NCO Academy marks ninth change in leadership

Published May 31, 2007
By Corey Dahl
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AFB, Colo. -- One chief stepped down and another stepped up May 29, as leadership changed hands at the Forrest L. Vosler Non-Commissioned Officer Academy.

In the ninth change of leadership in the school's history, Chief Master Sgt. Cari Kent, who has led the academy for the last three years, handed her duties to Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Young, currently superintendent of the 21st Space Wing's military personnel flight.

Chief Kent is leaving to become the command chief at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

"Today is a great day," Col. Albert Bowley, commander of the College for Enlisted Professional Military Education, told friends, family and servicemembers gathered for the event. "A day where we can come together and celebrate this new chapter in the life of a great NCO Academy."

But, for many, the day was also a sad one. Chief Kent, who was awarded a meritorious service medal at the ceremony honoring her time at the academy, said she will have a hard time leaving her academy "family."

"I put on my smallest pair of shoes with the highest heels today so my feet would hurt and not my heart," Chief Kent told the audience. "It didn't work."

Though she oversaw a staff of 18, graduated 2,800 students and helped the school win numerous awards, Chief Kent said her experience at the academy ended up giving her more than she gave it.

"This team that I was humbled to lead made a difference in my life," she said. "Today ends the greatest season of my life, both personally and professionally."

Chief Young said he hopes his experience at the academy, one of only a handful of NCO academies led by enlisted commandants, will be just as life changing.

"I have a passion for PME and will give 100 percent every day," he said. "I know there's a lot of work to do. I have some big shoes to fill, but I'm looking forward to the challenge."

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