Gunter NCOA gets first international student Published Oct. 16, 2006 By Carl Bergquist Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AETCNS) -- The Gunter NCO Academy reached a milestone when it enrolled its first international student. Tech. Sgt. Virgilio Macasaet Katimbang of the Philippine air force is studying at the academy until his graduation Sept. 15. "The school is good and very conducive to learning because it has air conditioning," Sergeant Katimbang said jokingly. "In my country, the classes have 60 students and no air conditioning." The 26-year Philippine air force veteran said he takes great pride and honor in being the first international student at the school and for being selected to attend by the U.S. government. He is learning a lot from the academy and will take that knowledge back to his job as an instructor at the Philippine air force NCO school at Batangas, Luzon. "I have really enjoyed the program of instruction here and how students are handled at the Gunter NCOA," Sergeant Katimbang said. "With only 13 students in each class the student-instructor relationship is great. "The group style instruction and interaction between the students and instructor is very effective for learning," he said. "With larger class sizes the instruction is limited to lectures." Sergeant Katimbang said he was impressed with the integrity of the students and the school, which results in well disciplined leaders. He feels the enhanced discipline increases students' leadership abilities. Master Sgt. John Watkins, Gunter NCOA faculty superintendent for test and analysis, said the school was delighted to have Sergeant Katimbang in the class. "We are very glad to have him here with us," he said. "He is a trendsetter for us, being our first international student." As much as Sergeant Katimbang is enjoying the NCOA and Gunter, he said he is a little anxious to get home to his wife and three daughters. Following the Sept. 15 graduation, he will immediately return to the Philippines and his instructor job.