WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Technical Sgt. Eric Kunkel, a 509th Maintenance Group phase inspection craftsman, has been selected for the Army’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Baylor University.
The highly competitive program is the only active-duty-to-physical-therapy pathway in the military that allows service members to earn their degree while remaining on active duty. Kunkel was one of only two Air Force members selected for the program this year.
“You apply just like any other PT school,” Kunkel said. “The difference is that instead of leaving the military to go to school, you are commissioned as an officer and get sent to PT school as your job. You stay on active duty, earn a salary, and don’t lose time in service.”
For Kunkel, being selected for the program wasn’t just a career opportunity, it was the realization of a long-term goal.
“I wanted to go to PT school from the start, but I didn’t have the money,” Kunkel said. “So, I joined the Air Force, worked through school, and found a way to stay in while earning my degree.”
The journey wasn’t easy. Balancing full-time service with academics pushed Kunkel to his limits, but the hard work was worth it. Now, he is preparing to transition to a new career field while remaining in uniform.
“It was tough,” Kunkel said. “I had a few 17 credit-hour semesters while working full-time, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Now, I get to spend three years in school and continue my career.”
His new career path is deeply personal. Kunkel’s passion for physical therapy comes from firsthand experience.
“Getting injured without access to a physical therapist made me realize how important this field is,” Kunkel said. “Some people want to work with sports teams, but for me, staying in the military and helping service members remain healthy is the goal.”
Spending time in Whiteman’s PT clinic reinforced that decision. Seeing firsthand the impact of military physical therapists solidified his desire to serve in the field.
“I’ve spent a lot of hours in the clinic here and seen how much of a difference PT can make,” he said. “If given the right resources, we can really help people stay mission ready.”
Beyond personal aspirations, Kunkel sees this opportunity as a way to give back. Having benefited from strong mentors and quality care, he now hopes to do the same for others.
“I had great PTs and mentors who helped me along the way,” he said. “Now, I want to pay it forward, whether that’s working with special forces, flight line Airmen, or anyone else who needs care. Keeping people in the fight is what matters.”
For now, Kunkel is focused on the next chapter of his life, turning years of dedication into a new way to help warfighters stay mission ready.