by Master Sgt. Geoff Robertson
Erwin Airman Leadership School commandant
7/18/2011 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- The Erwin Professional Military Education Center wrapped up five-weeks of training for the 52 students of Airman Leadership School Class 11-F with a graduation banquet and awards ceremony held in their honor at the Rocker NCO Club, July 11.
Designed to prepare Senior Airmen for positions of greater responsibility, Airman Leadership School strengthens the ability to lead, follow, and manage by providing many of the leadership skills required of military supervisors.
In addition to the demanding course work, students also managed to find time to help within the local community. The students of Class 11-F volunteered by cleaning up trash at both Kadena Marina and Araha Beach. Additionally, they volunteered at Karing Kennels and donated time and money to the 8K fundraiser for General Gary North's Order of the Sword Ceremony.
Following a keynote address by guest speaker Chief Master Sgt. Eric L. West, special recognition was presented to the following individuals, and then all students received their diplomas.
The top graduate and recipient of the John L. Levitow Award was Senior Airman Josiah R. Smith, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. This is the highest honor awarded a graduate of any Air Force enlisted professional military education course. It is named for Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant John L. Levitow for his actions during the Vietnam War and is presented to the one student who not only demonstrates academic excellence, but also the outstanding attributes of leadership, enthusiasm, military bearing, and dedication to the spirit and mission of the total Air Force.
The Distinguished Graduate Award is presented to the students in the top ten percent of the class. It is based on objective and performance evaluations, demonstrated leadership, and performance as a team player. The Distinguished Graduates were:
The Academic Achievement Award was presented to Senior Airman Tyler D. Richardson, 18th Maintenance Operations Squadron. This award denotes excellence as a scholar. It is based upon all summative objective tests and individual performance evaluations and is given to the student with the highest overall academic standing.
The Commandant Award was presented to Senior Airman Tyler D. Richardson, 18th Maintenance Operations Squadron. This award is presented to the student who made the most significant contribution to the overall success of the class by demonstrating superior leadership abilities and excellent skills as a team member.
Graduates from the five-week course included:
EAGLE FLIGHT
Class First Sergeant: Staff Sgt. Sultan A. Francis, Det 3 Air Postal
Flight Leader: Senior Airman Travis S. Newby, 733 AMS
Senior Airman Renell M. Atherton, 18 MUNS
Senior Airman Alexander J. Brockus, 18 LRS
Senior Airman Shea B. Coleman, 18 CMS
Senior Airman Allison J. Demer, 18 DS
Senior Airman Dana E. Haynes, 18 SFS
Senior Airman Kevin E. Knepp, 18 AMXS
Senior Airman Kurt S. Lind, 18 OSS
Senior Airman James S. Mullennix, 733 AMS
Senior Airman Peter A. Navarro, 18 LRS
Senior Airman Tyler D. Richardson, 18 MOS
Senior Airman Richard Waller II, 18 CS
Senior Airman Russell O. Whitten, 18 EMS
FALCON FLIGHT
Flight Leader: Staff Sgt. Amanda E. Stopper, 390 IS
Senior Airman Chad E. Angus, 82 RS
Senior Airman Christopher K. Copeland Jr., 18 LRS
Senior Airman Kyle A. Ekker, 18 MOS
Senior Airman Shawn M. Flowers, 18 AMXS
Senior Airman Keith-Lindsey Gascon, 18 FSS
Senior Airman Marlena M. Kien, 353 SOMXS
Senior Airman William L. Pouncy, 18 AMXS
Senior Airman Darren J. Schaff, 961 AACS
Senior Airman Brandon S. Thomas, 18 MUNS
Senior Airman Dwain S. Tolbert Jr., 18 AMDS
Senior Airman Christopher A. Washington, 18 OSS
Senior Airman Edward J. White, 18 EMS
PHANTOM FLIGHT
Flight Leader: Staff Sgt. Brian T, Gunkel, 18 CES
Senior Airman Jed A. Bilibei, 353 SOSS
Senior Airman Ieashia Burr, 18 LRS
Senior Airman Angela L. Daniels, 18 LRS
Senior Airman Lester T. Dorsey, 18 AMXS
Senior Airman Aaron B. Nelms, 18 EMS
Senior Airman James W. Lacy Jr., 18 OSS
Senior Airman Brett E. Russell, 353 SOSS
Senior Airman Adam J. Sneve, 18 MUNS
Senior Airman Michael L. Swann, 18 OSS
Senior Airman Shane R. Swiatlowski, 718 AMXS
Senior Airman Matthew B. Vela, 18 CMS
TALON FLIGHT
Class Leader: Staff Sgt. Michael A. Minervini, 733 AMS
Flight Leader: Staff Sgt. Keenan L. Butler, 18 MUNS
Senior Airman Paul W. Abrazado, 718 AMXS
Senior Airman Daniel J. Dean Jr., 18 AMXS
Senior Airman Sharon K. Festejo, 353 SOSS
Senior Airman Neil G. Hampton, 17 SOS
Senior Airman David J. Hicks, 18 AMXS
Senior Airman Anna M. Hurlbert, 18 AMDS
Senior Airman Alan S. Johnson, 353 SOMXS
Senior Airman Jonah A. Love, 18 AMXS
Senior Airman Rodney D. Martin Jr., 18 CES
Senior Airman Brittany M. Newsom, 18 LRS
Senior Airman Josiah R. Smith, 18 AMXS
