Sioux City, Iowa -- Members of the Iowa Air National Guard’s 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City, Iowa were recognized during the February training weekend for completing course work leading to receiving their associate degree from the Community College of the Air Force.
All of the Airmen were honored at a ceremony over the weekend for completing their degrees during 2018.
According to 185th Air Refueling Wing force development superintendent, Senior Master Sgt. Larry Carda, 42 members of the 185th were awarded their associate degrees in the past year in 22 different programs through the Community College of the Air Force.
“After completing technical school, 5-level requirements and Airman Leadership School, most unit members only need to complete five additional undergraduate classes in order to complete their associate degree,” said Carda.
The Community College of the Air Force provides a two-year college degree program for enlisted members of Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard. Many members of the 185th join the Air Guard with some college credits. Carda says the CCAF program allows students to transfer credits earned from traditional schooling, as well as credits they have earned while completing technical training provided by the Air Force towards their CCAF degree.
According to Carda everyone's situation is a little different but most unit members only need to complete a few additional courses in order to receive their associate degree through the CCAF.
At the ceremony, participants received diplomas in a variety of degree programs including aviation studies and maintenance. Carda added that others were awarded more traditional degrees in areas of criminal justice, construction and financial management.
Upon receiving their degree many unit members opt to continue their education in order to work towards receiving their bachelor's degree. Carda said he has recently completed his bachelor’s degree and added that all of the credits he earned through the CCAF were accepted by his college.
“The bottom line is that you can transfer a lot of these classes,” Carda exclaimed.
Currently all traditional members of the Iowa Air National Guard are also eligible to receive 100% tuition assistance to help pay for additional credit hours. The program is extended to members of the Iowa Guard who also attend an Iowa public university or community college through the National Guard education assistance grant. Tuition assistance through NGEAP can also be applied to offset tuition cost at Iowa private colleges.
*Editor’s note: To find out more about the Iowa Air Guard as well as current vacancies see the careers page on this website.