Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
link Courtesy photo: U.S. Air Force
U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. John Weimer, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing former command chief [Southwest Asia], presents Tech. Sgt. Leda Brienza, 727th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron knowledge operations technician currently assigned to the 386th Expeditionary Operations Group as an administrative assistant, with her Rock University certificate June 19 at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. Brienza is among the first to graduate from the program since its inception last April.By Public Affairs Staff27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
An Air Commando from Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico had the distinct honor of being among the first to graduate from Rock University during a deployment to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia this summer.
Tech. Sgt. Leda Brienza, 727th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron knowledge operations technician currently assigned to the 386th Expeditionary Operations Group as an administrative assistant, became one of the first two Airmen to complete the requirements for graduation and was presented with a certificate by former Command Chief Master Sgt. Geoff Weimer and Top III members at their work centers June 19.
The Rock University professional development program is a comprehensive program that requires aggressive participation from its graduates. It has only been in existence since the beginning of April.
“The University was developed much like an acquisition project with major milestones along the way, which were met on time and successfully implemented,” said Weimer. “The icing on the cake was presenting the first two certificates.”
Brienza, deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, said that her goal was to complete the program before her redeployment to the 27th Special Operations Wing.
The technical sergeant was required to complete eight core classes and ten elective classes in order to graduate from Rock University. The core courses offered matched courses taught at most home stations.
“The development team wondered initially if the requirements for graduation might be overly aggressive, but it proved to be a worthy and achievable challenge that future Marauders [members of the 386 AEW] can use to further incentivize their personal and professional growth initiatives,” said Weimer.
The courses offered at the Rock University are provided to Marauders by various organizations and agencies from around the base. They also align with the Comprehensive Airmen Fitness Program and the mental, physical, social and spiritual pillars. Any credits received at Rock University can also be transferred to the deployer’s home station Leadership Pathways Program.