AFMC Command News

My educational journey: From GED to Ph.D. -- and a CCAF degree along the way

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Pitman Kennedy
  • 711th Human Performance Wing
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Fleeing Liberia as a child and then immigrating to the United States from Sierra Leone, I have always vigorously pursued my education, starting with my GED, two associate's degrees -- including one granted by the Community College of the Air Force -- and bachelor's and master's degrees. Once I choose the right institution, I plan to enroll in a Ph.D. program studying education and organizational development.

Whether you take a glimpse at the national or global scheme, things are advancing so rapidly, that without education one would just get eaten up -- or lost.

I enlisted in the Air Force after obtaining my GED and attending some college classes at the University of Houston. My Air Force career development courses then prompted me to further my education, and I started taking more college classes.

I celebrated the turn of the century by completing both my CCAF in health services management and obtaining another associate's degree in computer networking technology from Metropolitan Community College while I was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

Getting that CCAF degree was important to me.

It's always a win/win situation for every member that takes advantage of CCAF, whether they intend to build upon it or not. It validates you in your career as not only having the technical and practical piece obtained from the job itself, but the theoretical aspect obtained through the formal education.

CCAF is also one of the minimum requirements needed for most senior NCO special duty positions, and for promotion consideration to the top two enlisted ranks - senior master sergeant and chief master sergeant. That's what a CCAF degree does for you.

I often tout those benefits to Airmen I mentor. I've seen progress from the day I talk to them about it and they give me an "I don't care" attitude or say "Whatever -- I'll get to it," and then I see them graduating or I see them with that piece of paper and I say, "Wow ... I can share that success."

I'm rewarded for what I put into those individuals by seeing them develop both personally and professionally. The more developed Airmen we mold, the better off our Air Force will be.

In fact, I know the benefits of education reach beyond the Air Force. The primary reason I'm seeking my doctorate is because I want to give back to my community as a motivational speaker and coach. I want to ask young people, "Why can't you take advantage of the educational opportunities you have at your disposal?"