Airman recognized for leadership qualities

  • Published
  • By Christian Deluca
  • 514 AMW/PA
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST --  An Airman from the 514th Aerospace Medicine Squadron received the Commandant Leadership Award, March 26, upon graduating from the Kish Airman Leadership School here.

The award, which recognizes Airmen who display characteristics of a quality leader, was presented to Senior Airman Balewattie Bandhu, 514th AMDS, during the ALS graduation ceremony at Tommy B's Community Activities Center.

"I'm proud to be able to bring that home to the 514th," Bandhu said. "It means a lot to me."

ALS is the first of four Professional Military Education courses that prepare Airmen to excel in their military careers and move up the enlisted ranks. The 5-week program is designed to instill effective communication and leadership skills to Airmen who are poised to take on supervisory positions.

Although reservists have the option of taking the course online, Bandhu recommends attending because of the positive experiences achieved in-residence.

""I'm very proud to have gone through ALS with my active duty counterparts," said Bandhu, who was the only reservist and only female in her class. "I want my fellow Airmen that come after me to experience that. I want them to experience the pride you get when you walk the stage (at graduation). That feeling of 'I did this.'"

Chief Master Sgt. Allan Lu, 514th AMDS, said he was not surprised that Bandhu excelled in the course.

"She is a very hard worker," he said. "She always has a good attitude, a positive attitude. She doesn't let things pass her by. She takes the initiative and she watches out for her fellow airmen. She makes sure they are taken care of. We are very proud of her."

Although she thrived in the course, Bandhu, a Brooklyn, N.Y. native, said it wasn't always easy and she had some issues she had to overcome.

"The hardest part was getting over my nervousness. My first briefing was on my wing, which I know. I know my unit. I know the services we provide. I know the dedication that our Airmen have. But during the briefing my nerves were a mess," she said. "Speaking in front of the class, not reading, but speaking, was the hardest thing for me."

"But what ALS teaches you is keep at it," she continued. "Keep doing what is necessary, what is needed of you, and eventually you will master it."

Bandhu said she is excited to get back to her squadron and apply what she has learned.

More information about the Air Force Professional Military Education can be found in Air Force Instruction 36-2301.