My education journey: Airman trades stripes for bars Published Aug. 11, 2009 By Senior Airman Julius Delos Reyes 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Editor's note: This article is the third in a seven-part series highlighting the journey of Edwards Airmen in completing their education. Part four of the series is scheduled for publication Sept. 11. When a new recruit entered the Air Force at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, for basic military training on Jan. 17, 1996, it didn't occur to him that he would be crossing into the blue twice -- first, as an enlisted and second, as an officer. After seeing the prestige and advanced responsibility that accompanied being a commissioned officer, it was there and then that a decision was made. He wanted to receive his commission to become an officer. With no college degree, then-trainee James Athnos entered the Air Force as an airman basic. It took him nine years to cross into the officer corps. Now, Captain Athnos is the 95th Medical Support Squadron Medical Logistics Flight commander, overseeing all the medical materiel that the 95th Medical Group needs to take care for patients. Captain Athnos said it all started with his first degree, the Community College of the Air Force associate's degree. "The CCAF was the starting point for everything," Captain Athnos said. "That was the first domino in a series of events that led me to where I am and to my goal." The captain sacrificed his time with his family to attain this goal. At his first duty station, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Captain Athnos was a medical technician working nights in the medical surgical unit, emergency room and urgent care center. After his shift, he would go directly to school all day, taking a full course load. In addition, he also earned 12 college credit hours through the College Level Examination Program. "I was crunching out as much school as I could get done," he said. "I had to do it. I didn't really see my wife during that time but she was very supportive. I did that for three semesters." According to Dwana Broussard, base Education Services officer, as soon as Airmen complete their required level of upgrade training, it is advisable to begin taking classes and college level examinations. "The sooner the degree is completed, the better," Mrs. Broussard said. "There is no time like the present for an Airman to begin preparing for the future by completing the CCAF degree." With the advent of the Air University Associate to Bachelor degree program, Airmen can transfer their entire CCAF degree to a four-year college, accelerating completion of their bachelor's degree. "Whether from the vantage point of a potential employer, a supervisor or member of a selection board, degree completion signifies that an Airman can set and achieve goals," Mrs. Broussard said. "It shows motivation and resourcefulness." After completion of their degrees, enlisted Airmen can then qualify for enlisted-to-officer initiatives, including Airman Education and Commissioning Program, Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program, Leaders Encouraging Airman Development Program, Scholarships for Outstanding Airmen to ROTC and Professional Officer Course-Early Release Program. For Captain Athnos, he took a different route -- he left active duty, joined the Reserves and completed his master's degree to be competitive for the officer acceptance board. "I decided to take a chance," he said. "I knew there was a possibility that I might not get selected. Fortunately, everything worked out. The quickest way to start your journey is to get your CCAF. It adds to your credentials. The CCAF helped me become an officer and get into the program of my choice."