Leadership teams seize wins over ALS class

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Breonna Veal
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Airman Leadership School Class 14-C played volleyball against an eagles and chiefs team and a first sergeants team at the Mathis Fitness Center here April 22 and 23.
The volleyball games are held at the end of each class as a morale booster for the students.

"We have two volleyball games," stated Staff Sgt. Ryan Mitchell, 17th Force Support Squadron ALS instructor. "Before the volleyball games, we hold makeshift style panels where there is morale interaction with the leadership and the class, so they can get mentoring from a senior NCO perspective and a chief's perspective before the games."

Each ALS class participates in a series of events during their graduation week. The Tuesday prior to graduation, the class begins with a Q-and-A board with the chief master sergeants on base. At the end of the day, they then compete against the eagles and chiefs in a volleyball match.

Then, the Wednesday prior to graduation, the class begins with a Q-and-A board with the first sergeants on base and competes against them in a volleyball match at the end of the day. The class graduates on Thursdays and upon completion of ALS, Airmen can supervise.

"I believe the Q-and-A board is a great opportunity for SNCOs to give back to those who are trying to build a foundation to become better Airmen," said Chief Master Sgt. William Price, 17th Communications Squadron superintendent. "I personally enjoy the interaction between ALS participants because I want them to see that you can still enjoy life within the confines of our profession and succeed. Plus, they help keep my mind sharp with some of the questions they ask."

After discussing questions, the chief master sergeants, colonels and class participate in a set of volleyball games. In order to win the volleyball matches, the team has to win two out of three games.

During the games, there is a lot of boasting on the court between the teams, but Price said it is not about a victory.

"Winning wasn't important, it was the time spent with the ALS graduates ... " Price added. "However, I did do a lot of trash talking before, so we had to win."

The eagles and chiefs, who also won last class, swept through the matches with two consecutive wins, but not without the ALS class winning one of the rounds April 22.

Although the ALS class gave the First sergeants a hard time April 23, the first sergeants rolled over the ALS class 25-13, 25-23 and 25-22.

By the end of the game, both teams were tired but still gave each other a "good job" and pat on the back.

"The importance of the volleyball game is all about having fun and letting the ALS graduates see that we matured seasoned Airmen, still have it," concluded Price.