Laughlin Graduates ALS Class 26-C

Graduates from Airman Leadership School Class 26-C stand in formation during their graduation ceremony at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, April 29, 2026. ALS provides Airmen the skills and tools to mentor and lead their wingmen as they step into the supervisory role. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Harrison Sullivan)

Laughlin Graduates ALS Class 26-C

Airman Leadership School Class 26-C and leadership pose for a class photo at the ALS Class 26-C graduation at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, April 29, 2026. ALS is a five-week course designed to prepare senior airmen to assume supervisory duties through instruction in leadership, followership and written and oral communication skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Harrison Sullivan)

Laughlin Graduates ALS Class 26-C

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Raizel Neal, 47th Operation Support Squadron air traffic control trainer, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Keith Brothers 315th Training Squadron geospatial intelligence instructor hand Laughlin leadership the “L” award during Airman Leadership School Class 26-C’s graduation at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, April 29, 2026. The “L” award is a tradition presented to the losers of the Airman leadership School volleyball tournament. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Harrison Sullivan)

Laughlin Graduates ALS Class 26-C

Published April 30, 2026
By Airman 1st Class Harrison Sullivan
47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --

The 47th Flying Training Wing celebrated Airman Leadership School Class 26-C’s graduation at XL Landings, Laughlin Air Force Base on April. 29, 2026.

ALS is the first level of Enlisted Professional Military Education (EPME) and a requirement for Airmen to promote to the rank of Staff Sergeant. The five-week course prepares Airmen to step into supervisory roles by focusing on communication, leadership, followership and the profession of arms.

Through academic lessons, team-building exercises and public speaking assignments, students develop skills essential to leading and mentoring junior Airmen.

“Leadership does not wait for duty titles, rank, or positional authority,” said Senior Master Sgt. McKenzie Lauber, 47th Communications Squadron senior enlisted leader. “Leadership exists wherever influence exists. It shows up in how you guide your peers, how you support your teams, how you shape the culture around you and sometimes even how you lead those above you.”

This milestone marks a significant time in an airman's career. They gain an understanding of their role as military supervisors and how they contribute to the overall goals and mission of the Air Force.

In addition to graduation two graduates pinned on the rank of Staff Sergeant and were charged as non-commission officers. Congratulations to our newest NCOs.

Staff Sgt. Keith Brothers, 315th Training Squadron

Staff Sgt. Alejandro Canedo, 47th Civil Engineer Squadron

Congratulations to all our graduates!

Laughlin Air Force Base

Senior Airman Cory Bindrum, 47th Force Support Squadron

Senior Airman Sebastian Cruz, 47th Operation Support Squadron

Senior Airman Arthur Johnson, 47th Contracting Squadron

Senior Airman Raizel Neal, 47th Operation Support Squadron

Senior Airman Austin Oldaker, 47th Security Forces Squadron

Senior Airman Jarrett Smith, 47th Wing Staff Agencies

Goodfellow Air Force Base

Senior Airman Jonah Church, 17th Communication Squadron

Senior Airman Renee Nicole Finona, 17th Wing Staff Agencies

Senior Airman Caleb Hartzog, 17th Force Support Squadron

Senior Airman Eva Myers, 17th Contracting Squadron

Senior Airman Earl Newton, 17th Security Forces Squadron

Senior Airman Darren Spence, 17th Communication Squadron

Senior Airman Chandler Wyne, 316th Training Squadron