488th sweeps 7 of 8 awards at ALS

By TSgt. Daniel R. Constantin
488th IS
RAF Mildenhall, U.K.

Five members of the 488th Intelligence Squadron recently earned seven of eight awards presented during the June graduation of the Mathies Airman Leadership School at RAF Feltwell.

SrA. Steven Berlingo took top honors, receiving the coveted John Levitow Award, bestowed upon the student who excels academically, shows proven leadership ability and regularly exceeds Air Force standards.

SrA. Robert St. Cyr earned the Flight Chief’s Award, a unique peer recognition award given to the student who consistently embodies the core value service before self. Eight students are nominated by their classmates and must go before a board to determine the overall winner. St. Cyr also earned Distinguished Graduate honors based upon his leadership potential and academic excellence.

SrA. George Alexander showcased his journalistic talent by winning the Americanism Award with his heartfelt essay “A Life of Duty.” The Americanism Award is given to the student whose essay best expresses the true nature of patriotism. Alexander also took home Distinguished Graduate honors.

Senior Airmen Anthony Langley and Jeremiah Whisenhunt were also recognized as Distinguished Graduates.

“Sweeping seven of the eight available awards is testimony to the high caliber of troops in AIA and especially in the 488th,” Lt. Col. James Poss, 488th IS commander, said.