Lankford EPME Center welcomes new commandant
MCGHEE TYSON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Tenn.—Chief Master Sgt. David J. Roth assumed duties as the 19th commandant of the Chief Master Sgt. Paul H. Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center, during a Change of Responsibility Ceremony here Thursday.
Roth assumed the position from Chief Master Sgt. Paul A. Butts during a ceremony presided over by Col. Angela M. Tapia, commander of the I.G. Brown Training and Education Center.
The ceremony symbolizes the transfer of leadership and responsibility from one senior non-commissioned officer to another through the passing of the organizational colors.
“I am incredibly excited to accept this responsibility as your 19th commandant,” said Roth. “I look forward to serving alongside all of you as we work toward our shared success.”
As commandant, Roth oversees the Air National Guard’s only Total Force center for enlisted professional military education, which provides instruction for the Non-Commissioned Officer’s Academy and Airman Leadership School. He also serves as the TEC commander’s senior enlisted leader for all enlisted matters.
“Chief Roth, this team will test you, challenge you, impress you and inspire you,” said Butts. “Take care of them, and they will amaze you daily.”
Before assuming commandant duties, Roth served as the senior enlisted leader for the National Guard Bureau A5/8, Plans, Programs and Requirements Directorate, Air National Guard Readiness Center, Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.
Butts served nearly three years as the Lankford Center’s 18th commandant before retiring after more than 36 years of military service.
The I.G. Brown Training and Education Center includes three divisions: the Chief Master Sgt. Paul H. Lankford EPME Center, the TEC-University Video Production and Learning Development Division, and the Mission Support Division. Together, they represent all components of the Regular Air Force, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command, and civil service members, working side by side to develop today’s Airmen for tomorrow’s fight.