HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Airman Leadership School hosted its first in-person graduation ceremony here since the COVID-19 pandemic led to remote classes in March 2020.
The ceremony, held Aug. 26, was the culmination of five weeks of professional military education designed to prepare enlisted members to become first-line supervisors.
“As with so many things since the start of the pandemic, ALS has been held virtually, including graduation ceremonies, which are important milestones in these member’s careers,” said Chief Master Sgt. William Hebb, installation command chief and class mentor. “It was great to be able to celebrate their accomplishments in person.”
Master Sgt. Brandon McCarty, the school’s commandant, spoke about the advantages of resuming in-person learning.
“It allows both students and instructors the opportunity to interact more freely with each other during discussions,” he said. “That can be difficult in a virtual learning environment.”
Instructors noted the increased support among students during the latest iteration of ALS.
“I noticed more of a team mentality with this class,” said Staff Sgt. Lamorris McRae. “They made sure assignments were completed and checked on each other to make sure everyone graduated.”
During the ceremony, held in the base theater, school officials presented the John L. Levitow Award, the Academic Achievement Award and the Commandant Award to students. Recipients of these awards are noted below beside their name.
Graduating students from Class 21G include:
Senior Airman Alexandra Berumen, 66th Air Base Group
Staff Sgt. Ryan Cameron, 439th Communications Squadron, Westover Air Reserve Base, Massachusetts
Senior Airman Logan Carlisle, 103rd Security Forces Squadron, Bradley Air National Guard Base, Connecticut
Senior Airman Tori Keith, 66th Medical Squadron
Staff Sgt. Mayson Kile, 66th Medical Squadron (Commandant Award winner)
Senior Airman Thomas Lantzy, 512th Force Support Squadron, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware
Senior Airman Ceara Larson, 66th Security Forces Squadron (John L. Levitow Award winner)
Senior Airman Christa Nesbitt, 66th Security Forces Squadron
Senior Airman Miranda Petti, 46th Aerial Port Squadron, Dover Air Force Base
Petty Officer 3rd Class Tadas Racevicius, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Boston (Academic Achievement Award winner)
Senior Airman Gerald Zollo, 103rd Security Forces Squadron, Bradley Air National Guard Base
After the completion of the course, each graduate earned the PME graduation ribbon.