First Goodfellow ALS class winds up, retired CMSAF Gaylor speaks at graduation

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stephen Musal
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  October 16 was a historic day for Goodfellow Air Force Base, as the first class of 15 senior airmen at the Goodfellow Airman Leadership School graduated with pomp and ceremony.

Retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Robert Gaylor was the guest speaker at the graduation of Goodfellow ALS Class 09-1, held at the Goodfellow Event Center. Chief Gaylor was the fifth chief master sergeant of the Air Force. The former senior enlisted leader also shared breakfast with members of the 17th Security Forces Squadron and spoke to Goodfellow's enlisted Airmen Oct. 17.

"I think those 15 graduates will remember this event for the rest of their lives," Chief Gaylor said, adding that Goodfellow ought to be very proud of having an Airman Leadership School.

"I came up through the ranks without the benefit of formal training," Chief Gaylor said. "There was a lot of 'swinging at piñatas,' " he added, and he said it was difficult to know when he was doing something right in a leadership role.

"The benefit of training is clarifying right and wrong," Chief Gaylor said. Still, the learning process goes on. "Some things you learn from lessons, others from experience, books and other NCOs who have come before you," Chief Gaylor added.

"When one is promoted, initially there is excitement and glee," Chief Gaylor said. "Then, it's a matter of asking 'what is expected of me?' Ask other NCOs, seasoned staff sergeants and technical sergeants. Talk with workers as well. Ask them, 'how do you see this rank?'" Chief Gaylor said. "Address the expectation of your new rank, and you'll do well."

Accomplishment was in evidence at the graduation ceremony, where Senior Airman Damien Patterson, 17th Force Support Squadron, was selected as the Leadership Award recipient. The Leadership Award is awarded to the student who demonstrated exemplary military professionalism.

Senior Airman Anthony Baumayr, 17th Training Support Squadron, excelled in the academic arena and was rewarded with the Academic Achievement Award. Senior Airman Michael Brown, 17 SFS, was the Distinguished Graduate, graduating in the top 10 percent of the class and demonstrating excellence in academics, performance evaluations and leadership.

Finally, Senior Airman Kristopher Craw, 312th Training Squadron, was the John L. Levitow Award recipient. The Levitow Award is awarded to the student who excelled in all aspects of the Airman Leadership School program. Named in honor of Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. John L. Levitow, it is the highest award presented in all levels of Professional Military Education.

Graduates of the first Airman Leadership School class were Senior Airman Hiliary Bauer, 315th Training Squadron; Senior Airman Anthony Baumayr, 17 TRSS; Senior Airman Michael Brown, 17 SFS; Senior Airman Andrea Cariola, 315 TRS; Senior Airman Benjamin Clay, 17th Communications Squadron; Senior Airman Kristopher Craw, 312 TRS; Senior Airman Zachary Davis, 316th Training Squadron; Senior Airman David Le Beau, 17th Civil Engineer Squadron; Senior Airman Lenora Martin, 316 TRS; Senior Airman Jordan Myers, 315 TRS; Senior Airman Damien Patterson, 17 FSS; Senior Airman Christopher Renfro, 315 TRS; Senior Airman Lanie Simpson, 315 TRS; Senior Airman Christopher Sumner, 315 TRS, and Senior Airman Andrea Williams, 17th Training Wing.