Enlisted enhancements center up and running Published Aug. 3, 2006 By Senior Airman Rhina Portillochacon 375th Airlift Wing Public Affaird SCOTT AFB, Ill. --- 8/3/06 -- Monday marked the beginning of the new enlisted facility. The Enlisted Professional Enhancement Center opened its doors with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by Col. Brad Spacy, 375th Mission Support Group commander. "I am glad to be here this morning. We focus a lot on First Term Airman Center and the EPEC is more than just FTAC," said Colonel Spacy. "FTAC is the beginning of a deliberate process of educating and preparing our Airmen for their Air Force careers. "When FTAC began, I wasn't sure how it would work out, but I saw the effects of it immediately, we now had Airmen who knew more about the Air Force and had a field vision of what their career would look like four or six years down the road." Fourteen new Airmen comprised the current FTAC class, which is the first to enjoy the new facility."We know that the starting point is extremely important because a good start leads to a good future," said ChiefAirlift Wing command chief master sergeant, to the students. He also thanked the FTAC staff and the many volunteers who helped put the new building together. The EPEC encompasses all programs relating to enlisted enhancement, such as the First Term Airmen Center, Airman Enhancement Program, NCO Professional Enhancement, Right Decision and Half Day EPE. "The EPEC works closely alongside the Airman Leadership School to ensure all enhancement programs reinforce Professional Military Education," said Master Sgt. Tracy Bozarth-Larouche, Career Assistance Advisor. "All EPE programs are geared toward building camaraderie and esprit d' corps among the enlisted ranks and preparing the enlisted members for increased responsibility and leadership roles."