Tinker LTs graduate development course Published July 19, 2011 By Brian Schroeder Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Eighteen lieutenants graduated June 24 from a four-day course to enhance their leadership and professional development skills. The Lieutenant Professional Development Program prepares junior officers by bridging the professional development gap between Air and Space Basic Course and Squadron Officer School. The program is mandatory for all Air Force Materiel Command-assigned eligible junior officers at Tinker within six months of their assignment or upon completion of ASBC. The course is also open to all Tinker associate organizations. Col. Steven J. Bleymaier, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center vice commander, spoke at the commencement ceremony. He imparted some leadership wisdom by reminding attendees that no one usually remembers what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel because a leader inspires feelings. He reminded them about the meaning of "Schofield's Quote;" a reference to Maj. Gen. John M. Schofield's graduation address to the Class of 1879 at West Point, a quote that cadets for many decades have had to memorize. "Inspiring Airmen is not going to happen from behind a desk or on a stage," Colonel Bleymaier said. "It's going to happen by getting out of your office and getting to know your Airmen, getting interested in what they are doing and listening to them. As you are out there leading, be aware of what feelings you are inspiring, because that is what your Airmen will remember and respond to -- and that is how you will influence them." He also encouraged the group to use their senior non-commissioned officer leadership to become engaged in how to inspire troops. Find one who will pull you aside and give you some honest feedback, he added. "Leadership is about leading, pushing and helping to succeed," he said. "Get a sense of what's important to your unit, become engaged, make your vision on where your team is headed clear to your Airmen, and then go about helping your Airmen achieve that vision." The 40-hour course curriculum includes 28 hours of professional seminars, eight hours of senior leader forums, a team-building event and a four-hour interactive tour of Tinker organizations. Graduates are: 1st Lt. Brandon Bender, 963rd AACS 1st Lt. Francisco Navarrete-Silva, 552nd TRS 1st Lt. Anabel Allen, 507th MXG 1st Lt. John Jenkins, 552nd MOS 1st Lt. Charles McDaniel, 552nd MOS 1st Lt. Mike Opich, 552nd MXS 1st Lt. Thomas Kellams, 72nd SFS 1st Lt. Justin Whitaker, 72nd AMDS 1st Lt. Alan Calfee, OC-ALC/GK 1st Lt. TJ Ablay, OC-ALC/GK 1st Lt. Andrew Cortesio, OC-ALC/PK 2nd Lt. Frank Jamerson, 34th CBCS 2nd Lt. Trevor Steen, 32nd CBCS 2nd Lt. Nick Kriz, OC-ALC/GK 2nd Lt. Michael Rodgers, 76th CMXG 2nd Lt. Nicholas Sahagun, OC-ALC/GK 2nd Lt. Christopher Campbell, OC-ALC/GK 2nd Lt. Myung Kim, OC-ALC/GK The course is executed through Tinker Company Grade Officer Council on a semi-annual basis. For more information or to register, call 1st Lt. Lucas Matyi at 736-5132.