LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- For the first time in over a decade, Laughlin hosted Airman Leadership School (ALS), led by instructors from Goodfellow Air Force Base.
ALS is the first level of Enlisted Professional Military Education (EPME) and a requirement for Airmen to promote to the rank of Staff Sergeant. The five-week course prepares Airmen to step into supervisory roles by focusing on communication, leadership, followership, and the profession of arms. Through academic lessons, team-building exercises, and public speaking assignments, students develop skills essential to leading and mentoring junior Airmen.
“As the first significant enlisted professional development milestone, ALS formally exposes our future supervisors and leaders to a dynamic environment in which they are challenged to think critically and more operationally,” said Chief Master Sgt. Lester Largaespada, 47th Flying Training Wing command chief. “ALS provides a strong foundation in leadership, followership, and supervisory communication skills. These traits are fundamental to being a good supervisor, leader, and prepares them for greater responsibilities when they become Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs).”
The class, taught by Goodfellow’s ALS cadre brought directly to Laughlin, allowed members of both wings to benefit from the increased integration and camaraderie.
Those graduating from Airman Leadership School included:
Laughlin Air Force Base
- Mr. Jamar Hudson, 47th Civil Engineer Squadron
- Senior Airman Jacob Idrogo, 87th Flying Training Squadron
- Senior Airman Kayla Kesterson, 47th Operation Support Squadron
- Senior Airman Djervena Previlion, 47th Force Support Squadron
- Senior Airman Devin Radford, 47th Operation Support Squadron
- Senior Airman Keira Rossman, 47th Wing Staff Agencies
- Senior Airman Cayden Shelton, 47th Civil Engineer Squadron
- Staff Sgt. Daniel Shuttleworth, 47th Security Forces Squadron
Goodfellow Air Force Base
- Senior Airman Nathan Acosta, 17th Communications Squadron
- Senior Airman Eva Finley, 17th Comptroller Squadron
- Senior Airman Bradley Karrington, 17th Communications Squadron
- Senior Airman Angelo Malone, 17th Healthcare Operations Squadron
- Senior Airman Nashali Martinez-Rosario, 17th Healthcare Operations Squadron
- Senior Airman Timothy Noltemeyer, 17th Security Forces Squadron
- Senior Airman William Perry, 17th Wing Staff Agencies
“What I love about the curriculum is the wide approach to the concepts to enable various levels of experience to connect to it,” said Master Sgt. Kristine Hingstrum, 17th Force Support Squadron ALS commandant. “Airmen come to ALS at different points in their careers, and we can’t control or know what they have been exposed to already except for what the military already provides. The curriculum serves as an equalizer and provides a benchmark for future growth. Every airman will connect differently to the curriculum – what is most impactful for one student is different from what impacts another.”
Hingstrum added that transformations often go beyond academic success; ranging from newfound confidence in public speaking to re-ignited commitment to military service.
“There is no end to the kinds of transformations I see, and it varies for each person,” said Hingstrum. “It depends largely on the goal they have going in and how open they hold their minds. I start every class by asking the students what they want to get out of their experience – and I ask what they actually got out of ALS at the end. Most students get much more than they anticipated – these are the students that put a lot of effort into the class. Not just with assignments, but they put effort into connecting with the other students, the experiences, and they dig deeper into the curriculum. I’ve had people decide they want to re-enlist after gaining new perspectives from their classmates. Whatever the individual transformations are, my main goal for each class is to equip each student to become a better version of themselves.”
This recent ALS class reflects not only a return to local professional development but also the continued investment in Laughlin’s enlisted force—preparing today’s Airmen for tomorrow’s leadership challenges.
“It’s all about the students for me,” said Hingstrum. “I love walking around both Goodfellow and Laughlin and running into former students that take the time out of their day to greet me and talk with me, that says a lot that they put in the effort to maintain the connection. It means I was able to provide them with a meaningful experience. I find that rewarding in and of itself. I’m truly grateful for this opportunity – we have some amazing Airmen and giving them opportunities to learn and grow will only make us stronger as an Air Force.”
The return marks a historic milestone for Laughlin’s enlisted professional development, offering eligible Airmen the opportunity to complete the essential course closer to home. ALS, a pivotal step for enlisted members transitioning to NCO roles, equips students with foundational leadership, communication, and supervision skills.