ALS graduates prepared for supervisory role

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Thirteen graduates of Airman Leadership School completed the first step in their professional military education following a graduation ceremony at the Minuteman Commons Sept. 28.

The five-week course focused on supervisory techniques for those military members promoting to E-5.

“Class 18G came together as a team very quickly,” said Master Sgt. Ryan Dillingham, ALS commandant. “They immediately used the tools that the instructors provided to ensure that every student was successful in all aspects of the class.”

During the course, ALS students learn how to provide feedback to subordinates, write enlisted performance reports and letters of counseling. The course prepares attendees to supervise junior enlisted members in their respective organizations.

The Hanscom-based school runs seven iterations each year for Total Force Airmen and U.S. Coast Guard members.

During the graduation ceremony attended by senior leaders, colleagues and family members, school officials announced the names of four students who received awards.

The school’s top award, the John L. Levitow Award, went to Petty Officer Gavin Kline, U.S. Coast Guard Southeastern Sector New England. The award goes to the student who achieves the highest overall standing from a combination of academic scores, performance evaluation and leadership qualities. It's the highest honor awarded to an enlisted PME student.

The Academic Achievement Award winner was Senior Airman Jaleesa Minor, a member of the 66th Medical Squadron. This award goes to the student who achieves the highest summative scores throughout the class and who displays all characteristics of an effective leader. They also must have fostered teamwork within the training environment.

Petty Officer Tiffany Boileau, a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Aids to Navigation Team in New York, received the Commandant Award. This award goes to the student who displays all the characteristics of an effective leader. Once all other factors are considered, the ALS commandant renders the final judgment on who receives this award.

Kline also received the Dress and Appearance Award during the ceremony.

Other students who completed the course include:

Senior Airman Devin Bond, 6th Space Warning Squadron, Cape Cod Air Force Station, Mass.

Senior Airman Caitlin Davis, Joint Personal Property Shipping Office Northeast

Senior Airman Lucy Fiddler, 66th Security Forces Squadron

Senior Airman Joseph Fortin, 439th Security Forces Squadron, Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass.

Senior Airman Daniel Kobos, 135th Intelligence Squadron, Maryland Air National Guard

Senior Airman Ashley Korthuis, 66th Security Forces Squadron

Senior Airman Lenny Murillo, 105th Battle Defense Squadron, Stewart Air National Guard Base, New York

Senior Airman Christopher Reynolds, 64th Air Refueling Squadron, Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire

Senior Airman Bevin Rutland, 439th Command Post, Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass.

Senior Airman Michael Vasquez, 436th Maintenance Squadron, Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass.

Each graduate earned the U.S. Air Force NCO PME graduation ribbon.