CCAF recognizes 300,000th degree milestone

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. James Law
  • Air University Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFPN) --  The Community College of the Air Force recognized its 300,000th degree recipient during a ceremony at the Air Force Association's 2007 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington, D.C.

The milestone highlights the significant role advanced education plays in sustaining a highly skilled and highly motivated enlisted Airmen corps, said Lt. Col. Raymond Staats, CCAF commandant.

The recipient of the degree, Staff Sgt. Danyail King, earned her Associates of Applied Science in Logistics. She is assigned to the 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. 

The ceremony, honoring Sergeant King as an individual graduate, also appropriately symbolized the Air University mission: to make a difference ... one student at a time, Colonel Staats said, adding that as the 300,000th degree recipient, the Airman joined one of the world's largest college alumni bodies.

With a record 17,456 Airmen earning a CCAF degree this year, Colonel Staats said Airmen are embracing education as a lifetime endeavor.

Sergeant King earned her degree within her first enlistment, an accomplishment the Air Force's top enlisted leader encourages, said Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Thornell, the CCAF superintendent.

"The chief master sergeant of the Air Force believes that all Airmen can accomplish this personal and professional goal through CCAF," the chief said. "And we are focused on making that possible within their first enlistment."

Since it was created in 1972, the CCAF has awarded 308,596 degrees. CCAF offers and awards job-related associate in applied science degrees and other academic credentials that enhance mission readiness, contribute to recruiting, assist in retention and support the career transitions of Air Force enlisted members. 

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