Air Force Staff Sgt. Patrick R. Dougherty has graduated from the Air Force Airman Leadership School at Joint Base Charleston, S.C.

Dougherty has also received the John L. Levitow Award.

The Levitow Award is the highest honor presented to a graduate who has demonstrated the highest degree of excellence as a class leader and scholar.

The award is based on receiving the highest scores and ratings in objective testing, performance evaluations, and leadership.

The award is in honor and name of the lowest ranking enlisted Air Force member who was decorated with the Medal of Honor for bravery during the war in Vietnam.

The five-week leadership school focuses on preparing senior airmen to supervise, lead and manage Air Force teams.

The schools is desinged to fostering a commitment to the profession of arms through airmanship and orientation in the Air Force mission.

Airmen learn to be rating officials through training in leadership skills to prepare them to accept greater responsibilities.

Dougherty is explosive ordnance disposal technician assigned to the 628th Air Base Wing at Joint Base Charleston.

The staff sergeant has served in the military for six years.

He is the son of Cheryl Mahr of Germantown, Wis., and James Dougherty of Canyon Country.

He is the grandson of Bruce and Barbra Boswell of Preston, Idaho.