Community College of the Air Force graduates Liberty Warriors

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kristopher Levasseur
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  More Airmen graduated The Community College of the Air Force this year than any other year with more than 9,000 Airmen graduating all over the world.

The Airmen of RAF Lakenheath have contributed to the accomplishment by graduating more than 80 Liberty Warriors at the Eagles Landing Nov. 2; the largest graduation ceremony here in the last three years.

"It is great to see so many Liberty Warriors earn their CCAF degrees," said Thomas Langdon, 48th Mission Support Squadron, education services officer. "One reason most people join the military is for education and getting a CCAF degree is the first step in that process."

The CCAF is a two-year institution exclusively serving enlisted personnel. The CCAF awards associate in applied science degrees after students successfully complete degree requirements. The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits the CCAF through Air University, to award associates degrees.

"I was relieved to finally receive my CCAF degree," said Master Sgt. Timothy Bernhard, 48th Munitions Squadron. "My CCAF is going to be a good starting point for me to continue my education."

During the ceremony, graduates Staff Sgt. Jason Quadros, 48th MSS and Senior Airman Rebecca Long, 48th MUNS were awarded the Pitsenbarger Award. The Pitsenbarger award was named for Airman 1st Class William Pitsenbarger, an Air Force pararescueman who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his sacrifice and valor during the Vietnam War. Recipients of the Pitsenbarger Award must be Air Force graduates of the CCAF, and must use the $500 award to continue their education.

"A CCAF degree is important to every servicemember's personal and professional life," said Mr. Langdon. "Nowadays, you really need to have your CCAF degree to make it into the senior enlisted ranks."

According to the Air University website, following approval of the concept in 1971 by then Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. John Ryan, the Community College of the Air Force was established April 1, 1972. The school's vision is to be the foremost occupational education institution that prepares the world's best expeditionary-minded air, space and cyberspace enlisted leaders.

"Since the CCAF has started, the number of graduates has steadily increased," said Mr. Langdon. "Hopefully next year this trend continues and we have even more."