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20th Fighter Wing Airman earns coveted CPOA award

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  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The opportunity to attend an academy of a sister service is a big step in any Airman's career, but graduating the course with the highest honors epitomizes the Air Force core value of "excellence in all we do."

Master Sgt. Taliah Wilkerson, 20th Medical Operations Squadron family health flight chief, received the "Altus Tendo" award from the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Academy in Petaluma, California, Dec. 17, 2015.

The Coast Guard's "Altus Tendo" award is equivalent to the Air Force's John Levitow award, and earning this honor is no easy feat. The award is given to the student who demonstrates strong relationship skills, high-expectations for themselves and teammates, high academic standards, character, and exceptional health.

The course consisted of 70 students and comprised of 63 Coast Guardsmen, three Sailors, and four Airmen. Students worked in groups of nine throughout the five-week course to complete numerous assignments.
"Everything we did, we did as a team," said Wilkerson. We worked together to prepare presentations and speeches. The only activities we did solo were essays and physical fitness."

The joint class did a number of team based activities, such as trust falls and a rope course that was 25-30 feet in the air. In both of these activities, the concept of teamwork was the difference between passing and failing. The military concept of "one team, one fight" proved vital to her class success.

Although she wore a different uniform than her classmates, they all worked together to complete the mission.

"How am I in the Air Force briefing the securing of borders to Coast Guardsmen?" said Wilkerson with a chuckle. "We learned from each other, and when we needed assistance classmates were eager to help."

Wilkerson brought her energetic, charismatic attitude to the CPOA and was noticed by the academy staff, as well as classmates.

"The day the Air Force stops sending us wonderful people like you is the day that the CPOA stops being the impactful experience that it is," said Chief Petty Officer Aaron Bemis, CPOA liaison.  "We were proud to have you in the Coast Guard family."

Wilkerson brought the CPOA's most prestigious award back home to the 20th Fighter Wing, and continues to exemplify the core values which drove her selection to the academy.