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TSgt Sherry Burt receives the John L. Levitow Award

  • Published
  • By SSgt Anne Epperly
  • USAF Heritage of America Band
11 Sep 2008 --  The John L. Levitow Award is the highest honor given to the top graduate of every Air Force Leadership School and TSgt Sherry Burt is the latest recipient from the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Alabama. The criteria for winning the distinguished Levitow Award is based on overall performance evaluations, academic scores, and peer and staff ratings. TSgt Burt was surprised when her name was called but her classmates were not at all; they beamed up at her as she went to the stage to receive the award. 

"I didn't go to NCOA seeking the big awards, I just wanted to do my best and help others to do their best," commented Burt, "and when I looked at my classmates smiling at me when my name was called it felt like I was part of something bigger and merely a representative for the entire flight and the NCOA." As admirable as it is to study hard, receive high test scores, and earn points for uniform inspections, it is even more admirable to earn respect and support from one's peers. "Her classmates were genuinely happy for her," said CMSgt Jon Yates, Manager of the Heritage of America Band who attended the NCOA graduation. "She had a lot of support, not just from her immediate flight but from the entire class."

TSgt Burt has been a member of the USAF Heritage of America Band, Langley AFB, Virginia, since 1999. She is NCOIC of Heritage Aire Celtic Ensemble, NCOIC of the Heritage of America Band's Music Library, and principal flutist. She was the unit's NCO of the Year in 2006 and 2007, the ACC Public Affairs Outstanding NCO of the year in 2006 and 2007, and the last winner of the USAF Outstanding Band Non-Commissioned Officer of the year.

"Everything she puts her mind to she does superbly well," said Lt. Col Douglas Monroe, Commander of the Heritage of America Band. "She is the best of the best and I am extremely happy for her and proud to know her. I am not at all surprised that she won the Levitow Award; she is a true leader."