Air Force, Coast Guard graduates complete leadership course Published Aug. 11, 2018 By Mark Wyatt 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Twelve graduates of Airman Leadership School completed the first step in their professional military education following a graduation ceremony at the Minuteman Commons Aug. 10. The five-week course focused on supervisory techniques for those military members promoting to E-5. “ALS Class 18-F consisted of active duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and U.S. Coast Guard students, which really brings a diversity of experience to the classroom,” said Master Sgt. Ryan Dillingham, ALS commandant. 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. “Airman Leadership School enhances the development of students by strengthening their ability to lead, follow and manage while they gain a broader understanding of the military profession,” Dillingham said. “Through instructor-guided discussion, students share ideas, experiences and work together to achieve various educational objectives.” 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 Staff Sgt. Keith Keen, a member of the 66th Security Forces Squadron at Hanscom. 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 Angela Franco, a member of the 104th Force Support Squadron at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. 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. Senior Airman Andrew Shaw, a member of the 64th Air Refueling Squadron at Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire, 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. Senior Airman Tommy Pierce, 6th Space Warning Squadron, Cape Cod Air Force Station, Mass., received the Dress and Appearance Award during the ceremony. Other students who completed the course include: Senior Airman Dannel Arno, Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass. Senior Airman Alexander Clark, Pease Air National Guard Base, N.H. Senior Airman Roman Correa, Barnes Air National Guard Base, Mass. Senior Airman Jasmin Haynes, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass. Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew Lausier, U.S. Coast Guard in New York Senior Airman Kaelin Mindel, Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass. Petty Officer 3rd Class Austin Nicholson, U.S. Coast Guard in New York Senior Airman Daniel Stevens, Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass. Each graduate earned the U.S. Air Force NCO PME graduation ribbon.