SPRINGFIELD, Ohio -- The 178th Wing hosted its first base-wide Community College of the Air Force graduation ceremony May 5, at Springfield Air National Guard Base, Ohio.
The Community College of the Air Force is a federally-chartered, degree-granting institution that serves the United States Air Force's enlisted total force. The CCAF is the world’s largest community college system serving approximately 300,000 Airmen annually.
Through the CCAF, Airmen are able to earn an applied science Associate’s in a degree that correlates to their career field. Airmen begin earning credits towards their degree in basic training and technical training.
By hosting a graduation ceremony, the 178th Wing was able to showcase that education is one of its top priorities. The ceremony was also able to bring people together to recognize Airmen for the hard work they put into getting their degree.
“I think that it’s really important for us to come together as a wing and interact with peers who are achieving the same things we are,” said Chief Master Sergeant Heidi Bunker, the command chief master sergeant of the 178th Wing.
The ceremony served as motivation to other Airmen who are currently working on their CCAF degree and to Airmen who have not started working on their degree yet.
“My hope is that it motivates people and that people will feel a sense of pride when they accomplish getting their degree,” said Bunker.
Obtaining a CCAF degree allows Airmen to further their career progression and enhance their experience in the Air National Guard.
“The [CCAF] degree adds a bit of diversity to someone’s experience [in the military],” said Bunker. “Anytime we can add diversity to someone’s experience, we become richer as a wing.”
If you have any questions on how to earn your CCAF degree, please contact base training at 937-327-2179.