ARPC member graduates from ALS class, earns leadership award

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Rob Hazelett
  • Air Reserve Personnel Center Public Affairs
BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  An airman from the Air Reserve Personnel Center graduated from the Buckley Airman Leadership School Class 15-E June 25, 2015, at the Leadership Development Center here.

Senior Airman Mitchell Ciccarelli, an ARPC casualty services technician, also earned the Leadership Award.

Brig. Gen. Samuel "Bo" Mahaney, ARPC commander, was in attendance along with Chief Master Sgt. Ruthe Flores, ARPC command chief, who was the class mentor and keynote speaker.

Ciccarelli said receiving the award brought him a great deal of pride but not because of his own personal achievements.

“I approached ALS the same way I approach everything else in my life -- to inspire and motivate every human being I come into contact with,” Ciccarelli said. “I take the time to learn their story and, after finding out what motivates them, I give them a little extra push toward their goals.”

The four-year Air Force veteran said he enlisted in the military because he wanted to make a difference.

“I don't do what I do for the sole purpose of receiving personal recognition. I do it because I want to be someone's Chuck Norris,” he said. “This award brings me one step closer to being that influential leader many Airmen aspire to be.”

The Leadership Award is given to the Airman who displayed significant contributions to the overall success of the class and exemplified professional military qualities in leadership.

ALS is the first level of PME enlisted Airmen complete during the progression of their Air Force careers as leaders and managers. The curriculum during the five-week-long course included teaching senior airmen military professionalism, leadership skills, supervisory skills and effective means of communication.