Laughlin congratulates 23 new graduates

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Tabish Khan
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Laughlin celebrated its latest college graduating class at Club XL June 16. 

The 23 graduates included three Park University students who received an associate, bachelor's and master's degree; 17 Community College of the Air Force associate degree recipients; one TUI University master's degree recipient; one Capella University bachelor's degree recipient and one American Military University bachelor's degree recipient. 

"I feel very excited about accomplishing something as important as this degree for my Air Force career," said Staff Sgt. Carlos Hernandez, 47th Force Support Squadron professional development NCOIC. 

Airmen are actively pursuing their CCAF degrees now that it is a requirement for a senior-rater endorsement for promotion to senior master sergeant. 

"Airmen can go to the Laughlin Education Center website through the Air Force Virtual Education Center link in Air Force Portal to research the various schools and opportunities we can offer them," said Staff Sgt. Ronda Thomas, 47th FSS base training manager. 

While some of the schools send instructors for certain courses to Laughlin, the majority are taught through online courses. 

"I prefer a traditional classroom setup so I chose Park University's classes on base to compliment my existing CCAF credits," said Staff Sgt. Thomas, who just earned her associate's degree. 

Active duty members are eligible for tuition assistance from the Air Force up to $250 per credit hour, capped at $4500 per fiscal year. 

"It was nice to go to school knowing that it was free and we should all take advantage of that opportunity," said Master Sgt. Anita Sampson, 47th FSS Airman and Family Readiness Center NCOIC. 

Another program available at Laughlin is the Air University Associate-To-Baccalaureate Cooperative program that allows enlisted members to transfer all 64 of their CCAF credits to a bachelor's degree program of their choice. 

"This helps enlisted members complete a bachelor's degree much faster than going to a non-participating AU/ABC school in most cases," said Christine Engel, education and training chief. "The AU/ABC program is not a mandatory program, but serves as another option to help Airmen pursue and complete a bachelor's or master's degree in any area they choose." 

Enlisted personnel are automatically enrolled in the CCAF when they begin their technical school. They also receive credits from their technical school which can be applied towards a degree. However, the field of study an Airman pursues does not need to be related to his or her job in the Air Force. 

The Air Force is currently seeing an increase in the use of tuition assistance dollars even though there has been a decrease in the number of Airmen in the Air Force for the last several years. 

"Pursuing off-duty education requires a lot of time and perseverance. These qualities will enhance an Airmen's leadership skills while in the Air Force and after," said Engel.