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315 AW Airmen lead Airman Leadership School

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tom Brading
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. --  Two Airmen from the 315th Airlift Wing recently graduated Airman Leadership School from McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, TN, and won big along the way.

Senior Airman Candice Elvis, 300th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, and Senior Airman Elizabeth Dulaney, 315th Aerospace Medicine Squadron were both named distinguished graduates of ALS Class 15-5. Dulaney was also named the recipient of the John L. Levitow Award of the class.

The Levitow Award is the highest award presented at ALS, and given to the student that demonstrates the most outstanding leadership and academic qualities. Being selected for the Levitow is based on scholastic performance, as well as points given by peers and instructors.

Dulaney credits her success to the 315th AMDS team, her husband, Staff Sgt. Stephen Dulaney, 315th AMX journeymen, and her ALS instructors and classmates for their unconditional support, motivation and encouragement.

One classmate, Senior Airman Jessica Lewellen, 133rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs specialist, gained a lot of knowledge and respect from her classmates.

"Dulaney truly exemplifies the Air Force Core Values," said Lewellen. "She has a servant's heart, she always strives for excellence and she lives her life with integrity. These qualities never faulted despite the new and stressful environment that Airman Leadership School creates."

In addition to the Levitow award, Dulaney and Elvis shared the honors of Distinguished Graduate. The Distinguished Graduate Award is given to ten percent of graduates with the highest overall grades and demonstrates a high level of leadership skills.


"ALS was an overall amazing experience," said Elvis. "I wouldn't have became a distinguished graduate without the ratings of my peers. I learned so much about becoming a leader."

According to Dulaney, it was the Airmen's sense of pride felt when they wear the Air Force uniform that aided in their successes. This pride is found throughout all ranks of the service, and shared with the Airmen by Chief Master Sgt. Mark Barber, 315th AW command chief.

"Few of my duties as Command Chief give me greater pleasure than recognizing outstanding excellence and superior achievement,” said Barber. “These two individuals represent the best of what our Air Force has to offer having met the highest standards of leadership, academics, and performance among their peers.”

Barber added, Dulaney and Elvis embody the Air Force core values and their awards are richly deserved.