Icemen reach educational milestone

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tim Jenkins
  • 354th Fighter Wing public affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  A group of Airmen reached a career and education milestone, receiving their Community College of the Air Force degrees during the spring graduation ceremony at the Yukon Club here May 20, 2013.

Sixteen Icemen with the Spring Class of 2013 were presented diplomas, earned between October 2012 and March 2013 and spanning 10 different career fields within the CCAF program.

"I hope each of you feels pride in this personal accomplishment," said Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Brown, 354th Fighter Wing command chief and ceremony guest speaker. "I guarantee everyone here ... is proud of you. Display your certificate proudly. You've earned it."

Graduates were awarded an associate in applied science degree in their Air Force specialty after completing a minimum of 64 semester hours.

Brown acknowledged the tremendous sacrifice each graduate made in earning their degree, but challenged them to use it not as an end, but as a springboard to pursuing further education.

"The key is to keep going," he said. "This isn't the end of your journey; this should the start, with more to come."

Senior Airman Steven Brooks, 354th Contracting Squadron, was awarded the Air Force Association Pitsenbarger Award, a one-time grant to top graduates who plan to pursue a baccalaureate degree.

Service wide, the Spring Class of 2013 closed out with 10,832 graduates.

"You have set the standard for the Airmen you lead and the Airmen who are behind you," Brown said to the graduates. "Whether you know it or not, by completing your CCAF degree, you have increased your leadership toolkit because you've increased your knowledge."

Brig. Gen. Mark Kelly, 354th Fighter Wing commander, offered closing comments, relating the importance of education to the recent disaster in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, saying education ultimately helps prepare Airmen to make split-second decisions that could potentially save lives.

More than a million CCAF transcripts have been issued in the last 10 years, and each year CCAF students earn more than 1.6 million hours of college credit. Since issuing its first degree in 1977, the college has awarded more than 335,000 associate in applied science degrees.

The CCAF is the only college system designed solely for enlisted members. Last year the organization celebrated its 40th year, graduating a total of 20,148 students.

For more information on CCAF programs available, contact the education center at 377-5106.