HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Ten Airmen and one Coastguardsman graduated from Airman Leadership School Class 20B during a ceremony at the Minuteman Commons here Dec. 20.
The course serves as the first level of Enlisted Professional Military Education and is designed to develop Airmen into effective front-line supervisors and leaders. Completion of the course is required to assume the E-5 rank of staff sergeant.
Throughout the five-week curriculum, students develop leadership abilities, study the profession of arms, and work to build effective communication strategies before returning to their units.
“I’ve really enjoyed learning through first-hand experiences versus out of a book,” said Senior Airman Kalin Verardi, 436th Force Support Squadron, Westover Air Reserve Base, Massachusetts, assistant chief of career development and 20B graduate. “I don’t think leadership can be taught from just reading the lessons in a book.”
Students in the class agreed that the chance to learn from other career fields’ perspectives was one of the most beneficial lessons from the course.
“You always think your way of doing things is the correct way, but seeing things from my classmates’ point of views has been really interesting,” said Senior Airman Eddie Vera, 66th Security Forces Squadron patrolman and 20B graduate.
Senior Airman Maria Baroza, 66th Comptroller Squadron financial management technician and 20B graduate, echoed his sentiment.
"This class has opened my mind on how to approach a situation to achieve the best result,” she said.
During the ceremony, school officials announced the three students who were recognized by awards.
The John L. Levitow Award was presented to Petty Officer 3rd Class Kevin Dougherty, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Boston. The Levitow is the highest award for Air Force PME and is presented to the student who demonstrates the most outstanding leadership and scholastic achievement throughout the course.
Senior Airman Andrew McFarland, Air Force Life Cycle Materiel Command Detachment 12, took the Academic Achievement Award for the highest summative scores throughout the class and showcasing characteristics of a leader.
The Commandant Award was captured by Senior Airman Mitchell Whitham, 436th Maintenance Squadron, Westover ARB, for his continual display of leadership.
Whitham also receieved the Dress & Appearance award.
Other students who completed the course include:
Senior Airman Drew Balderston, 439th Aerospace Medical Squadron, Westover ARB, Mass.
Senior Airman Monica Calcagni, 143rd Logistics Readiness Squadron, Quonset Point, Rhode Island
Senior Airman Valerie Kelley, 66th Medical Squadron
Senior Airman Latavious Montgomery, 94th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Dobbins ARB, Georgia
Senior Airman Timothy Nusser, 66th Security Forces Squadron