Vance Airmen complete first level of their PME journey Published March 24, 2016 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Fourteen Vance senior airmen completed their first level of professional military education when they graduated Airman Leadership School Class 16-D here, March 15. The five-week course prepares the graduates for the leadership and supervisory duties they will assume after sewing on staff sergeant stripes. Three graduates were recognized for excellence during the graduation ceremony. Senior Airman David Kriner, 71st Operations Support Squadron, was presented the John L. Levitow Award. Named for the Medal of Honor recipient, the award goes to the student with the highest overall standing from a combination of academic scores, performance evaluation, and leadership qualities. Senior Airman Matthew Buhrke, also with the 71st OSS, received the Commandant Award for superior leadership abilities and excellent skills as a team member. Buhrke was also named the Distinguished Graduate. Senior Airman Andrew McQuary, 71st Force Support Squadron, received the Academic Achievement Award for excellence as a scholar. Senior Airmen also graduating with Class 16-D were: Cody Diehm, 71st Security Forces Squadron Cristina Mendez, 71st SFS Johnathan Hensley, 71st SFS Tierra Faust, 71st Medical Support Squadron David Bednara, 71st Medical Operations Squadron David Buhman, 71st MDSS Yusuf Falahchay, 71st OSS Whitney Collier, 71st OSS Gary Bangs, 71st OSS Chase Schneider, 71st OSS Matthew Rowley, 71st OSS According to Master Sgt. James Goswick, commandant of the Airman Leadership School at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, ALS is the first of four enlisted professional military education courses. The curriculum concentrates on the professional Airman, supervisory communication, the expeditionary Airman and the supervision of Airmen. Vance’s ALS is an extension of the school at Altus Air Force Base. ALS graduates earns nine semester hours of Community College of the Air Force credit.