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CCAF recognizes 350,000th degree recipient

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Eric Donner
  • Air University Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  The Community College of the Air Force recognized its 350,000th degree recipient during the 2010 Senior Enlisted Leader Summit at the Senior NCO Academy, Gunter Annex, May 5.

The 350,000th degree emphasizes CCAF's mission to offer and award job-related Associate in Applied Science degrees and other academic credentials that enhance mission readiness, contribute to recruiting, assist in retention and support the career transitions of Air Force enlisted members.

Tech. Sgt. Brannen Parrish, an Air Force Reserve Individual Mobilization Augmentee on active duty with Air University Public Affairs, was presented an Associate in Applied Science Public Affairs degree. He earned a bachelor's degree in hospital administration from the University of Alabama in August 2006.

"In front of this distinguished audience, we had the opportunity to award a milestone Community College of the Air Force associates degree, the 350,000th diploma, to a member of this spring's graduating class," said Lt. Col. Tim Albrecht, CCAF commandant.

"I worked so closely with the Community College of the Air Force and the Barnes Center, had the opportunity to see how they strive to make professional military training top notch," Sergeant Parrish said. "The Air Force gives you every opportunity to continue your education with tuition assistance, the Montgomery GI Bill, the Post-9/11 Bill, and you need to take advantage of the opportunities."

CCAF was established in the early 1970s to serve the enlisted corps by providing college credit, degrees and certifications for the outstanding training and education the Air Force has always delivered. In return, the Air Force has reaped the rewards of having a highly educated enlisted force. After 38 years, CCAF's focus continues to be the professional development of the enlisted force, Colonel Albrecht said.

"Education is not just checking a box, it helps you grow as a person and a professional Airman," Sergeant Parrish said. "It allows you to contribute more to society and the Air Force."

The ceremony took place in front of 370 command chiefs and career field managers from the U.S. and 18 partner and coalition countries attending the SEL Summit.

"To be able to recognize Tech. Sgt. Parrish and his milestone degree in front of the enlisted leaders of our Air Force was truly the icing on the cake," he said.

The CCAF is the largest multi-campus community college in the world with affiliated schools located in 37 states and nine foreign locations. The college has issued more than a million transcripts in the last 10 years, and each year CCAF students earn more than 1.6 million college credit hours.