NCO Academy hosts last dining-in

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Theresa Meyer
  • Goodfellow NCO Academy
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Goodfellow NCO Academy hosted its final dining-in March 20. The academy will inactivate after 49 years of continuous service to enlisted Professional Military Education May 28. Each class plans and participates in a cultural event, in this case a dining in, and class 08-3 ended the tradition in grand fashion.

The event's guest speaker was Staff Sgt. David Banton of the 17th Security Forces Squadron. His recent deployments and message of believing in the Airmen who accomplish the mission rang true for all in attendance.

Each NCO academy flight decorated its respective table to demonstrate the flight members' internalization of the Airman's Creed.

The verses of the creed were used to pay tribute to fallen heroes, solidify key words and exemplify the pride with which all Airmen serve. The table decorations can be a rather competitive event for the students, as each flight attempts to catch the eye of the judges. The winning flight receives points toward the school's Spirit Award.

The Airmen of Bravo Flight captured the table decoration title for the evening. They focused on the third verse of the creed by incorporating a flag flown over the Pentagon, the U.S. Constitution, a sword from Afghanistan and a shield displaying a United States Flag and eagle.

Additionally, they paid tribute to Senior Airman Jason Cunningham, a pararescueman and hero who served in the same unit as one of the flight members.

The event was rather bittersweet for the staff of the academy. Chief Master Sergeant Edy Agee, the NCO Academy Commandant, wrapped up the evening by thanking the students and staff for providing an appropriate conclusion to an era of excellence.