Largest class in Racer history graduates from CCAF

  • Published
  • By Senior Airmen Benjamin Sutton
  • 181st IW/PA
     The 181st Intelligence Wing proudly graduated sixty members from the Community College of the Air Force on Sunday, Feb. 13. This marks not only the largest group for the 181st, but also for the Air National Guard during the 2010 calendar year. Several members earned multiple degrees, with a total of 76 associate degrees being awarded.
The Community College of the Air Force began in the early 1970s. It is dedicated to the enlisted members of the United States Air Force, and continues to meet the needs of Airmen across the nation, as well as here at home. Over 335,000 CCAF degrees have been awarded since it began all those years ago.
     The event was such a momentous occasion, the Adjutant General of the Indiana National Guard, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger was the key note speaker. Umbarger expressed how proud he was of all the graduates and reminded them that if they so chose to they could continue their education at Indiana State University here in Terre Haute, or any college in Indiana, and start as a junior because of the degree they earned from the CCAF.
     Also in attendance was Brig. Gen. J. Stewart Goodwin, Assistant Adjutant General for Air and the Indiana Air Commander, and Brig. Gen. John P. McGoff, Chief of Staff for the Indiana Air National Guard.
     "I am extremely honored to be here, this is a very large class," Goodwin said. "The thing that's important is that these young people have made the decision to further their education."
     Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Roy said, "Airmen are to be trained, educated, and have the experience (depth) to carry out the mission."
     Whether for promotion, qualification for a special duty or personal improvement, all Airmen should make time for education in the New Year. Add educational goals to your list of New Year's resolutions for 2011 and keep learning. The future of the 181st IW and the Indiana Air National Guard depends, in part, on your continued education. Congratulations to the members of the 2010 CCAF graduating class.