Sixteen senior airmen graduate from Airman Leadership School Class 24-A at Vance Published Nov. 19, 2023 By Senior Airman Kathy Duran 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Sixteen Airmen graduated Airman Leadership School Class 24-A during a ceremony held at the Grevens Crosswinds Club at Vance Air Force Base, Nov. 16. ALS is the first level of professional military education for enlisted Airmen. It is a five-week course where Airmen sharpen their leadership skills and learn about the responsibilities required to become frontline supervisors. The award winners in 24-A were recognized by Col. Matthew Astroth, the 71st Flying Training Wing vice commander. The guest speaker for the ceremony was Chief Master Sgt. Jason Aucoin, the 71st Operations Group senior enlisted leader. Staff Sgt. Janae Goss, Class 24-A ALS instructor, announced the graduates and recognized the five outstanding Airmen who earned top honors. Senior Airman Shamika Williams, 71st Force Support Squadron, earned the John Levitow Award, the highest honor presented to a graduate of Air Force enlisted professional military education. Senior Airman Carlin Simpson, 71st Healthcare Operations Squadron, received the Distinguished Graduate Award, given to the student who excelled in leadership skills and academically performed in the top 10% of the class. Senior Airman Chris Campoya, 71st Operational Medical Readiness Squadron, received the Academic Achievement Award, earned by the student who excelled in academics. Senior Airman Adrian Trevino, 71st Operations Support Squadron, received the Commandant's Leadership Award. This award is presented to a student who exemplifies exceptional teamwork, and professionalism. Senior Airman Krysnah Heady, 71st FSS, earned the Sharp Image Award, given to the student who consistently excelled in the wear of their military uniform. Also graduating in Class 24-A were: Senior Airman Tianne Grandison, 71st Wing Staff Agencies Senior Airman Jalen Terry, 71st Installation Support Squadron Senior Airman Taylor Davis, 71st OSS Senior Airman Kelsey Kent, 71st Security Forces Squadron Senior Airman Christian Soto, 71st WSA Senior Airman Austin Klotz, 71st ISS Senior Airman Rain Mabanta, 71st OSS Senior Airman Trevor Castle, 71st SFS Senior Airman Angel Marroquin, 71st WSA Senior Airman Krystal Lewis, 97th Air Mobility Wing, Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma Senior Airman Daniel Araya, 8th Flying Training Squadron Team Vance’s Silver Talon Honor Guard presented the colors during the ceremony and prepared the POW/MIA table, set to remember those still missing.