MUSCLE SHOALS, AL- LT. Col. Alford Boyd from Leighton, Alabama, was among 97 students from across America primed for executive-level success thanks to Civil Air Patrol's 2013 National Staff College held May 12th -19th at Maxwell Air Force Base, AL. Boyd achieved, Gill Robb Wilson Award, the highest award presented to senior members after completing level 5 training. Only five percent of all CAP members achieve this award.
-Congratulations to Lt Col Alford Boyd shown with Col. Brad Lynn as he presents Boyd with the Gill Rob Wilson Award after completing the level 5 training. Image special to AlabamAviator.com -
The annual professional development opportunity enhances the leadership abilities of members who are, or will be, assuming positions of wing, regional or national importance within CAP. The challenging curriculum includes seminar discussions, case studies and exercises. It's the largest class in eight years, said National Staff College Director Col. Virginia Nelson. "We have a diverse group of CAP leaders here to learn from the experts. Ranging in age from 26 to 79, this years participants came from as far away as Washington State to Maine and Puerto Rico to California, truly the four corners of the country." Boyd, a member since 1987, is currently the squadron commander and Alabama Wing director of logistics. He is also a mission observer, scanner, and has a master rating in communications. He is a senior radiation therapist in the local community.
"It was an outstanding experience", said Boyd. "The
week was very insightful and challenging. The instructors were knowledgeable
and presented a strong leadership base. The topics and exercises covered
will help in shaping the future Civil Air Patrol policies and procedures. The
information gained will be useful in both my professional and CAP life."
The seven-day National Staff College benefits class participants beyond their CAP roles. The leadership, communication and executive management skills made available through the course at a fraction of the commercial cost are in high demand by employers in all industries. Instructors are drawn from the U.S. Air Forces, Air University, from senior CAP leadership and other sources of leadership expertise. Keynote speaker for the 2013 National Staff College is Brig. Gen. Thomas Deale, Commandant Air Command and Staff College, and Vice Commander, Spaatz Center for Officer Education, Air University. -Jody Stutts for Alabama Aviator.com