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Laughlin honors XLers for educational milestone

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nathan Maysonet
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Twenty-nine Laughlin members received their college diplomas in a graduation ceremony honoring their educational achievements at Club XL June 6.

The ceremony was comprised of graduates from one of the associate-level or bachelor-level programs at Park University, the University of Maryland University College or the Community College of the Air Force.

Thirty-eight members of Laughlin were recognized for reaching a new educational milestone, but due to mission requirements, nine graduates could not attend the event.

"It takes an extreme amount of self-discipline to pursue your education and complete all of the requirements needed to graduate," said Senior Master Sgt. Jeannette Williams, 47th Force Support Squadron superintendent. "Recognizing these individuals is the
least we can do to show our support for their diligent efforts."

Leonard Sobieski, 47th Force Support Squadron director, began the ceremony with a speech praising the graduates' achievements.

"The graduates set a goal and accomplished it, while balancing the demands of the Air Force's mission," said Sobieski. "The graduates are a part of the small percentage of Americans to have served their country and an even smaller group that understands the value of a broad education."

Staff Sgt. Alexander Ruffin, 47th Flying Training Wing chapel NCO in charge of programs and support, and CCAF graduate, views the day's events as a reminder of the importance education plays in a person's life.

"Continuing education improves my work performance and enhances my personal life," said Ruffin. "It lets me communicate with people at different levels and with new perspectives. It allows me to spread the news with better knowledge."

For Airman 1st Class Gregory Burrage, 47th Communications Squadron cyber systems operations technician, earning his CCAF is just the first step.

"To receive my degree is a great honor, but I've already begun working on my bachelor's degree and I will be the first in my family to earn one," said Burrage. "I'm taking two classes now because I know a great education will help me on the outside."

For all the graduates, receiving their diplomas is just the first step to something greater.

"Earning your degree is a milestone you should never forget and a stepping stone into the future," said Col. Brian Hastings, 47th Flying Training Wing commander. "Many things can be taken from us in this life but this knowledge is yours. There are always more places you can reach. This isn't the end, only the beginning."

The graduates, their squadron (if applicable) and their degree attained are listed below.

Community College of the Air Force
Senior Airman Kierra Baker, 47th Medical Group, Allied Health Science
Airman 1st Class Gregory Burrage, 47th Communications Squadron, Information Systems Technology
Staff Sgt. Roy Campos, 47th Civil Engineer Squadron, Fire Science
Staff Sgt. Carlos Cardoza, 47th Maintenance Directorate, Electronic Systems Technology
Tech. Sgt. Derrick Daniels, 47th Contracting Flight, Vehicle Maintenance & Contracts Management
Senior Airman Brandon Duncan, 47th Operations Support Squadron, Air Traffic Operations and Management
Staff Sgt. Phillip Edwards, 47th Security Forces Squadron, Criminal Justice
Tech. Sgt. Robert Garcia, 47th CONF, Contracts Management
Tech. Sgt. Shawn Hires, 47th CONF, Contracts Management
Master Sgt. Robert Husted, 47 SFS, Criminal Justice
Master Sgt. Carl James, 47th Operations Group, Human Resource Management
Staff Sgt. Stephen Kohn , 47th CONF, Criminal Justice
Master Sgt. Jason Lee, 47th CS, Information Systems Technology
Tech. Sgt. Sonya Moran , 85th Flying Training Squadron, Aviation Management
Staff Sgt. Benjamin Murphy, 47th OSS, Air Traffic Operations and Management
Airman 1st Class Sarah Nolen, 47th OSS, Air Traffic Operations and Management
Senior Airman Chloe O'Neal, 47th MDG, Public Health Technology
Master Sgt. Jason Provencher, 47th OSS, Airway Science
Master Sgt. Ukeia Rachel, 47th MDG, Health Care Management
Staff Sgt. Alexander Ruffin, 47th FTW Chapel, Criminal Justice
Senior Airman Liliana Ruiz, 47th OSS, Weather Technology
Staff Sgt. Mary Sanford, 47th CONF, Logistics
Senior Airman Jacob Tackett, 47th CONF, Contracts Management
Senior Airman See Vang , 47th MDG, Logistics
Tech. Sgt. Adam White, 47th OSS, Air Traffic Operations and Management
Staff Sgt. Bruce Zaragoza, 47th OSS, Air Traffic Operations and Management

Park University
Jennifer Dahlstrom, Bachelor of Science in Social Psychology
Elisa Ann Fernandez, B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies
Juan Gallegos, B.S. in Management
Betty Marple, B.S. in Social Psychology
Priscilla Reyes, B.S. in Management
Nicholas Salazar, B.S. in Management
Nardia Salmon, B.S. in Management/Human Resources
Ernesto Vazquez, B.S. in Management
Jesus Torres Wong, B.S. in Management
Alice Harlan, Associate of Science in Social Psychology
Andrea Lee, A.S. in Management

University of Maryland University College
Krystal Eschenbacher, Bachelor of Arts in History