315 AW CCAF graduates aim high, prepare for the future

Published May 6, 2013
By Senior Airman Bobby Pilch
315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Friends, family and fellow Airmen gathered at the base theater here to celebrate the academic accomplishments of graduates from the Community College of the Air Force Sunday, May 5, 2013.
The CCAF offers enlisted Airmen the opportunity to earn an associate in applied science degree or a professional certification certificate in one of several fields of study. About 55 graduates received CCAF degrees concentrated in areas ranging from aviation maintenance technology to education and teaining management. "The CCAF is an outstanding accomplishment to propel you forward in your civilian and military career," said Tech. Sgt. Alex Gross, a force development specialist with the 315 Force Support Squadron.

The CCAF is a federally-charted degree-granting institution that serves the United States Air Force's enlisted servicemembers. They partner with more than 90 affiliated Air Force schools, 82 education service offices located worldwide and more than 1,500 civilian academic institutions to serve more than 320,000 active, guard and reserve enlisted personnel, making CCAF the world's largest community college system. Gross, a graduate himself during the afternoon ceremony, explains further, "Many people don't realize they share the same accreditation credentials as big name schools. It gives military members a leg over their peers and sets them on a path toward further educational goals. The CCAF is the first step in realizing a limitless potential."

Established April 1, 1972, the CCAF has awarded more than 335,000 associate in applied science degrees and students have earned more than 1.6 million hours of college credit. Today's Air Force commands a highly skilled workforce and demands constant training and furthering of an airman's skillset. "It's a process, not an event," said Chief Master Sgt. Edwin C. Felix, 315 Maintenance Squadron First Sergeant and guest speaker for the commencement ceremony. "For some of us it is just the beginning." To learn more about the CCAF, follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CCAFFB or go directly to the website at http://www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf/ Locally, airmen can visit the Force Development and Education office located in Building 51 at Joint Base Charleston.

315 AW celebrate CCAF graduation