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ALS lends hand in local community

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Whitney Tucker
  • 27th Special Operations Squadron Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Members of the Airman Leadership School at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., brandished power hoses and scrubbers to restore an F-111 Aardvark static display to its former glory during a community clean-up in Portales, N.M., May 18.

The ALS Program is considered a milestone for most enlisted Air Force members. The five-week course prepares students to take on leadership-based roles and become effective first-line supervisors.

They are also taught the value of fostering good community relations and giving back.

"Maintaining the aircraft is a matter of pride," said Senior Airman Danielle Moore, 27th Special Operations Aerospace Medicine Squadron dental technician. "It is a reflection of Air Commandos at Cannon and a representation of our dedication to the community."

Community relations programs are designed to enhance morale, public trust and support, and demonstrate the Air Force's dedication to community partnership and responsible stewardship of national resources.

"Taking the time to improve even a small part of the local community helps to build bonds of trust," Moore said. "It is one of the many ways we can demonstrate our commitment to the neighborhoods and people who give us their support 356 days a year."

Staff Sgt. John Harris, 27th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron electrical systems journeyman and ALS class leader, echoed Moore's sentiments.

"This project provided a unique opportunity for our class to give back in a big way," he said. "This aircraft is a very visible part of the Portales community. We want to ensure our presence is a positive one; one that communicates to the public that the Air Force is comprised of motivated, high-caliber Airmen who care."

The aircraft clean-up also provided an opportunity for ALS students to get to know each other and strengthen their ability to collaborate and work toward a common goal.

"When you're working in a classroom setting, you don't always get the chance to really know the people around you," Harris said. "Being outside, getting dirty and doing some hard work tends to tear down personal barriers. It has really allowed us to enhance our teamwork and camaraderie. We're building the kind of friendships that make the Air Force a family as well as a highly trained force."

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