301 FW CCAF graduates complete milestone

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Randall Moose
  • 301st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

301st Fighter Wing leadership presented 12 service members with their Community College of the Air Force degrees during a graduation ceremony at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, on August 7.

Col. Allen Duckworth, 301 FW commander, opened the ceremony by addressing graduates.

“If you never heard me say it before,” said Duckworth. “My three goals for development are; one, to make you more prepared for the job that you're doing right now. Two, make you ready for what might be next and ready for any opportunities that pop up. Third, is to keep yourself eligible for things, keep as many doors open as possible. The great thing is, you've now checked a square for one of the requirements you need to be eligible for senior master sergeant and chief master sergeant. I thank you for that. I want to congratulate all of you. You have earned this.”

Chief Master Sgt. Monica Valenzuela, 301 FW senior enlisted advisor to the squadron commander, who was the events guest speaker.

“Congratulations graduates,” said Valenzuela. “You've achieved an important milestone in your journey. Stay equipped and be the light in your tunnels. You're empowered to grow at each chapter, to close chapters or start over again. Remember, the grit that you have today, will take you to your next milestone.”

One of the graduates, Tech. Sgt. Lindsay Jeffries, 73rd Aerial Support Squadron cargo supervisor, was proud to receive her degree.

“It is big relief,” said Jeffries. “First, because I’m a tech. sergeant, I wanted to get my degree knocked out as soon as I could. I didn't want to wait until the master sergeant stripe and then be hurrying to try to get it done. I wanted to be proactive instead of reactive. I'm really excited to have it. I'm really, really, proud of it and I hope to make good use of it.”

Another graduate, Master Sgt. John Kuhn, 301 FW Security Forces squad leader, shares his perspective after earning his degree.

“I think it's an important milestone and every airman's career,” said Kuhn. “Showing that you're dedicated to progressing professionally, and your commitment to your career field. Just showing that you're always striving to achieve that next level.”

The CCAF degree is awarded to Airmen who have completed the requirements for an Associate of Applied Science Degree, in their respective fields. Air University works with the U.S. Air and Space Force's enlisted forces. They partner with 112 affiliated Air and Space Force schools and 300 Education Service Offices located worldwide to serve approx. 270,000 active, guard, Reserve and enlisted personnel, making CCAF the world's largest community college system. The college annually awards over 22,000 associate in applied science degrees from 71 degree programs.

We are proud to congratulate our newest Community College of the Air Force graduates:

Master Sgt. Bradley Welsh

Staff Sgt. Cory Bay

Staff Sgt. Danielle Franco Denmon

Staff Sgt. Derek Swoyer

Staff Sgt. Halie Curley

Master Sgt. Jacob Schwen

Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Baker

Master Sgt. John Kuhn

Tech. Sgt. Kassandra Hawkins

Master Sgt. Kenneth McMillen

Tech. Sgt. Lindsay Jeffries

Staff Sgt. Shauna Wynn

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