Duke
As a former Air Force type myself I empathize with you. There are jobs out there of course but the competition is fierce. Some airlines prefer non military types and others prefer the military background but most hire a mix. All your qualifications are fine but the airlines will focus on your flight related skills. A Masters degree and ACSC don't mean much unless you have skills from your continuing education related directly to flying.
As you said, and I concur, the most important thing in getting an interview is an internal recommendation. You don't have anyone you know from your Air Force flying that is currently employed by the airlines? No former instructors, squadron mates, fellow students etc.? I got my current job without a recommendation but a fellow Air Force pilot who got out at the same time got a job with UPS because he got a LOR. It's not just about getting a job, it's about getting a quality job.
Good luck and hope you score a good gig.