TA suspended as Laughlin Ed Center steps up Published March 14, 2013 By Airman 1st Class John D. Partlow 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Effective March 11, 2013, Airmen are not permitted to submit new requests for Military Tuition Assistance. Airmen currently enrolled in courses approved for tuition assistance are not affected and are allowed to complete current course enrollments. Airmen may continue to pursue their educational goals with applicable Veterans Affairs education benefits that include the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty, Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve, Reserve Education Assistance Program, and the Post 9/11 GI Bill. "Airmen can also apply for various grants to help them with their college finances," said Christine Engel, the 47th Force Support Squadron chief of education and training. "Airmen can still get their school paid for; it'll just take a little more work on their part." The education office here helps educate the base community on academic opportunities and helps Airmen achieve educational goals. "We also stress to Airmen how important education is for their careers," said Craig Chapman, a 47 FSS education service specialist. "No matter if they stay in for four or 30 years, their education will serve them well in the future, and no one can take it away from them." Senior Airman Kierra Baker, a 47th Medical Group medical technician, has obtained her associate degree with the Community College of the Air Force using only her military tuition assistance. "For me, the pause in TA is only a speed bump," Baker said. "Even with the recent cuts, I still plan to continue college to obtain a business administration degree. There are plenty of resources still available to the Air Force community." If you have questions regarding tuition assistance or would like more information on how to fund your education, email the education office at education2@us.af.mil, or call them at 298-5520.