Laughlin recognizes newest CCAF graduates Published April 23, 2026 By Airman 1st Class Darryl Keith 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 47th Flying Training Wing gathered to recognize the newest graduates of the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) 2024 Fall Class to 2026 Spring Class at Anderson Hall, April 21, 2026. Over 30 U.S. Air Force Airmen received degrees from the CCAF, symbolizing their commitment to higher education and professional development. The ceremony marked the first CCAF graduation to be held at Laughlin in three years. “Graduates, you’ve proven that you possess the grit to balance the defense of our nation with the pursuit of higher education,” said Col. Joseph McCane, 47th Operations Group commander and ceremony guest speaker. “You have made yourselves better and, in doing so, made our Air Force stronger. Be proud of this achievement.” The CCAF serves as the world’s largest multi-campus community college across 36 states and 8 foreign locations. Their mission is to provide enlisted professionals pathways to degrees and credentials through military education, training and experience. The college has awarded over half a million associate in applied science degrees to over 700,000 graduates since 1977. “Your education journey is now beginning,” said Chief Master Sgt. Erik Garza, 47 FTW command chief. “Continue to strive for knowledge and excellence as you move forward.” Receiving their CCAF degrees were: Master Sgt. Casey Blickenstaff, Education and Training Management Master Sgt. Dylan Figg, Management Engineering Technology Master Sgt. Todd Hughes, Aviation Maintenance Technology Master Sgt. Stefanie Nakoneczny, Instructor of Technology and Military Master Sgt. Sam Pupillo, Aviation Management Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth Beradinelli, Human Resource Management Tech. Sgt. Stetson Boriskie, Meteorology Tech. Sgt. Brian Claypool, Instructor and Military Science Tech. Sgt. Steven Dunford, Aviation Maintenance Technology Tech. Sgt. Matthew King, Fire Science Tech. Sgt. Addison Mallard, Criminal Justice Tech. Sgt. Gegory Miccoly, Criminal Justice Tech. Sgt. Leland Mount, Air Traffic Operations and Management Tech. Sgt. Jared Pounds, Vehicle Maintenance Tech. Sgt. Willam Shine, Criminal Justice Staff Sgt. Gaddiel Acquaah, Aerospace Physiology Technology Staff Sgt. Carlos Figueroa, Meteorology Staff Sgt. Jaeda Garcia, Public Health Technology Staff Sgt. Carlos Howard, Criminal Justice Staff Sgt. Ian Jenne Sai Monis, Aviation Maintenance Technology Staff Sgt. Mark Sotherden, Aircrew Safety Systems Staff Sgt. Otis Whitehead, Pharmacy Technology Senior Airman Morgann Trombley, Dental Assisting Senior Airman Carson Vozza, Information Systems Technology Airman 1st Class Connor Boyd, Construction Technology Alex Abram, Aviation Maintenance Technology Nathan Boyles, Intelligence Studies and Technology Sydnei Devose-Fletcher, Aviation Management Elijah Federspiel, Criminal Justice Leland Green, Electronic Systems Technology Hans Pranschke, Emergency Management Rober Taggart, Air Traffic Operations and Management