LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 47th Flying Training Wing gathered to recognize the newest graduates of the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) 2024 Fall Class to 2026 Spring Class at Anderson Hall, April 21, 2026.
Over 30 U.S. Air Force Airmen received degrees from the CCAF, symbolizing their commitment to higher education and professional development. The ceremony marked the first CCAF graduation to be held at Laughlin in three years.
“Graduates, you’ve proven that you possess the grit to balance the defense of our nation with the pursuit of higher education,” said Col. Joseph McCane, 47th Operations Group commander and ceremony guest speaker. “You have made yourselves better and, in doing so, made our Air Force stronger. Be proud of this achievement.”
The CCAF serves as the world’s largest multi-campus community college across 36 states and 8 foreign locations. Their mission is to provide enlisted professionals pathways to degrees and credentials through military education, training and experience. The college has awarded over half a million associate in applied science degrees to over 700,000 graduates since 1977.
“Your education journey is now beginning,” said Chief Master Sgt. Erik Garza, 47 FTW command chief. “Continue to strive for knowledge and excellence as you move forward.”
Receiving their CCAF degrees were:
Master Sgt. Casey Blickenstaff, Education and Training Management
Master Sgt. Dylan Figg, Management Engineering Technology
Master Sgt. Todd Hughes, Aviation Maintenance Technology
Master Sgt. Stefanie Nakoneczny, Instructor of Technology and Military
Master Sgt. Sam Pupillo, Aviation Management
Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth Beradinelli, Human Resource Management
Tech. Sgt. Stetson Boriskie, Meteorology
Tech. Sgt. Brian Claypool, Instructor and Military Science
Tech. Sgt. Steven Dunford, Aviation Maintenance Technology
Tech. Sgt. Matthew King, Fire Science
Tech. Sgt. Addison Mallard, Criminal Justice
Tech. Sgt. Gegory Miccoly, Criminal Justice
Tech. Sgt. Leland Mount, Air Traffic Operations and Management
Tech. Sgt. Jared Pounds, Vehicle Maintenance
Tech. Sgt. Willam Shine, Criminal Justice
Staff Sgt. Gaddiel Acquaah, Aerospace Physiology Technology
Staff Sgt. Carlos Figueroa, Meteorology
Staff Sgt. Jaeda Garcia, Public Health Technology
Staff Sgt. Carlos Howard, Criminal Justice
Staff Sgt. Ian Jenne Sai Monis, Aviation Maintenance Technology
Staff Sgt. Mark Sotherden, Aircrew Safety Systems
Staff Sgt. Otis Whitehead, Pharmacy Technology
Senior Airman Morgann Trombley, Dental Assisting
Senior Airman Carson Vozza, Information Systems Technology
Airman 1st Class Connor Boyd, Construction Technology
Alex Abram, Aviation Maintenance Technology
Nathan Boyles, Intelligence Studies and Technology
Sydnei Devose-Fletcher, Aviation Management
Elijah Federspiel, Criminal Justice
Leland Green, Electronic Systems Technology
Hans Pranschke, Emergency Management
Rober Taggart, Air Traffic Operations and Management