CCAF graduates largest class Published May 15, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Jared Frey Det. 9, Air Force News SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany (AFPN) -- Airmen around the world improve their education every day because of the Community College of the Air Force. Recently, the CCAF graduated it largest class ever at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. More than 120 Airmen from the base earned their degrees during the spring 2007 graduation. Marking the significance of the occasion, Col. Thomas Klincar, the CCAF commandant, traveled to Spangdahlem from Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., to hand out the degrees personally. "It's awesome that he could take the time out of, I know, what can be a busy schedule to come out and give us our degrees," said graduate Tech. Sgt. James Buchholz, assigned to the 52nd Mission Support Squadron. With nearly 350,000 students, the CCAF is the largest community college in the world. It is also the only college system solely for enlisted military members. The college's programs are designed to provide students with knowledge, skills and theoretical background for enhanced performance as technicians and noncommissioned officers. Since the CCAF was established April 1, 1972 at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, it has been able to offer a variety of degree options to meet the education needs of Airmen. Today, the community college offers an associate degree in applied science in: · Aircraft and missile maintenance · Allied health · Electronics and telecommunications · Logistics and resources · Public and support services Since issuing its first degree in 1977, the college has awarded more than 290,000 associate in applied science degrees helping ensure that Airmen are well-educated warriors on the battlefield. "The CCAF, I think, is a great opportunity for Air Force members to have. I feel privileged that I had the opportunity to receive my CCAF," said graduate Staff Sgt. Jessica Alfke. "It's going to help me a lot on the outside, and helps me right now in advancement in my rank." Airmen who want to learn more about earning their own CCAF degree should visit their local education office or go online to http://www.maxwell.af.mil/au/ccaf/index.asp Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) Click here to view the comments/letters page