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315th AW Airman captures ALS Leadership Award

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shane Ellis
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
CHARLESTON, S.C. --  Senior Airman Dennis Pettit, 315th Airlift Wing reservist, captured the Airman Leadership School Leadership Award during the graduation ceremony Aug. 12, 2010, at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C.

The award is given to one outstanding Airman, nominated by the class, and ultimately chosen by the school commandant for his or her outstanding leadership qualities and abilities.

Airman Pettit, a patrolman with the 315th Security Forces Squadron here, was one of six students nominated to receive the award and ultimately took home the trophy.

The class of 30 started their ALS journey July 12. ALS is the U.S. Air Force program designed to develop Airmen into effective front-line supervisors. It is the first professional military education (PME) that enlisted Air Force members encounter. ALS focuses on developing leadership abilities as well as effective communication.

The student body was a made up of 25 active duty Airmen, two reservist with 315th Airlift Wing, two National Guard members and one member of the Coast Guard.

Senior Airman Franklin G. Arevalo, an electrical journeyman with the 560th Red Horse Squadron here, was the other 315 AW member who graduated from the school.

All thirty members of the class were given the opportunity to nominate a person for the ALS Leadership Award, and Airman Pettit was among those selected.

After being selected, all six of the ALS Leadership Award nominees went before a selection committee board consisting of three senior noncommissioned officers and the previous ALS Leadership Award winner.

After interviewing all six of the nominees, the selection committee presented their recommendation to Master Sgt. Joe D. Adams, the commandant for the 628th Air Base Wing ALS, as to whom they thought should receive the award.

After careful review and consideration, Sergeant Adams chose Airman Pettit as the award winner.

"This is the first step in their leadership journey," said Chief Master Sgt. Benson S. Futrell, 315th Airlift Wing command chief master sergeant. "Hopefully, the trend will continue with the Noncommissioned Officer Academy and the Senior NCO Academy."

Chief Futrell goes on to say that Airman Pettit's accomplishments speak highly of the type of training Airmen receive and the eagerness some exhibit to excel in all they do.

"The Air Force will always be in need of great leaders," said Chief Futrell, "It's good to know that active duty Airmen and reserve Airmen alike are always ready, willing and able to meet the needs of today's Air Force. As for Airman Pettit, he not only meets the AF needs, he exceeds all expectations."

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