McGuire NCOA graduates final class Published Feb. 9, 2007 By Airman Rebekah Phy McGuire Public Affairs MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- Thousands of NCOs, to include the eleventh Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, have passed through its doors to receive the finest training the Air Force has to offer in communication, professionalism and leadership, said Master Sgt. Anthony Whiting, NCO Academy first sergeant. After three decades of operation, the McGuire NCO Academy is scheduled to graduate its final class Thursday -- the 30th anniversary of the academy's opening. "The 59 students of Class 07-2, just like the 59 students of our first class and all the students and classes who have followed, should graduate (Thursday) as moral, patriotic, and professional war-fighting Airmen charged and trained to manage and lead Air Force units in the employment of air, space and cyberspace power having increased their leadership and supervisory skills, as well as having expanded their perspective of the military profession," said Chief Master Sgt. Lee Wofford, NCO Academy commandant. The six-week course is all about leadership, said Tech. Sgt. Chyrle Wohlman, NCO Academy instructor for the past two years. "We're trying to help them become even better critical thinkers -- enhance them overall." The curriculum includes stress and time management training, as well as Profession of Arms, Codes of Conduct, writing bullet statements, problem-solving as a team and overall managerial and supervisory training. "This course requires hard work, but you have fun at the same time," said Tech. Sgt. Kimberly Ruetz, Class 07-2 student. "The instructors are extremely professional, yet friendly, and they know what grabs your attention. They've turned this into a fun and rewarding experience. I'm now armed with a lot more knowledge to supervise in the future." Things seem to be bittersweet for the last graduating class and its instructors. "Any time you close an institution that has such an impressive tradition of excellence as does our McGuire NCO Academy, it's a bittersweet occasion," Chief Wofford said. "Yes, it is sad that a chapter in the McGuire community's legacy of service and 'Can Do' spirit is ending after 30 years. However, our 305th Air Mobility Wing partners have plans to continue our vision of developing Airmen with a warrior ethos and a passion for leading in the cause of freedom by transforming our facility into a professional development center later this spring," the chief said. "This is a very sad time, but it's been a phenomenal experience working here as an instructor," Sergeant Wohlman said. "Helping the students help others is an amazing feeling. This experience has changed me." The sentiments are felt by the students as well. "This course has been a wonderful experience so far," Sergeant Ruetz said. "We're going to be part of history as the last class to ever graduate from the NCO Academy at McGuire, which is an exciting experience. But, it's unfortunate that the technical sergeants who could've come through here won't have the chance to." As the book closes on the McGuire NCO Academy, its last commandant reflects on the impact it's had on those here. "It has been an honor and privilege to have served as commandant for such a dynamic, dedicated and professional faculty and staff," Chief Wofford said. "The instructors and staff should walk away from the academy experience with a sense of accomplishment, pride and humility having served the finest Air Force NCO Corps in the world. The impact they've had on the lives of our students, their families and their Airmen can't be adequately measured and is an incredible gift they've given to our Air Force," he said. "All of them are special and will take their priceless experiences with them as they turn the page to a new chapter in their lives." The students aren't the only ones who have learned something at the academy. "I'm taking so much with me as I leave the NCO Academy," Sergeant Wohlman said. "I've enjoyed being able to meet so many new people, from different career fields all over the Air Force. I've heard personal accounts and experiences from those who have been deployed all over the world. "I've worked with an amazing group of people; made great friends -- People have expanded my horizons as much as I have expanded theirs. I will leave here with information, knowledge and experience I don't think I would've received elsewhere. This is one of the best jobs I have ever had." The McGuire NCO Academy is scheduled to have its inactivation ceremony May 3.