Continued education inspires new Creech tradition

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Shad Eidson
  • 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nevada --  Creech Air Force Base Airmen set the bar high as 109 graduates earned their associate of applied science degree during the base's first Community College of the Air Force graduation ceremony Nov. 14, 2014.

The ceremony allowed Creech families, friends, fellow Airmen, and leadership from the 432nd Wing and 799th Air Base Group to recognize the 50 graduates in attendance as they accepted their diplomas.

"The best part of making this CCAF event happen is that we are giving Creech Airmen a local venue to recognize our Airmen's academic accomplishments," said Senior Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo, CCAF committee president.

Nellis and Creech combined have more than 400 Airmen in this fall's CCAF graduation class. Airmen from Creech set a record number for attendees and actually doubled the ceremony average. 

Previously, only a third of graduates commonly attended the ceremonies at Nellis, mostly attributed to the hour-long drive between the two bases.

"Before today, Airmen would have to take off a whole day from work [to attend a CCAF graduation ceremony], which is difficult with our very demanding ops tempo," Ricardo said. "By doing this here, leadership is sending a strong message to Airmen that this is important; academics matter. It makes them a better person and a more educated Airman.'"

A similar message came from private organizations, including Creech's Top III, the Chiefs Group, the First Sergeants Group, Air Force Sergeants Association-Chapter 1253 , the NCO Council, Operation Warm Heart, and the USO, who donated food and $1,900 worth in scholarship money to help Airmen cover the cost of books or other expenses needed to continue their higher educational goals.

"This has always been my goal and I am really excited about it," said Senior Airman Jennyfur Sandgaroth, who received her associate of applied science degree in electronic systems technology. "I think it is great that there are so many graduates at Creech. The whole concept of receiving a CCAF degree gives the feeling like we accomplished something, which is awesome."

Ricardo went on to say that it's a win-win for everyone. The Air Force gets a more talented, trained, and well-educated Airman, and Airmen themselves become more knowledgeable all around and are more marketable in the civilian world.

"I believe in our education and our Air Force believes in it. You can't be a good Airman without continuing to constantly grow," Ricardo said. "The fact that I am able to take classes while working is actually 10 times more beneficial because I'm combining academic theory with real work."

While having a full-time job and attending school can take up a lot of an Airman's time and sometimes requires extra time away from family, these graduates have found ways to overcome the challenges and be more resilient Airmen.

"When you really want something in life, it may take several paths to get there. Surround yourself with positive people who truly believe in the power of perseverance," said guest speaker Master Sgt. LaQuai Knoble. "You may not be the best at something, but that does not mean you cannot achieve your goals with proper preparation and persistence."

The CCAF is a large community college offering 2,000 courses and having more than 250,000 students. The CCAF started in 1976 to provide academic accreditation to Airmen after completing Air Force formal training, recognizing the need to enhance the skills of the enlisted force as technicians and leaders. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.