Keesler medic begins transition to ALS commandant

  • Published
  • By Steve Pivnick
  • 81st Medical Group Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Long-time medic Master Sgt. David Boydston will assume a new role as he is reassigned to the Airman Leadership School and prepares to become the school's new commandant.

"While I have been selected to fill the position, the current commandant (Master Sgt. John Bowden) doesn't leave until March 15," explained Boydston, who was the 81st Medical Operations Squadron Emergency Services Flight chief. "An ALS commandant must become a fully certified professional military education instructor prior to assuming the leadership role. Therefore, I will have a couple of courses to attend at Maxwell AFB (Alabama) to become an 8T000 (professional military education instructor)."

The future ALS leader said he applied for the position during the April Developmental Special Duty cycle and was recently notified of his selection.

"I am humbled, honored and ecstatic to have this opportunity," said Boydston. "Serving in this position means I get to insert myself into one of the most significant steps many young Airmen will have in their career."

"I firmly believe each Airman is responsible for bettering their surroundings," he added. "Whether enhancing the mission, installation, community or, most importantly, our fellow Airmen, we have the duty to effect positive change and growth."

As commandant, Boydston said, "I will be charged with implementing Air Force, Barnes Center and AETC enlisted professional military education policies, programs and procedures. In other words, I will do my best to provide as many tools to our newest noncommissioned officers to ensure they are ready to supervise and lead our Airmen."

A member of the Air Force for 18 years, Boydston served at Keesler Medical Center a little more than two years and less than two years as flight chief. He and his wife, also a medic, have 3-year-old twins, a daughter and son.

Expressing his appreciation to the "Dragon Medics" he has worked with during his Emergency Department tenure.

"I've never worked with a finer team of professionals," he added. "Regardless of the challenge, the medical group came together to highlight strengths and correct deficiencies intelligently. I'll certainly miss my best-in-AFMS (Air Force Medical Service) Emergency Room team. The effort they displayed daily led to numerous accolades like being named the best field response team seen in seven years by the inspector general's team. I am very proud of them."

"Selection to a DSD assignment is not just a testament of the caliber Airman you are but is a tribute to those that have influenced you to this point," Boydston commented, My mentors, my peers and the Airmen I supervised led to this day. Thank you!"