LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- Airman Leadership School is now hosting a soirée for each ALS class to welcome Airmen and their families to the leadership team, and help bridge the gap between the family and Air Force organizations at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas.
The first soirée was held in February 2018. In June 2018, it was revised from a briefing-based event to a more laid-back, social atmosphere with provided childcare. Soirées create an environment where Airmen and their families have unfettered access to one-on-one conversations with representatives from organizations such as the Little Rock Spouses Club, Family Advocacy, and Airman & Family Readiness Center.
“We’re trying to make sure we connect these Airmen and their families with these resources in a very natural, and relationship-based way,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. William Chesnutt, 19th Force Support Squadron ALS commandant. “What the soirée helps us do is break down barriers so that people know personnel from the organizations on a personal level.“
ALS students are encouraged to bring their family out to converse with base leadership, learn about organizations around Little Rock AFB, understand proper dress and etiquette as they step into the leadership role, and end the night with a bit of dancing.
“ALS is, in my opinion, the most critical professional military education Airmen receive in their careers,” said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Justin Strain, 19th Airlift Wing command chief. “It’s when we bring them into the supervisor role. The soirée is a chance for families to better understand what will be expected of their spouse or significant other, and what resources are available.”