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KAPAUN AIR STATION — Students, instructors, and leaders of the Kisling Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, as well as leaders from U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, held a Change of Responsibility ceremony on the academy’s parade ground May 25 on Kapaun Air Station.
Chief Master Sgt. Tamar Dennis, outgoing Kisling NCOA commandant, relinquished responsibility of the academy to Chief Master Sgt. Kathi Glascock, incoming Kisling NCOA commandant.
The Change of Responsibility ceremony is the enlisted version of an officer’s change of command, where one leader passes command to the next, and dates back to the time of knighthood.
During the ceremony, Dennis passed the Kisling NCOA guidon to the presiding officer, who then passed it to Glascock, symbolizing the shifting of leadership.
For her last time at the podium as the Kisling NCOA commandant, Dennis had a few final words for the instructors at the academy.
“It certainly has been an honor to serve as your commandant,” Dennis said. “Always remember, your impact on every single student that walks through these doors is limitless. Continue to influence, inspire, and remind yourselves each and every day how important your mission is here. We’re blessed to have each of you dedicated to this mission. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you as Kisling NCOA’s commandant.”
Dennis was the commandant for the academy for two years, overseeing 13 classes and more than 1,700 students. During her time there, the academy taught students from the U.S., Germany, Bulgaria, Turkey, England, and Estonia.
Maj. Gen. Timothy M. Zadalis, USAFE-AFAFRICA vice commander, presided over the ceremony.
“Chief Dennis has left her leadership thumbprint on the Kisling Academy,” Zadalis said. “Your legacy will carry on for years and years through the men and women you have inspired and mentored. I cannot thank you enough for everything you’ve done here.”
Zadalis also had words of encouragement for Glascock as she stepped into the role as commandant.
“I cannot think of a more inspiring leader with a more incredible background to step into Chief Dennis’ shoes,” Zadalis said. “You have a great two years ahead of you, and I wish I was going to be here to watch you take this school to the next level. You are the right person for it. I thank you and congratulations.”
After assuming responsibility, Glascock had a few words for the staff at the academy.
“To the men and women of the Kisling NCOA, I’ve had the opportunity to spend some time with you over the last few weeks and you have been nothing less than impressive,” she said. “Your professionalism, motivation, and energy are contagious. We need great leaders today more than ever before, and I have no doubt you are the right team for the job. On behalf of myself and my family, we’re excited and honored to have this opportunity to work alongside you.”
Zadalis gave closing remarks at the end of the ceremony.
“We have seen the flag handed from one great leader to another,” he said. “As I hang my uniform up, I know not only is our Air Force in great hands, but the Kisling Academy is as well.”
No matter who is at the helm, the Kisling NCOA strives to teach the NCO core leadership skills and critical thinking, helping to shape them as the possible Air Force leaders of tomorrow.
