Scholarship recipients praise motivational force of education

  • Published
  • By W. Eugene Barnett Jr.
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – Sixty-six Airmen received their Community College of the Air Force diplomas at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Theater Nov. 16.   

The vision of CCAF is the community college of choice, providing a path to higher learning for those with a calling to serve.

Their mission is to offer and award job-related associate in applied science degrees and other academic credentials that enhance mission readiness, contribute to recruiting, assist in retention, and support the career transitions and professional growth of the Air Force enlisted corps.

Graduates Senior Airmen Damian Feliciano, Kayla Hoffman, and Christopher Gonzalez were presented with four awards at the graduation. Feliciano won the Pitsenbarger scholarship, Hoffman the Chief’s Group scholarship, and Gonzalez the AFSA and First Sergeants scholarships.

“It means a lot to me because I have always had a desire to help others, and now I have this gift and can take it and grow personally and help make a difference in the lives of friends and family,” said Hoffman, “It also helps enhance the Air Force mission and continue to advance in my career. These milestones are just building blocks to help me get me where I am going.” 

“Getting my CCAF represents a few things to me. It is an achievement that reminds me that I am heading in the right direction. When you pursue an education, bachelor’s or master’s, it can take many years until you see the fruit of your labor,” Gonzalez said. “I am motivated more than ever, and I will continue pressing forward with my educational goals. It also means that I am more educated to help others, this is by far the most important part,” he said.

"My Financial Management, A.A.S has made me more versatile and competitive. My pursuit of a CCAF degree directly aligned with my goal of getting a B.A. in Financial Management. I am closer than ever to completing my bachelors and will hopefully be starting my MBA in the spring. This is a huge deal, in terms of career advancement. I truly believe education is key to long term success. The Air Force wants you get your degree and they have went through great measures to help facilitate and promote educational advancement. I am truly grateful," Gonzalez said.

For additional information or questions, email Senior Master Sgt. John Howell at john.howell.4@us.af.mil.