161 ARW Airman Wins Top Accolades at ALS

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Michael Matkin
  • 161st Air Refueling Wing

A 161st Air Refueling Wing maintenance airman was recently presented with the John Levitow Award, the highest award a graduate of Airman Leadership School can receive; considered a foreshadowing of excellent future leadership.

The Levitow Award is presented to the graduate who demonstrated the most outstanding leadership, best overall performance and scholastic qualities of the class. Selection for the award is based on academic performance and assignment of points by peers and instructors. The award is named after John Lee Levitow, who became the lowest ranked serviceman in the Air Force to receive the Medal of Honor, the United States military's highest honor.

Senior Airman Alfred Serventi, 161 ARW aerospace maintenance journeyman, said it was an honor to win the award, but being recognized by his peers and instructors as the best in his class was the true honor.

“It meant a lot that my peers recognized me,” said Serventi. “I didn’t go in thinking I was going to stand out. I thought I’d go in and stay quiet - do the work and leave, but the other Airmen brought out my best. It was nice to have a sense of purpose.”

He said he feels really good about having represented the Guard so well among active duty airmen. He said an Air Force Reserve commander congratulated him at graduation for making the reserve and guard components look so well.

“I’m glad I was able to represent the unit, the guard and myself,” said Serventi. “I made some good friends, had some great experiences and some really good times. I really tried to help everyone out and help them be better.”