Airmen form as a flight during the reviele ceremony during the 40th anniversary of the Air Force Senior NCO Academy. As part of the Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education, SNCOA is the gateway to the top of the enlisted ranks. Prior to being promoted to E-8, Airmen must complete this course, or a sister service equivalent. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Blankenship) Airmen raise the flag in a revile ceremony during the 40th anniversary of the Air Force Senior NCO Academy. During the anniversary, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody served as the guest speaker for the celebration and spoke to the graduates about the strides the academy has made since its birth. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Blankenship) Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody challenges the class of the Air Force Senior NCO Academy graduates to take care of their Airmen and their families during his speech at the graduation ceremony Feb. 26. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Blankenship) Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody signs his portrait for the Enlisted Heritage Hall's Chiefs Wall at Maxwell Air Force Base during his visit here Feb. 26. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Stoltz) CMSAF challenges graduates, recognizes AFSNCOA anniversary by Airman 1st Class William J. Blankenship Air University Public Affairs 2/27/2013 - MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -  -- Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody challenged graduates of the Air Force Senior NCO Academy to make a difference in the lives of their Airmen during his visit here Feb. 25-26. In his first visit to the base since assuming his position, the 17th CMSAF was the guest speaker at the academy graduation Feb. 26 and helped the school celebrate its 40th anniversary. "What an amazing story our academy has when you think about 40 years ago," said Cody. "More than 7 million men and women have come into our Air Force since we have become a separate service. About 60,000 have come to the academy over that time." The former command chief master sergeant of Air Education and Training Command challenged the graduates to use their newly acquired leadership education to make a difference at their home bases. "Lead our Airman and take care of their families," said Cody. "The true legacy you will have during your time in service is how you touched Airmen and their families and how you made a difference in their lives." Cody also discussed the importance of leveraging technology and operating smartly in today's fiscally constrained environment. "Our enlisted force gets it done because we invest in our most valuable resource, our people," he said. "We recruit the right people, and then we train them. That is what brings it all together, continuing to educate throughout their lifecycle in the Air Force." In closing, Cody charged the audience to take advantage of their platform and lead. "It is certainly a privilege to lead, and it's a great responsibility. It is a greater privilege to put this uniform on and serve in your service and certainly the Air Force," said Cody. "You need to think about that every single day. This is your time and your Air Force."