn't get serious about it," said Sergeant Jobe, a theater deployable communications instructor. "My wife, Cheryl, is a nurse and kept me interested in a medical career. Then Capt. (Albert) Searfass in my squadron suggested that I check into the program." Sergeant Jobe, who earned a bachelor's degree in professional aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, shadowed a graduate of the program, 1st Lt. Danny Villalobos, at Keesler Medical Center to become familiar with his duties. "I got great support from Keesler leadership," said Sergeant Jobe, who's been in the Air Force 11 years and at Keesler for nearly three years. "My squadron and flight commanders were behind me, and even Brig. Gen. Daniel Wyman, the 81st Medical Group commander, wrote one of my letters of endorsement."