Erwin ALS graduates Class 11-F Published July 18, 2011 By Master Sgt. Geoff Robertson KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- The Erwin Professional Military Education Center wrapped up five-weeks of training for the 52 students of Airman Leadership School Class 11-F with a graduation banquet and awards ceremony held in their honor at the Rocker NCO Club, July 11. Designed to prepare Senior Airmen for positions of greater responsibility, Airman Leadership School strengthens the ability to lead, follow, and manage by providing many of the leadership skills required of military supervisors. In addition to the demanding course work, students also managed to find time to help within the local community. The students of Class 11-F volunteered by cleaning up trash at both Kadena Marina and Araha Beach. Additionally, they volunteered at Karing Kennels and donated time and money to the 8K fundraiser for General Gary North's Order of the Sword Ceremony. Following a keynote address by guest speaker Chief Master Sgt. Eric L. West, special recognition was presented to the following individuals, and then all students received their diplomas. The top graduate and recipient of the John L. Levitow Award was Senior Airman Josiah R. Smith, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. This is the highest honor awarded a graduate of any Air Force enlisted professional military education course. It is named for Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant John L. Levitow for his actions during the Vietnam War and is presented to the one student who not only demonstrates academic excellence, but also the outstanding attributes of leadership, enthusiasm, military bearing, and dedication to the spirit and mission of the total Air Force. The Distinguished Graduate Award is presented to the students in the top ten percent of the class. It is based on objective and performance evaluations, demonstrated leadership, and performance as a team player. The Distinguished Graduates were: Senior Airman Tyler D. Richardson, 18th Maintenance Operations Squadron Senior Airman Allison J. Demer, 18th Dental Squadron Staff Sgt. Amanda Stopper, 390th Intelligence Squadron Senior Airman Angela Daniels, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron The Academic Achievement Award was presented to Senior Airman Tyler D. Richardson, 18th Maintenance Operations Squadron. This award denotes excellence as a scholar. It is based upon all summative objective tests and individual performance evaluations and is given to the student with the highest overall academic standing. The Commandant Award was presented to Senior Airman Tyler D. Richardson, 18th Maintenance Operations Squadron. This award is presented to the student who made the most significant contribution to the overall success of the class by demonstrating superior leadership abilities and excellent skills as a team member. Graduates from the five-week course included: EAGLE FLIGHT Class First Sergeant: Staff Sgt. Sultan A. Francis, Det 3 Air Postal Flight Leader: Senior Airman Travis S. Newby, 733 AMS Senior Airman Renell M. Atherton, 18 MUNS Senior Airman Alexander J. Brockus, 18 LRS Senior Airman Shea B. Coleman, 18 CMS Senior Airman Allison J. Demer, 18 DS Senior Airman Dana E. Haynes, 18 SFS Senior Airman Kevin E. Knepp, 18 AMXS Senior Airman Kurt S. Lind, 18 OSS Senior Airman James S. Mullennix, 733 AMS Senior Airman Peter A. Navarro, 18 LRS Senior Airman Tyler D. Richardson, 18 MOS Senior Airman Richard Waller II, 18 CS Senior Airman Russell O. Whitten, 18 EMS FALCON FLIGHT Flight Leader: Staff Sgt. Amanda E. Stopper, 390 IS Senior Airman Chad E. Angus, 82 RS Senior Airman Christopher K. Copeland Jr., 18 LRS Senior Airman Kyle A. Ekker, 18 MOS Senior Airman Shawn M. Flowers, 18 AMXS Senior Airman Keith-Lindsey Gascon, 18 FSS Senior Airman Marlena M. Kien, 353 SOMXS Senior Airman William L. Pouncy, 18 AMXS Senior Airman Darren J. Schaff, 961 AACS Senior Airman Brandon S. Thomas, 18 MUNS Senior Airman Dwain S. Tolbert Jr., 18 AMDS Senior Airman Christopher A. Washington, 18 OSS Senior Airman Edward J. White, 18 EMS PHANTOM FLIGHT Flight Leader: Staff Sgt. Brian T, Gunkel, 18 CES Senior Airman Jed A. Bilibei, 353 SOSS Senior Airman Ieashia Burr, 18 LRS Senior Airman Angela L. Daniels, 18 LRS Senior Airman Lester T. Dorsey, 18 AMXS Senior Airman Aaron B. Nelms, 18 EMS Senior Airman James W. Lacy Jr., 18 OSS Senior Airman Brett E. Russell, 353 SOSS Senior Airman Adam J. Sneve, 18 MUNS Senior Airman Michael L. Swann, 18 OSS Senior Airman Shane R. Swiatlowski, 718 AMXS Senior Airman Matthew B. Vela, 18 CMS TALON FLIGHT Class Leader: Staff Sgt. Michael A. Minervini, 733 AMS Flight Leader: Staff Sgt. Keenan L. Butler, 18 MUNS Senior Airman Paul W. Abrazado, 718 AMXS Senior Airman Daniel J. Dean Jr., 18 AMXS Senior Airman Sharon K. Festejo, 353 SOSS Senior Airman Neil G. Hampton, 17 SOS Senior Airman David J. Hicks, 18 AMXS Senior Airman Anna M. Hurlbert, 18 AMDS Senior Airman Alan S. Johnson, 353 SOMXS Senior Airman Jonah A. Love, 18 AMXS Senior Airman Rodney D. Martin Jr., 18 CES Senior Airman Brittany M. Newsom, 18 LRS Senior Airman Josiah R. Smith, 18 AMXS