Airman Leadership School builds brick paver to honor enlisted heroes

  • Published
  • By Michael Fletcher
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Altus Air Force Base Airman Leadership School students spent the past year building a brick paver at the ALS flagpole to honor enlisted heroes and individuals who have had a significant impact on the lives of Airmen. 

On June 23, the project came to completion with the ribbon cutting and laying of the first engraved brick in the brick paver. 

Capt. Eugene "Andy" Anderson, WWII POW is the inscription on the brick. "Andy" Anderson was a mentor to the staff and students of the Altus Airman AFB Leadership School for more than 10 years, sharing with each class his experiences during WWII and as a prisoner of war, leaving a lasting impression. In 2005, ALS Class 05-F paid a tribute to Mr. Anderson and all his years of dedication to the schoolhouse. He passed away shortly afterwards. 

"I did some calculating," Technical Sgt. Roger Littlefield, ALS flight chief, said. "Andy directly influenced more than 2,200 students during 105 ALS classes. Because of his dedication, selflessness and commitment to all Airmen, this first brick in the ALS Heritage Brick Paver is in honor of Mr. Eugene 'Andy' Anderson." 

His daughter, Brenda Petzold of Witchita Falls, Texas, laid the engraved brick in the bed of white crushed rock, the first of many to follow. Another family member in attendance was granddaughter , Tacara Mardas of Altus, Okla. 

Volunteers that worked on the project were presented letters of appreciation were recognized for their contribution in making the project a success. $3,000 and 20 hours of additional work were saved by volunteer work by members of the 97th Civil Engineering Squadron "Dirt Boys." 

"The Airman Leadership School develops leaders every day," said Col. David W. Allvin, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander. "The first step in the development of an enlisted Airman into a leader and supervisor starts in the building across the way.
"The Air Force is only 60-year- old, yet it is still tough to find new things and new traditions. This is one of them. It honors the heritage and honor of our Military. It is clean, respectful and something that we can build on for years to come. This is a very fitting tribute." 

ALS is the first level of professional military education and is a required course for senior airmen to advance to the rank of sergeant. 

The brick paver project started in December 2007 with volunteers salvaging pallets of brick from buildings that were scheduled for demolition. During the winter, Class 08-C cleaned and prepared the bricks and painted the Hap Arnold insignia on both sides of the flagpole. Class 08-E with the aid of the Facility Improvement Steering Team  and members of the 97th Civil Engineering Squadron "Dirt Boys" built a raised cement border and set bricks. Class 08-F raised $300 to purchase crushed white rock and smoothed the rock during class breaks and after hours.