CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Team Charleston, in this life we are presented with many different opportunities to learn and grow. Failing to seize these opportunities is like refusing nourishment for the body -- it stunts your growth.
In the Air Force, education and training are fundamental components of Airman development. From the time we enlist to the time we separate or retire, Airmen are continually engaged in some form of education, training or both. Whether it's technical school, Career Development Courses, leadership school, an academy or some other form of Professional Military Education, Airmen are always learning and growing. And by the time they've mastered their job, they are soon encouraged to follow up and continue with civilian education. Officers and civilians also have demanding education and training requirements to achieve. As a result, we lay claim that we are the best educated and trained military force in the world.
Just recently, I completed the Air Force Enterprise Leadership Seminar at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. It was an intense week of learning. We focused on developing critical thinking in an effort to execute successful strategies and to lead and manage change. One of the seminar's highlights was an update on Air Force programs presented by Lt. Gen. Richard Newton III, Air Force deputy chief of staff for Manpower and Personnel. Our mentor was Gen. Gregory "Speedy" Martin, former commander of Air Force Materiel Command. His lesson review and mentoring sessions were insightful and informative. He taught new ways of viewing and assessing routine processes we are exposed to every day.
Last Saturday I spoke at Berkeley High School's Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Dining Out and Military Ball. My topic was the importance of education in preparation for success. I discussed the emphasis the Air Force places on education and training. Also, I was proud to share the major role my education and training played in every position of supervision, leadership and management I've ever earned. It was important to me that they know education is the key that unlocks the doors to success in many areas of life. That is a lesson that holds true not only for high school students but also for Airmen, NCOs, Senior NCOs, civilians and officers alike. Education is an opportunity too precious for anyone to waste.
Congratulations to our Airman Leadership School graduates of Class 08-B. We are extremely proud of all of you. I trust you will find the information you've added to your supervisory tool kit to be very useful. We extend hearty congratulations to those who excelled above the rest and earned special honors for their accomplishments. The three Distinguished Graduates were Senior Airman Chad Gibbs, 437th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Staff Sgt. Robert Vanderzel, 15th Airlift Squadron and Senior Airman Nathaniel Dunnican, 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. The Leadership Award winner was Senior Airman Anique McElveen, 437th Mission Support Squadron. The Academic Achievement Award winner was Airman Dunnican, 437 AMXS. Finally, the highest honor, the John L. Levitow Award winner was Senior Airman Corey M. Bayne, 437 AMXS
Team Charleston - Take the Fight to the Enemy!