AOC sergeant earns top SNCOA award

  • Published
  • By Angela Pope
  • AFNORTH Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  A sergeant from the 601st Air and Space Operations Center was presented with the distinguished graduate award upon completing the Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, Ala., July 21.

Senior Master Sgt. Billie Statom, superintendent of the AOC's Combat Operations Division, finished the seven-week course, which had 422 students, among the top 10 percent for high academic grades and favorable peer and instructor reviews.

"I didn't start out the course with the goal of getting an award," Statom said. "I just set out to do the best I could."

The mission of the academy is to provide senior NCOs with the tools to more effectively lead others -- to better lead the force -- in an ever-changing military environment. Though the academy is run by the Air Force, Statom's class opened its doors to other branches and even other countries.

The Army, Navy and Coast Guard each sent students to the course, while there was one student each from Canada, New Zealand, the Czech Republic, Malaysia and Thailand.

"The joint and international aspect of the course was very beneficial," Statom said. "I was able to learn from the other students and their varied backgrounds."

Statom also said he benefitted from one of the unique offerings of the academy -- the personal profile system.

"Through learning how to use and apply the profile system, I feel I can be a better leader," he said. "Now I can determine an Airman's personality type and understand what methods will work better with them for training and even discipline. I can also use the system in all of my daily interactions, no matter who I'm working with."

Back at home station, Statom's co-workers and supervisors are not surprised he received the recognition.

"The Combat Operations Division is extremely proud of Statom's selection as distinguished graduate at the SNCO Academy," said Col. Wade Causey, COD chief. "This award confirms what those who have worked with him already know -- he is a true professional and a cut above the rest, not only within the Florida Air National Guard, but across the entire United States Air Force."