JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Joint Base Andrews held its annual Community College of the Air Force graduation ceremony Oct. 30, 2014, at the base theater to honor 117 graduates.
Though 583 active duty, guard, and reservists graduates were awarded their CCAF degree, deployments, permanent changes of station, retirements or separations prevented some from attending.
CCAF awards Associate in Applied Science degrees and certifications to students who successfully complete the program in their designated Air Force specialties.
"How awesome it is to see, that today, mothers and fathers are graduating from college," Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Slater, the guest speaker and U.S. Cyber Command and National Security Agency/Central Security Service senior enlisted leader said. "If nothing else, it continues to send the message that there's no such thing as too late or too old for you to still bring some academic game."
Slater commended the graduates on their hard work, and the importance of education progression.
"Please, don't let this be the end of your endeavor," Slater said to the graduates.
The primary purpose of the degree programs is to enhance Air Force readiness of enlisted members and prepare them for increased technological, managerial and leadership responsibilities.
Established in 1977, the Community College of the Air Force is the only federally chartered degree-granting institution exclusively serving enlisted personnel. CCAF provides opportunities for personal and professional growth afforded by degree programs relevant to the role of the non-commissioned officer.