As many of you know, (if not, go through the history to find out) Jake tested for SSgt (Staff Sergeant) this spring, and made it. Well, one of the steps towards 'sewing-on' his stripe is to attend Airman Leadership School (ALS). Jacob's class ran from 27 October 2004-2 December 2004. The class consisted of a lot of leadership quality type exercises, writing assignments, and speeches. There was a total of 43 Airman that graduated with Jake on 2 December. There are 4 different awards that were presented to 6 of the best students. There is the Academic Achievement Award (presented to the ONE student with the highest point total on written exams and performance evaluations), Distinguished Graduate Award (Presented to the top 10% of the class, including the John L. Levitow Award recipient. Recipients are determined using the same criteria as the Levitow Award--below), Leadership Award (Presented to the one student who best exemplifies the military citizen. Factors considered: leadership ability, military appearance, bearing, behavior, classroom participation, and courtesy), and the "Daddy of 'em All, the John L. Levitow Award (The highest award a student can receive is the John L. Levitow Award. Presented to the student ranked number one in the class. Ranking includes: academics, performance, peer appraisals, and staff appraisals). On Thursday evening, Jake and I got all dressed up for the occasion. He was eligible for any and all of the awards, and had previously been interviewed for the Leadership Award. Let's just say he was a bit anxious. As they read through each Award and the recipients, I could feel Jake tensing up behind me. Then it came time for the final award of the night...the John L. Levitow Award. The award was presented by a representative from Alaska Federal Credit Union and the Base Commander, Colonel Michael Snodgrass. As they took the 'stage', I watch as the Commander's eyes traveled immediately to Jake. At the same time they began announcing that the John L. Levitow Award winner was "from the 3rd Communications Squadron, SrA Jacob Ryun!" Jacob sprang out of his chair as everyone stood up to applaud him. It was SOOOO exciting! The Levitow Award is a huge deal and very important to Jake's military career. I'm not sure his feet touched the ground all night...or even yet...nearly 4 days later! Now, I wasn't quick enough in my dress and with all of the excitement to get a picture of him being presented with the Levitow, but there will be a picture coming soon from the Squadron.
~Kristine