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ALS room gets a makeover, thanks to AFSA

  • Published
  • By Kimberly Woodruff
  • Staff Writer
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  An outdated "throwback to the 70s" classroom at Airmen Leadership School received a makeover from the Air Force Sergeant's Association, Chapter 985.

The newly updated Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force room was unveiled last week.

"When I talk to Airmen in uniform, their biggest concern is money," said Col. Christopher Azzano, 72nd Air Base Wing and Tinker installation commander. "How are we going to make ends meet, get our job done and take care of each other while maintaining a quality of life for our Airmen? Through our own initiative, sweat equity and volunteer spirit -- that's what will carry us through."

Colonel Azzano said AFSA stepped up and gave a much needed face lift to one of the most important facilities on Tinker. "Every one of the Airmen here today and in the future will make good use of it," he said.

Air Force Sustainment Center Command Chief Master Sgt. Gregg Jones said the AFSA is all about paying it forward. "We never forget our heritage -- it's a big deal," he said.
Chief Jones hopes that before long every room at ALS will have a current sponsor because it makes people get involved with what is going on in the development of Airmen and their education.

"The Air Force is about standards, we can line up jets, polish trucks and look sharp and base entry control points. It is hard to ask our ALS students to look sharp, be sharp and expect their subordinates to do the same when they are learning in an outdated facility that does not covey that message," said Master Sgt. Zachary Merkl, 72nd Security
Forces Squadron logistics superintendent and president of AFSA chapter 985.
Master Sgt. Stuart Saunders, non-commissioned officer in charge of ALS, approached AFSA to sponsor a classroom with funds and manpower to bring the classroom from the 70s into the modern age.

AFSA donated $900 and 35 to 40 hours of labor to present a new clean, crisp and polished military environment.

The classroom has been traditionally known as the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force room, and Sergeant Merkl said they wanted to still keep that theme.

"The thunderbird Chapter was excited about this opportunity and we wanted to keep part of the original design of the room, the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force," said Sergeant Merkl. "We didn't want AFSA to overpower the room."

The design includes fresh white paint with a dark blue wainscoting with gun metal grey wood trim.

Sergeant Merkl said Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force No. 17 James Cody came through on a visit and signed a new photo to display in the room. Also, retired Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force No. 15 Rodney McKinley donated some of his personal effects to the cause, including his personal AFSA plaque and a plaque from his time as a first sergeant here at Tinker.

Sergeant Merkl said there were too many people to thank in chapter 985 for bringing together the room, but pointed out a few individuals who were instrumental in the design and execution -- Master Sgt. Eric Dale, Tech. Sgt. Richard Porter and Senior Airman Rafe Holmes.

The team worked closely with downtown partners to have large decals made for the room. Predominately in front are the national symbol for AFSA and the Thunderbird symbol of the local AFSA chapter 985. The AFSA Preamble or credo is displayed as is the Airmen's Creed.

Photos and memorabilia are included in the room to help remind students what AFSA is all about -- taking care of Airmen.

AFSA remains committed to Airmen quality of life and the Air Force mission to fly fight and win. We hope that this space will help mold the future leaders of the Air Force and help propel them to do great things for Generations of Airmen to come.