Goodfellow members receive CCAF and Park University degrees

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Devin Boyer
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Students from the Community College of the Air Force and Park University accepted their degrees during a ceremony at the base theater here May 16.

The CCAF offers job-related associate degrees in applied science and other academic credentials that enhance mission readiness.

Park University teams up with Goodfellow to offer accredited onsite and online classes for associates, bachelor's and master's degrees.

Some individuals received their second CCAF degree in their Air Force career.

"It feels outstanding; I'm glad I did it," said Master Sgt. Kenneth E. Tatrai, 17th Security Forces Squadron Operations superintendent. "The second one was no less important than the first one."

For some, getting the degree was a symbol of encouragement.

"Receiving higher education is always rewarding," said Tech. Sgt. Brandon L. Holliman, 17th Training Wing Equal Opportunity NCO in charge. "This is my second degree, so my main focus is to walk across that stage and be a positive example for my kids."

According to Air University's website, service members complete approximately 1.6 million semester hours of course credit through CCAF affiliated schools each year.

"The Air Force has a great program laid out there for you," said Tatrai. "The sooner you get it done, the better off you're going to be, and the better person, professional Airman and leader you're going to become sooner."

It takes an average of two years to receive a CCAF degree if classes are consistently taken. The length it takes to get a bachelor's depends on whether the student has prior credits that can be transferred or if the student used the College Level Examination Program.

"One of the biggest advantages to having a CCAF is it gives you a good jump start as far as your education goes," added Tatrai. "The Air Force has gone through great lengths to help us with a CCAF degree, and it's, again, a good starting point for us to continue our education."

Getting a degree can be rigorous, but with the right support, it can be accomplished.

"This is not possible without my wife and my children," said Holliman. "The days I feel like sitting down and not opening that book, I look at them and they give me motivation to do so."