48th SFS honorary commander speaks at ALS

Photo By Staff Sgt. Madeline Herzog | Peter Walmsley, 48th Security Forces Squadron honorary commander, speaks to an Airman Leadership School class at Royal Air Force Feltwell, England, April 16, 2019. Walmsley presented his father’s medals, along with his flying jacket and some other pictures and tokens that represent his father for the students. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Madeline Herzog)  

RAF LAKENHEATH, SFK, UNITED KINGDOM

04.16.2019

Story by Airman 1st Class Madeline Herzog 

48th Fighter Wing

The 48th Security Forces Squadron honorary commander, Peter Walmsley, spoke at the Mathies Airman Leadership School at RAF Feltwell, England, April 16, 2019.

Walmsley is a retired member of Norfolk Constabulary who served over 25 years, and volunteered to be an honorary commander for the 48th SFS squadron at RAF Lakenheath.

The honorary commanders program aims to build long-term relationships binding together the U.S. military and U.K. civilian communities.

Walmsley spoke to the future noncommissioned officers about his late father who served in World War II as a pilot in the Royal Air Force.

“It’s an honor to be here, just to speak and tell them about the history of my father and the second World War,” said Walmsley. “I always think it’s important for people like me, who have a history of parents being in the war, to honor and tell their story.”

Walmsley displayed his father’s medals, along with his flying jacket and some photographs and other tokens from the war to the students.

Master Sergeant Shane Gullick, Mathies Airman Leadership School commandant, said that the honorary commanders can bridge the gap between American and British cultures because the U.S. Air Force has such a huge impact, on the British community.

“It’s good for the students to know who our honorary commanders are and how they can be the link between the military and British community,” said Gullick. “Typically each class has the opportunity to have a guest speaker come and share his or her past experiences with the Airmen, which builds on their professional development.”

The courses at ALS range from basic foundations of military components, such as airmanship, customs and courtesies and drill, to full-range leadership and team building exercises.

Gullick said he hopes to have more honorary commanders speak during ALS in the future.

• Date Taken: 04.16.2019
• Date Posted: 04.25.2019 09:34
• Story ID: 319366
• Location: RAF LAKENHEATH, SFK, GB