37TRW hosts first Warhawk Leadership Course Published Sept. 29, 2025 By Logan Steele 37th Training Wing JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- Sixteen officers, enlisted, and civilian personnel from the 37th Training Wing participated in the initial pilot of the Warhawk Leadership Course from September 16 to September 19. Master Sergeant Jesus Cintron, 320th Training Squadron Training Superintendent, observes the Warhawk Leadership Course in a classroom of 37th Training Wing personnel, September 17, 2025. The Warhawk Leadership Course is a four-day professional development course that focuses on developing wing personnel's leadership skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Logan Steele) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The four-day training experience was designed to equip emerging leaders with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to lead effectively at the squadron level. Based on curriculum from the Air University, the course used structured lessons to explore topics such as emotional intelligence, communication, and holistic leadership. The course’s inclusion of junior officers, non-commissioned officers, and new civilian supervisors throughout the wing helped participants learn from each other’s diverse range of perspectives and experiences. “By engaging these individuals early in their leadership journey, we’re not only preparing them for future command roles; we are also strengthening our teams today,” said Dr. Elizabeth Rich, the 37TRW Chief of Training Operations, one of the architects of the course. “Their participation fosters collaboration across ranks and roles, builds trust, and accelerates leadership development in real time.” The final day of the course included a networking lunch and panel hosted by 37TRW senior leaders. Col. Kelly McElveny, Deputy Commander, Chief Master Sgt. Caleb Vaden, Command Chief, and Tim Ori, Executive Director provided mentorship advice and answered questions from participants. Senior leaders from the 37TRW answer questions on a panel as part of the Warhawk Leadership Course, September 19, 2025. The Warhawk Leadership Course is a four-day professional development course that focuses on developing wing personnel's leadership skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Logan Steele) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res “These panels created opportunities for open dialogue with individuals who could provide answers grounded in their experience and expertise,” said Tech. Sgt. Justin Burr, a Military Training Instructor at the 324th Training Squadron and participant in the course. “Having the chance to ask questions directly to leaders from various levels within the chain of command offered valuable insight and fostered a deeper understanding of different leadership perspectives and thought processes.” Based on participant feedback, the curriculum will be refined further and officially launched in the coming months. The 37TRW plans to offer the course to developing professionals at least twice a year. “Professional development is not only essential to personal growth, but to the advancement of the organization at large,” said Melinda Foster, who serves as an English as a Second Language instructor at the Defense Language Institute English Language Center and participant in the course. “In the end, it is the leader’s goal to take care of the people so they can take care of the mission.” For questions about the course or to be added to the waitlist, contact Dr. Elizabeth Rich at elizabeth.rich.1@us.af.mil.