Airey NCO Academy to receive Fairchild award Published Oct. 23, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Brannen Parrish Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The Paul W. Airey NCO Academy will receive the Gen. Muir S. Fairchild Award for educational achievement at Tyndall Air Force Base Wednesday. One of NCO academies under the auspices of the Thomas E. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education, the Airey NCO Academy, is the first enlisted educational organization to receive the award since it was established in 1964 by the Order of Daedalians to recognize outstanding educational achievement within Air University. Past recipients include the Spaatz Center's Air War College, Air Command and Staff College and Squadron Officer College. Barnes Center Commander Col. Charles Johnson and Air University Command Chief Chief Master Sgt. Brye McMillon will present the award to the Airey Academy Commandant Chief Master Sgt. Malcolm McVicar and his staff. "We couldn't be more proud of the contributions enlisted professional military education brings to the nation's fight for freedom," said Colonel Johnson. "Our enlisted cadre leads from the front, and the Airey academy is a shining example of that high standard of dedication and professionalism." Chief McVicar attributes the organization's success to a diverse and highly educated staff. "The selection process with any academy is stringent," said Chief McVicar. "They come from a variety of AFSCs, and they are all A-plus personalities, and that makes a difference." Notable graduates of the Airey Academy at Tyndall AFB include Chief Airey who went on to become the first chief master sergeant of the Air Force. Additionally the 12th, 13th, and 15th CMSAFs are alumni. Chief McVicar also attributes the success to the example set by Chief Airey. "The name on the building sets a standard that we work every day to live up to. Chief Airey had two favorite words, 'duty' and 'zeal', and he lived by those words. He loved this academy and he was a frequent visitor."