CMSAF (ret) Jim McCoy visited Buckley AFB on March 11, as part of ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Airmen Center for Excellence, and to visit with members of the enlisted corp.

"I had to do some research to find the last time I was here," CMSAF McCoy said, speaking to the First Sergeants and Chiefs Group.  "My last visit here was 1980."

     This proved to be ironic, as AFSA Chapter 1179 presented the Chief with a plaque commemorating his last visit.  It included a picture of him holding his state flag, in front of the flag memorial at Lowry AFB, 25 years ago.  Donations from Chapter 1179 helped establish the flag memorial. Chief McCoy served as the 6th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, and retired in 1981.

     Part of his other duties, was to help dedicate the new Airman Center for Excellence (ACE), which would house, the Airman Leadership School, First Term Airman Center (FTAC), and NCO and Airman Enhancement Courses.  This was a long time vision of SMSgt Robert Schwanke, Buckley's Career Assistance Advisor, who is a current member of Chapter 1179, and a former Division 11 President.

     "This building really brings together all professional development under one roof in a true professional environment," said SMSgt Schwanke, "Currently, ALS, FTAC, and professional development classes were spread out in different areas all over Buckley."

     Chapter 1179 will also play a continuing role in the new ACE Building.  They currently sponsor the ALS academic award, and Chapter members frequently speak to ALS, FTAC, and Enhancement Course students about the benefits of AFSA.

MSgt David A. Bamburg