TEC member named ANGRC NCO of the Year

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Mavi Smith
  • The I.G. Brown Training and Education Center
McGHEE TYSON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASED, Tenn. --  A member of the I.G. Brown Training and Education Center was named the 2011 Air National Guard Readiness Center Noncommissioned Officer of the Year at a ceremony held at Joint Base Andrews, Md., March 1.

Tech. Sgt. Derek J. Westfall, an enlisted professional military education instructor, said he was honored to be recognized for his leadership accomplishments and impact on the mission of the Air Force.

"I never, ever expected to win this," said Westfall. "I was pretty excited just to be nominated. To win was just over the top."

The award recognizes individuals whose outstanding performance and significant achievements distinguish them from their peers.

It is based on the whole Airman concept and includes the categories of leadership and job performance, significant self improvement, and base or community involvement.

From filling a critical manning shortfall, to pursuing a Bachelor in Organizational Management degree, to mentoring local youth soccer teams, Westfall went above and beyond in his accomplishments.

The win does not come as a surprise to his commandant, Chief Master Sgt. Donald E. Felch.

"Tech. Sgt. Westfall is a fantastic noncommissioned officer," said Felch. "He epitomizes those things we find in (Air Force Instruction) 36-2618, the Enlisted Force Structure. He models those things that we ask of our students, as well as of our subordinates, and does a phenomenal job every day, day in and day out."

As an enlisted professional military education instructor, Westfall is responsible for educating Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and U.S. Coast Guard students at the center's Airman Leadership School, Noncommissioned Officer Academy, and satellite broadcast version of both programs.

His efforts ensure the I.G. Brown Training and Education Center meets the Air Force's objective to prepare enlisted Airmen for increased leadership and management responsibilities. As the largest of 11 academies located worldwide, the Air Force relies heavily on this schoolhouse to accomplish its mission.

Westfall joined the center in 2009. During this time, he has helped train more than 2,200 enlisted service members.

Westfall said being at the I.G. Brown Training and Education Center has helped him to become a better Air Force NCO.

"I like to care for my Airmen," said Westfall. "I want to make sure they excel in their Air Force career so they can flourish. Being here you get a big opportunity to do that. That's what it really comes down to...making better NCOs for the future."



The I.G. Brown Training and Education Center is a detachment of the Air National Guard Readiness Center and is located at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base near Knoxville, Tenn. The center conducts an average of 18 enlisted professional military education courses throughout the year and holds more than 40 skills enhancement classes in subjects ranging from explosives safety orientation to food services, recruiting, security and expeditionary medical support. It is also home to TEC-TV, a modern television broadcast center that televises more than 500 hours per year of live interactive training, education and command information to audiences worldwide.