AFMC Command News

CCAF graduates reach a stepping stone

  • Published
  • By Sarah Olaciregui
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Twenty Airmen reached another stepping stone in their careers and educational journeys May 5 when they received degrees during the Community College of the Air Force commencement at the Hanscom Conference Center.

In all, 66 Airmen from Hanscom and geographically separated units received Associate in Applied Science degrees, marking the base's first graduates during Air Force Materiel Command's Year of the Community College of the Air Force initiative.

"I can definitely see a difference in the interest in obtaining a CCAF degree," said Terri Maguire, customer service and education specialist at the Hanscom Education and Training Center. "YoCCAF is being talked about in the units and supervisors are more involved."

Officials at the center believe the initiative is helping the Air Force become even stronger.

"Ultimately, educating our troops is making the Air Force smarter and better," said Philip Jones, academic counselor. "We're noticing that there are more educated Airmen, even in the lower ranks."

Three Airmen who participated in the commencement are now using their stories to help others achieve success.

"At the point when YoCCAF began, I had already completed my CCAF for paralegal studies," said Staff Sgt. Timothy Galloway, from the Electronic Systems Center Judge Advocate office. "However, I became a mentor for others who are close to completing their CCAF degrees and it has inspired new motivation toward helping others achieve this milestone in their lives and career."

Staff Sgt. Joshua Rager, from the 66th Comptroller Squadron, is now helping others who may need assistance in signing up for classes, obtaining College-Level Examination Program credits or connecting with Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Services.

"I want to reiterate the importance of education to be a better citizen and Airman," he said.

After receiving his CCAF degree this year, Staff Sgt. James Caruso, from the 66th Medical Squadron, felt compelled to become a base mentor and help others achieve their educational goals.

All three sergeants are not only helping other Airmen, but showing them that CCAF is just the first step.

Sergeant Galloway is only six classes away from receiving a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Sergeant Rager is working toward his Bachelor of Science degree, and the CCAF degree Sergeant Caruso earned helped him expedite his bachelor's degree program.

"I'm currently enrolled in an Occupational Safety and Health program through Air University Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative," he said. "This program allows you to piggy back off of your CCAF and earn your bachelor's degree by completing no more than 60 credits."

The three graduates noted that formal education helps Airmen while they are still in the service, as well as prepares them for life after the military.

"We will all permanently take off the uniform one day," Sergeant Rager said. "Having your CCAF degree, along with military experience, makes you much more desirable when you re-enter the job market."

Sergeant Galloway thinks a CCAF degree is much more than a sheet of paper.

"It is a milestone in your career," he said. "You have proven that you place a priority on your career and education. It is important to show this motivation and desire to continue to learn in any career field, military or civilian. The degree can provide a starting edge when out of the military in applying for jobs, and it looks good on EPRs (Enlisted Performance Reports), especially when it comes to testing for master sergeant and above."

Officials at the education center agree with the recent graduates and want to help them and others continue on a path to success.

"One of the Air Force core values is 'Excellence in All We Do,'" said Debbie Billings, Hanscom Education and Training Center director. "A CCAF degree helps Airmen strive for excellence. CCAF graduates are setting an example for their peers by demonstrating what hard work and dedication can accomplish."

Randy Laney, the base training manager, thinks CCAF sets Airmen on a good path for the future.

"It's important to at least start your education while still in the Air Force," he said. "Once you start, you can continue on, and Airmen have many opportunities both during and after serving in the military."

Airmen receive tuition assistance while in the Air Force. They can apply for scholarships toward book fees upon completing their CCAF degree. After leaving the service, Airmen may take advantage of the GI Bill.

"Upon completion of your CCAF degree, you are about halfway to a bachelor's degree," said Sergeant Rager. "With tuition assistance being at 100 percent, I don't see why anyone would not take advantage of an opportunity to earn a free education."

During the commencement, Chief Master Sgt. Laura Noel, Electronic Systems Center interim command chief, addressed the graduates.

"Education is something I am passionate about," she said. "Your goal should be to think about what's beyond today. Think of education as a continuous journey and bring other Airmen along with you on the journey."

Chief Noel, who holds a CCAF degree along with bachelor's and master's degrees, told the graduates the Air Force is looking for Airmen who possess critical thinking skills. She also said Airmen with education are looked at more closely for promotions and awards.

She shared a quote from Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy: "Even the wisest mind has something more to learn."

After conferring the degrees to the 20 Airmen, Col. Stacy L. Yike, 66th Air Base Group commander, spoke to the graduates during the closing remarks.

"This is a phenomenal accomplishment," she said. "You have managed your time by balancing school with family and work. I am thrilled to see our youngest Airmen, all the way up to senior NCOs, sitting here today. Make today a good first step, and not the last, on your educational journey."