Distinguished Graduate

The Distinguished Graduate "has graduated in the top ten percent of the class by demonstrating exceptional academic and leadership skill..." Why do you need to know this? Because Mr. Michael Ellis was one of the Distinguished Graduates at the NCO Academy Graduation!! Yay! His hard work the past 6 weeks paid off. Friday was graduation day. They had a diploma ceremony during the day at the school and then a dinner ceremony in the evening where they announced the awards. So he didn't know he was getting the award until they called his name at dinner.
Everyone was invited to attend the diploma ceremony during the day. So, Olivia was able to see Daddy walk across the stage. Here she is waiting for Daddy to walk:

The special guest was Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (Ret) Jim Finch, he handed out the diplomas. Here he is giving Mike his diploma:

And after the diploma ceremony they held the class final retreat. We got to watch them in formation, lower and fold the flag, and present the flag to the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. Remember how I told you Mike got to hold the flag? His official title was Guide On. Here they are waiting to be called into formation:

Olivia picked out her Daddy in the sea of blue, and wanted to go over to him. We wouldn't let her, so she kept waving to him instead:

The Final Retreat - Mike's flight, "The Raptors":

The NCOA Class 09-5 (all of the graduates):

Parade Rest:

Saluting the flag as it's being lowered:

The folding of the flag:

I'm glad I caught this one. After the retreat, Craig is congratulating Mike. Craig is also Mike's supervisor at work:

Olivia is so proud of her Daddy:

And later at the dinner ceremony...

Mike was a part of a special tribute to past Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force. He stood on stage and had a speaking part about a quote once said by the 5th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. After the quote he lifted a cloth to reveal a portrait of said Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. The picture quality isn't great, it was really dark, but you get the idea. Mike is the one in the middle. Notice his white gloves? Fancy. He did an excellent job!

The commander, the chief, the Senior master Sergeant, the acting first shirt, and Mike's supervisor were the attendees of the dinner ceremony (and me too, of course). Dinner was wonderful.

Craig and Jennifer:

Miss Sue (the commander's wife) and I:

Holly and Jason (the acting first shirt):

The graduate and I:

Here is Mike receiving his award for Distinguished Graduate from the 13th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. This was the first time Mike met a Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force and he was able to receive an award from him! Very cool.

The Distinguished Graduate and I:

With all his work people. From the left: SMSgt Schmidt, Lt. Col Mundie, TSgt Ellis, MSgt Adams, CMSgt Polumski, and MSgt Terhune. They were all very impressed and proud of Mike.