Shinto priest blesses groundbreaking Published Aug. 12, 2009 By Tech. Sgt. Rey Ramon 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- A Shinto priest gave a traditional ceremonial blessing for a safe construction project at the groundbreaking for the new Erwin PME Center Aug. 10. The new facility is slated for completion in May 2010. This new facility brings both the NCO Academy and the Airman Leadership School under one roof in line with the concept of the Erwin Professional Military Education Center. Also, the PME Center will be seeing construction of a new 96-room billeting facility on the same grounds beginning June 2010. "This new building is part of the Japanese Facility Improvement Program," said Senior Master Sgt. David Duncan, director of education. "This will last many years and help us continue to develop NCO leaders for the U.S. military." The new facility will feature hi-tech audio and visual support, network upgrades, new furniture, better infrastructure and more classroom space. Housing both the ALS and the NCOA, this new facility will include two auditoriums, a heritage hall, and all of the required administrative offices. "There's no better way to help us deliver our curriculum and provide customer service than to have a completely new, customized facility," added Sergeant Duncan.