Hands on
Staff Sgt. Cody De Los Reyes, Staff Sgt. James Girardo, and Senior Airman Scott Gatewood use straws and tape to construct an apparatus that will allow an egg to survive a 12-foot drop. The exercise in teamwork was part of the Air Force Reserve Command NCO Leadership Development Course, which the 419th Fighter Wing offers three times a year. The course offers college credit and hands-on experience in leadership and management, and addresses theories and concepts of leadership and management. Wing policy requires members to attend LDC or complete Course 9 to be promoted to technical sergeant. “We were the first wing to make it mandatory,” said Master Sgt. Marites Ramoneda-Thomas, Assistant Chief of Education and Training. “Because of this, we graduate the most members most of the time compared to other wings.” The 419 FW received Outstanding Training Office awards for its support of LDC programs in 2005 and 2007. (U.S. Air Force photo)