CCAF Education Fair aids Swamp Fox Airmen

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class David Wilkins, assigned to the 169th Communications Flight, assists fellow Airmen in updating their current education level during a CCAF education fair at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C. July 12, 2014. The CCAF encourages Airmen to excel in professional and personal development through obtaining a technical degree in their Air Force Specialty. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Ashleigh S. Pavelek/Released)

CCAF Education Fair aids Swamp Fox Airmen

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Derek Lacy, assigned to the Community College of the Air Force, assists Staff Sgt. Tony Goodwin, assigned to the 169th Fighter Wing, in updating his CCAF education level during an education fair on McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C. July 12, 2014. Lacy is promoting the National Guard Bureau's Airmen Development Program and encouraging Airmen to progress with their technical degree. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Ashleigh S. Pavelek/Released)

CCAF Education Fair aids Swamp Fox Airmen

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Eric Richard, assigned to the 169th Fighter Wing, receives education information from Carolyn Adamczyk, a military programs coordinator for Central Carolina Technical College at an education fair on McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C. July 12, 2014. The 169th Fighter Wing sponsored the education fair to encourage Airmen to progress with their technical degree. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Ashleigh S. Pavelek/Released)

Education fair aids Swamp Fox Airmen to reach CCAF goals

Published July 17, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Ashleigh Pavelek
169th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MCENTIRE JOINT NATIONAL GUARD BASE, S.C. -- An education fair, sponsored by the base training office and the Airman's Council, was held at the dining facility here, July 12.

It was held to encourage Swamp Fox Airmen in updating current education levels through the Community College of the Air Force and the Military Personnel Data System.

"Updating education records is vital because the National Guard as a whole looks uneducated, and that is not the case," said Master Sgt. Heather McNeil, the noncommissioned officer of formal schools assigned to the 169th Force Support Squadron. "Making sure proper education levels are documented, boosts the credibility of the Air National Guard."

Participants of the education fair were welcomed by a number of CCAF-compatible colleges and universities. These included the American Military University, Central Carolina Technical College and University of South Carolina-Sumter.

Also accompanying the event to assist with the transfer of current college credits, was Master Sgt. Derek Lacy, the National Guard Liaison for CCAF.

"When we track our education, we are tracking our career," said Lacy. "We want to show that we are maintaining the standard and we are well rounded."

Most Airmen are registered to begin their CCAF in the Air Force Portal upon completion of basic military training. Airman must complete at a minimum, a two-year degree to be considered for career progression to E-8 and E-9.

"Education is an integral part of maintaining a competent military force," said Airman 1st Class David Wilkins, a cyber-security specialist assigned to the 169th Communications Flight and member of the Airman's Council. "Knowing better, means doing better and helping others to do better."

For more information on transferring college credits or to begin your associates degree program through the CCAF, contact Senior Master Sgt. Rhonda Hill, from the base training office at 647-8201, or go online via the Air Force Portal to the Air Force Virtual Education Center link.