Texas Military Forces salute NCO academy Published May 16, 2009 By Chief Master Sgt. Norm King Texas State Guard LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Robert D. Gaylor U.S. Air Force Noncommissioned Officer Academy was recognized by the Texas Military Forces for its support at a recent ceremony here at the academy. Brig. Gen. Bob Cheeseman, Texas State Guard Air Division commander, presented the Texas Meritorious Unit Award to Chief Master Sgt. Albert McGowan, academy commandant, and his instructors. Academy instructors and staff have supported the Soldiers and Airmen of the Texas State Guard by voluntarily offering both an NCO and senior NCO professional development course of instruction since 2002. The comprehensive and professional courses, presented each summer, are tailored to the needs of the Texas State Guard NCO corps. The training helps Texas State Guard NCOs to interface more easily with their counterparts in the Texas Army and Air National Guard. The courses included an advance reading list requirement and four full days of instruction over two intense weekends. More than 200 Texas State Guard NCOs have received the training in the last seven years. The academy faculty voluntarily provides the Texas State Guard with the training as a community service on their off-duty time and at no cost to the Air Force or the Texas State Guard.