132 Offutt Airmen earn CCAF degrees

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. James M. Hodgman
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  A thunderous applause fills the room as "Pomp and Circumstance" plays from the speakers as they enter. Everyone is here to congratulate them for reaching a significant career milestone. 

Forty-seven members of Team Offutt received their Community College of the Air Force degrees during a ceremony at the Patriot Club here Oct. 30. Another 85 Airmen received their degrees but were unable to attend the event. 

A CCAF degree is an accredited associate of applied science degree based on an enlisted member's military specialty awarded by Air University through the CCAF.
According to Offutt's Education Office, more than 300,000 degrees have been awarded. Those include 285 Airmen from Offutt in 2008 and 231 Airmen so far in 2009. 

Col. John T. Rauch, 55th Wing vice commander, presided over the ceremony and presented diplomas to each graduate. 

The event's keynote speaker was Chief Master Sgt. Gary B. Carter, superintendent for the 1st Weather Group of the Air Force Weather Agency. Chief Carter congratulated all graduates for their accomplishment and encouraged them to continue with their education. 

"Today is a great day for the Air Force and for all the graduates," Chief Carter said. 

"The Air Force needs critical thinkers and each of you have the skill set to meet tomorrow's challenges," the chief said, "the Air Force needs you to communicate, solve problems, educate others and to continually improve yourself." 

Chief Carter said that by earning a CCAF degree each graduate had the skills to be a great leader. 

However, the chief challenged every graduate to continue with his or her education and apply what he or she learned in the workplace. 

"Not a day goes by when I don't use something I learned in my classes," Chief Carter said. 

"I challenge each of you to take what you've learned and apply those skills on the job, help other Airmen and the Air Force communicate, solve problems and educate others," the chief said. 

For Airman 1st Class Cameron D. Smith, a software quality assurance analyst with the 55th Strategic Communications Squadron, earning his CCAF degree brings a sense of accomplishment. 

"I enlisted on Sept. 11, 2007, and completed all necessary credit hours on June 30, 2009," Airman Smith said. 

Airman Smith earned his CCAF degree in 21 months despite having to complete his 5-level Career Development Courses before he could take classes. His daughter was also born on March 6, 2009, which presented Airman Smith with some time management challenges. 

In less than two years, while managing his job responsibilities and fatherhood, Airman Smith earned his CCAF degree, something he encourages all Airmen to do. 

"The opportunities that are made available as a result of getting your CCAF degree really make it an essential part of your career," Airman Smith said. 

A CCAF degree can be used as a stepping stone toward a bachelor's degree, which is required if an Airman would like to earn a commission as an officer, Airman Smith added. 

"If your degree is obtained in a field related to your career, it can also help you understand the principles you work with every day," he said. 

Master Sgt. Kenneth E. Piche, 55th Wing assistant anti-terrorism officer, was thrilled to finally complete his CCAF degree in criminal justice. 

Being a father, a senior non-commissioned officer and a student, it can be difficult to find time to accomplish daily tasks, said Sergeant Piche. Time management was key to meeting the challenges of each day and helped him complete his degree, he added. 

"I have a son with special needs," Sergeant Piche said, "so going to school and ensuring his needs were taken care of was a little trying at times. Time management was definitely something I used to ensure I had time to complete my studies, as well as take care of my son." 

While earning his CCAF degree was challenging, Sergeant Piche said he's proud he did it because his degree will help him with his military career, as well as life outside the military. 

"A CCAF degree is required to obtain the ranks of senior or chief master sergeant, and it's been one of my career goals to obtain those ranks," he said. 

Earning a CCAF degree also strengthens the resume of Airmen who retire or separate from the Air Force, he added. 

"Without a degree it would be hard to find a suitable job to take care of your family," Sergeant Piche said. 

For more information about what is needed to obtain a CCAF degree, visit the CCAF Web site at http://www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf/.  Airmen can also contact Offutt's Education Center at 294-5716, or visit the Air Force Portal and click on the Air Force Virtual Education Center link on the left hand side.