HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – A 66th Comptroller Squadron financial accounting technician became the first Airman here to achieve Warrior Level through Hanscom University upon completing requirements March 17.
Senior Airman Ling Yu culminated her coursework with a presentation to senior 66th Air Base Group leaders on what she had learned throughout her studies, highlighting influential leadership, the Air Force Core Values, and believing in oneself.
“Airman Yu’s presentation reflects her hard work, focus and determination to better herself as a leader and a person,” said Master Sgt. Michael Kennedy, Hanscom’s Airman development advisor and Hanscom U facilitator.
Instituted in 2022, Hanscom U offers personal and professional development opportunities for civilians, enlisted, and officers assigned to Hanscom, as well as geographically separated units. Students can achieve three award milestones, Wingman, Leader, and Warrior Levels, by completing courses and assignment criteria.
While Hanscom U is not affiliated with any accredited colleges or official professional military education, Kennedy says those who participate in the courses are clearly invested in their futures.
“Our enrolled members are taking the steps to become the best versions of themselves, and it speaks volumes that they’re taking this time and effort,” he said.
Yu joined the Air Force in 2020 after moving to the U.S. from Shenyang, China. She enrolled in Hanscom U courses in February 2022 with hopes to learn more about the operational Air Force and to practice her English.
However, she said she ultimately learned more about herself as an Airman and how by believing in herself, she knows she can accomplish anything.
“If you had told me three years ago that I could do 50 pushups in a minute, speak English to everyone every day, or that I would certify $4 billion as an accounting technician, I would not have believed you,” said Yu during her presentation. “I still remember leaving for basic training and my daughter telling me, ‘good job, mommy.’ Now, I can look at myself and say, ‘good job, Airman Yu.’”
Following the presentation, Chief Master Sgt. Alan Weary, 66 ABG command chief, lauded Yu for taking advantage of the opportunities through Hanscom U.
“The way Airman Yu embodies our core values, in addition to everything else she represents, is the epitome of what we try to accomplish when we bring Airmen into our Air Force,” he said.
Yu was also recently selected as the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Airman of the Year during a virtual ceremony hosted from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.
Personnel can view a full catalogue of courses and register on the Hanscom University secure SharePoint site.