Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. --
Tinker graduates from the Community College of the Air
Force accepted their diplomas during a formal graduation ceremony Oct. 25.
The Fall 2016 graduating class included 148 graduates
receiving 156 diplomas. Eight graduates earned more than one degree. Overall in
2016 the CCAF distributed 11,496 degrees to 11,171 graduating Airmen.
Tinker Air Force Base CCAF graduates continue to
contribute to the legacy of learning for generations to come, and were praised
by the top leaders of the 72nd Air Base Wing.
Not always the gunner, star-student growing up, guest
speaker 72nd Air Base Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. David Tuck joked about how
his parents would react if they knew he was speaking at a graduation ceremony.
Yet, it is a testament to CCAF and the motivation instilled in the chief which
propelled him forward, graduating Summa Cum Laude from CCAF.
Building a foundation in education meant starting from the
bottom of the totem pole, taking the lowest division classes all the way up.
The journey, Chief Tuck described, was not an easy one.
“A journey that included kids, marriage, 60-hour work
weeks, PCS, deployments, work engagements, social engagements, even throwing in
weekend classes to get ahead – none of it was easy, but we have opportunities
that people dream about,” Chief Tuck said. “We have to take advantage of that.”
The chief praised the graduates for their dedication to
both getting their education as well as serving their nation. He acknowledged
the tremendous sacrifices made in order to receive those diplomas.
“Military students are disciplined, focused and can endure
a lot,” he said. “If you’ve got the tenacity, you can get the education.”
In expanding its partnership with higher education, CCAF
enhances the capabilities of the United States Air Force and strengthens the
foundation of the nation. An important tool, Chief Tuck remarked, to an
Airman’s career progression.
Understanding the importance of education, 72nd Air Base
Wing Commander Col. Stephanie Wilson said, is essential in opening doors for
the future – the future of our Airmen and our Air Force.
“This is an investment,” the colonel said. “An investment
for the Air Force because the professionalism of our Airmen is what makes us
the number one Air Force on the planet, and these degrees and your hard work is
investment in that future. It’s also an investment for [our Airmen] and their
future, where that future will take them.”