Nine Airmen of the Delaware Air National Guard graduate from the Community College of the Air Force

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Nine Delaware Air National Guard Airmen have graduated as part of the April, 2013 spring class of the Community College of the Air Force, located at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, Montgomery, Ala. Each Airman earned an associate of applied science degree.

Five residents of Delaware (from New Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties), two residents of Maryland, and one resident each from New Jersey and Louisiana earned associate degrees in seven subject areas

166th Airlift Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Henry Rome said, "One of the best things about the U.S. military are the opportunities to further one's education, and Airmen in the Air National Guard have the additional opportunity to earn an associate in applied science degree from the Community College of the Air Force. The Airmen who have just obtained their degree have strengthened their careers, and the Delaware Air Guard benefits from their increased knowledge."

The nine Airmen, listed by last name, with their unit, hometown, and associate of applied science degree earned:

Senior Master Sgt. Jeffrey L. Adams, 166th Security Forces Squadron, a resident of Newark, Del. (Criminal Justice)

Tech. Sgt. Brian D. Bennett, 166th Communications Flight, a resident of Annapolis, Md. (Electronic Systems)

Master Sgt. Thomas F. Dennis, 166th Logistics Readiness Squadron, a resident of Millsboro, Del. (Mechanical & Electrical Technology)

Tech. Sgt. Kristen L. Favors, Delaware Air National Guard Recruiting Office, a resident of Smyrna, Del. (Human Resource Management). This is the second CCAF degree earned by Sgt. Favors.

Tech. Sgt. Jacquelyn M. Gimbutas, 166th Comptroller Flight, a resident of Newark, Del. (Financial Management)

Tech. Sgt. Michael A. Heinz, 166th Logistics Readiness Squadron, a resident of Dover, Del. (Transportation)

Master Sgt. Timothy M. Luko, 166th Security Forces Squadron, a resident of Wenonah, N.J. (Criminal Justice)

Staff Sgt. Erin E. May, 166th Security Forces Squadron, a resident of North East, Md. (Criminal Justice)

Staff Sgt. Travis J. Von Bodungen, 142nd Airlift Squadron, a resident of Lafayette, La. (Logistics). This is the third CCAF degree earned by Sgt. Von Bodungen.

The CCAF was established in 1972, and awarded the first CCAF AAS degrees in 1976. It has awarded 412,785 degrees since then, with 336,774 total graduates. 2012 had the most graduates (20,148) in a single year. The April 2013 class was the largest in CCAF's history with 10,832 graduates.

A total of 382 associate of applied science degrees have been awarded to Delaware Air National Guard members since 1976. Of the 382 total degrees awarded, 226 have been awarded in the past 10 years (April 2003 to April 2013).

The CCAF is a federally-chartered degree-granting institution that serves the United States Air Force's enlisted total force. The CCAF mission, according to the Air University website, http://www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf/, 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 of Air Force enlisted members.

The CCAF is the only college system solely for enlisted members of the U.S. military. According to the CCAF, their programs are designed to provide students with knowledge, skills and theoretical background for enhanced performance as technicians and noncommissioned officers. The CCAF Associate in Applied Science Degree is offered in six broad career areas, and degree programs consist of a minimum of 64 semester hours. The CCAF is part of Air University, which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the regional commission responsible for accrediting degree-granting institutions in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and some institutions in Latin America.

The Delaware ANG has 1,100 members, and continually deploys personnel and subordinate units around the globe. This release is in the public domain, and any part may be used as written.

Delaware Air National Guard: Celebrating 67 years of Citizen-Airman service to our state and nation, 1946-2013

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