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76th MXW commander speaks at CCAF graduation, expresses satisfaction in Airmen’s accomplishments

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. O'Brien
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  "Listen, learn, lead by example."

That's the message Col. Cedric George, 76th Maintenance Wing commander, emphasized to Community College of the Air Force graduates during their May 3 commencement ceremony at the base theater. The ceremony recognized the accomplishments of 136 graduates earning 143 degrees.

"In order to be the best Air Force in the world, we have to maintain three habits -- listen, learn and lead by example," Colonel George said. "You have to lead by example and the good news is you've done it. I am so pleased that you are in this community of CCAF graduates now. As I look across at each of you, I see huge potential; the commanders and the chiefs, all of us see potential and we are so extremely proud of you. We can't put into words how proud we are of you."

Colonel George said achieving a CCAF degree opens the door for continued success. Now, students must practice the art of listening, learning, and leading by example to help others achieve the maximum potential.

"Here's what happens when I listen to myself, I'm forced to answer questions like, 'What about me must stay the same,' ... and the harder question, 'What about me must change?'" the colonel said. "If we are going to meet our max potential, we better ask ourselves these questions in the calmness of listening."

Colonel George also said following the three habits will make each of us better Airmen, joint teammates and citizens.

"Pursuing your CCAF degree is not just the thing to do, it's the thing to do," the colonel said. "You have demands on your time -- you're sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, mentors and coaches -- yet, you continue to reinforce the thing we all know if we wear this uniform: if we're going to remain the best Air Force in the world, we must ensure every Airman is highly trained and educated.

"As a senior commander, I have heard time and again how difficult it is to get this done, but yet, you made it happen. For every one of you that is sitting in a chair right now, there are countless others still saying it can't be done," Colonel George said. "So, as we celebrate you this afternoon, we are telling you, 'you defied the odds and got it done.' Our Air Force is a better Air Force because you continue to learn. You've opened a door today that you don't even realize."

Airmen who opt to pursue a CCAF degree are automatically enrolled in an academic program related to their career field following completion of their first technical school. There are 65 Associates in Applied Science degrees in five broad areas of study: Aircraft & Missile Maintenance, Allied Health, Electronics & Telecommunications, Logistics & Resources and Public & Support Services.

Students must complete 64 semester credit hours in technical requirement, physical education, leadership and military studies, general education and program electives. The courses can be achieved through Air Force-taught accredited technical courses, transferred credit from civilian college courses and college-level examinations. There are 99 schools in 37 states, Washington, D.C.; and nine foreign locations affiliated with the CCAF-degree program.

Throughout the Air Force, there are more than 323,000 registered students and nearly 300,000 graduates with approximately 363,000 degrees.

It is estimated roughly 25 percent of active-duty enlisted personnel have at least one CCAF degree. Of them, 43 percent are at the rank of staff sergeant or higher, and 78 percent of master sergeants and higher have at least one CCAF degree.