TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --
The Paul W. Airey NCO Academy hosted a Legacy of Valor
ceremony to honor 15 enlisted heroes here Dec. 13, 2016.
Since 2014, each NCO Academy class has picked through
hundreds of enlisted Airmen and identified 15 of the most extraordinary to
represent each flight.
“This event is about more than just remembering our heroes;
it’s about spending time with them and celebrating their valor,” said Chief
Master Sgt. Darnell Burton, Paul W. Airey NCO Academy commandant. “This is also
an opportunity for their families to come together and let us recognize them
and see how we honor their loved one and their name.”
For those honorees who gave the ultimate sacrifice, the NCO
Academy invited family members and squadron coworkers, giving them the
opportunity to see how the academy tells of their loved ones legacy.
“To be able to host this event and honor these 15 heroes and
their families is one of the most important things that I have done in my
life,” said Master Sgt. Khyashalise Powell, NCO Academy director of operations.
“The honorees and their families were so humbled and honored to even be asked
to attend the Legacy of Valor. Taking a day to honor and thank them is not enough,
but it's the least we can do.”
Every classroom throughout the academy is named after an
Airman, ensuring their acts of greatness will live on in each NCO that comes
through.
“It’s very overwhelming, and there are all kinds of emotions
involved,” said Senior Master Sgt. Angela Blue, 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron,
Joint Base Langely-Eustis, Va., first sergeant and Legacy of Valor honoree. “People
really, really want to know your story and want talk to you, it’s a very
humbling experience.”
Those who were able to attend the event toured the academy,
and spent time in the rooms dedicated to them or their family member.
“I feel humbled to be walking in the presence of heroes,” said
Retired Capt. William Robinson, an honoree of the event. “Freedom is not free,
and some have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today. It’s
humbling just to have the opportunity to simply [whisper] under your breath
‘thank you’ as you walk by [the room dedicated to them]. Always remember, that
without veterans, there would be no United States of America.”
After the academy tour, the recipients toured the base. The
event culminated with a banquet in their honor.
“It’s rare to have a formal event like this that isn’t a
graduation, Air Force ball or promotion ceremony,” Darnell said. “We are
getting dressed up simply to celebrate them. All of these heroes know what it
truly means to be a wingman, a leader and a warrior, and were chosen for their
bravery and resiliency,” Burton said.