HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Twenty-two trainees were formally welcomed into the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center workforce during a graduation ceremony here Dec. 5.
The 2024 cross-functional graduation ceremony included trainees from Hanscom AFB and Joint Base San Antonio in Texas, representing the program management, engineering, contracting, and logistics career fields.
Upon completing their respective programs, graduates of the PALACE Acquire and developmental programs were placed in GS-12 positions within their functional areas. In these roles, they will support Air Force acquisition programs, delivering tools and technology to accomplish the mission.
During welcoming remarks, Heidi Ingrahm, director of contracting for Electronic Systems Directorate at Hanscom AFB, discussed the importance of goal setting, growth, and balance in both professional and personal life.
“The Air Force needs leaders who are competent in their craft, confident in their abilities, and fulfilled in their personal lives,” she said. “I encourage each of you to set goals for your professional and personal growth. The Air Force needs leaders who are not only technically competent but also emotionally resilient and balanced in their lives.”
The graduates completed three years of on-the-job training supporting various AFLCMC missions, as well as additional virtual and in-person training.
Keynote speaker Col. William Collins Jr., deputy program executive officer of the Electronic Systems Directorate, shared six key pieces of advice with graduates: commit to the Air Force core values, pursue career-long learning, build networks, challenge established processes, advocate for yourself, and enjoy your careers.
“Challenge the process,” he said. “We need you to bring your fresh set of eyes and ears, your experience, and the things that you’ve learned in this training program and ask, ‘why are we doing it in that way.’”
Collins also encouraged graduates to appreciate their contributions.
“Enjoy the ride - the projects you’ll see, the warfighters you’ll interact with - and understand that you are a part of developing capabilities that ensure our nation’s sons and daughters make it home safely.”
He emphasized the critical role civil servants play in accomplishing the Air Force mission.
“Throughout the course of my career, civilian counterparts were right there with me,” he said. “You are a part of the profession of arms. Make no mistake about it. The American people need us - need you. They expect you to be your very best every single day. I know you are ready for the task, so let’s get after it.”
The 2024 graduates will continue supporting programs throughout Electronic Systems Directorate, Cyber and Networks Directorate, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Special Operations Forces Directorate, Presidential and Executive Airlift Directorate, and Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center’s Nuclear Command, Control and Communications Integration Directorate, at Hanscom AFB and other locations.