Leadership school closes with CES Airman earning Levitow award

  • Published
  • By William J. Sharp
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs Office
BOLLING AFB D.C. --  When the Airman Leadership School here closed for good recently, an 11th Wing Civil Engineering Squadron Airman stood at the head of the last graduating class.

Senior Airman Jonathan D. Bellamy, a pavements and equipment operator, earned the John L. Levitow Award, the school's top prize, besting 19 other students. The award is presented to the student demonstrating outstanding leadership and scholastic qualities. This award selection is based on overall performance evaluation, academic ranking, and peer and staff ratings. Winning the award is a highlight for any Airman.

"It means that all my training and studying has paid off, and being recognized for that shows my supervisors that I'm ready to move on," Airman Bellamy said. Demonstration of leadership also plays a part in the award selection process.

"(Leadership) is just taking charge of a situation and running with it like it's your own," he said. "Showing confidence in yourself and others creates a trusting relationship and I believe that is a big part of being a leader." In addition to being a good leader, Airman Bellamy is considered a good co-worker.

"Everyone can be a good wingman," he said. "The difference is consistency. If you let your guard down, that's when the problems start happening. Being a wingman means watching out for each other all the time. That's what I do. If someone needs something, I'm there. I never let them down." Airman Bellamy's co-workers agree.

"He's the most clear and level-headed go-getter that I have seen in a long time," said Tech. Sgt. Quintin L. Woody, Airman Bellamy's supervisor. "He has established a reputation of turning tasks to gold. His word is his bond, and when he says a task is complete I am confident the task has been done right."

ALS has been a longtime fixture at Bolling but, in order to streamline operations in the metropolitan area, it permanently relocated to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., in May.