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Airmen transform into college graduates

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. John Gordinier
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  A hush falls over the crowd; the ceremony is about to begin. More than 250 Airmen dressed in their service dress blues sit with anticipation in the ballroom of the Carolina Skies Club. Sitting in the back, family, friends and co-workers have come to show support and congratulate Shaw's newest graduates of the largest community college in the world -- Community College of the Air Force.

"This was Shaw's largest number of CCAF graduates ever," said Samuel Dairyko, 20th Force Support Squadron education services officer. "This is the second year in a row the record has been beat and I hope we beat it again next year."

The number of graduates is continually growing and it is because the Air Force has a very high emphasis on the importance of education, he said. A CCAF degree is required to obtain a senior rater endorsement now, which makes it very challenging to become a senior NCO without a CCAF degree.

"We really push the CCAF program here," he said. "It is fully accredited from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and most of the credit hours required are completed from tech school."

The number of Air Force graduates has been steadily increasing over the years. According to the CCAF, there are 17, 899 graduates in 2008 compared to 11, 372 graduates in 2000. There are 269, 945 CCAF graduates since the college handed out its first degree in 1977, however, there are more students enrolled than total graduates -- 321, 775.

"I think the numbers are growing because of the benefits," Mr. Dairyko said. "Not only are you getting a degree, but you can use it to pursue a bachelor's degree as well. It also looks great on an enlisted performance report."

One after another, the Airmen walk to the stage to receive their diploma and a "congratulations" from the commander. Upon the return to their seat, a proud smile appears on their face. They're college graduates now.