CCAF recognizes 350,000th degree recipient

Published May 17, 2010
By Staff Sgt. Eric Donner
Air University Public Affairs

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- An Air Force reservist earned the distinction as the 350,000 graduate of the Community College of the Air Force on May 5.

Tech. Sgt. Brannen Parrish received an associate in applied science public affairs degree during the 2010 Senior Enlisted Leader Summit at the Senior NCO Academy, Gunter Annex. Sergeant Parrish is an Air Force Reserve individual mobilization augmentee on active duty with Air University Public Affairs.

He earned a bachelor's degree in hospital administration from the University of Alabama in August 2006.

The 350,000th degree emphasizes CCAF's mission of offering and awarding job-related associate in applied science degrees and other academic credentials. This recognition enhances mission readiness, contributes to recruiting, assists in retention and supports the career transitions of Air Force enlisted members.

"In front of this distinguished audience, we had the opportunity to award a milestone Community College of the Air Force associates degree, the 350,000th diploma to a member of this spring's graduating class," said Lt. Col. Tim Albrecht, Community College of the Air Force commandant.

"The Air Force gives you every opportunity to continue your education with tuition assistance, the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 Bill," said Sergeant Parrish.
"You need to take advantage of the opportunities."

CCAF was established in the early 1970s to serve the enlisted corps by providing college credit, degrees and certifications for the outstanding training and education the Air Force has always delivered. In return, the Air Force has reaped the rewards of having a highly educated enlisted force. After 38 years, CCAF's focus continues to be the professional development of enlisted Airmen.

"To be able to recognize Tech. Sgt. Parrish and his milestone degree in front of the enlisted leaders of our Air Force was truly the icing on the cake," said Colonel Albrecht.

Sergeant Parrish said "education is not just checking a box" on one's military career.

"Education helps you grow as a person and a professional Airman," he said. "It allows you to contribute more to society and the Air Force."

The CCAF is the largest multi-campus community college in the world with affiliated schools located in 37 states and 9 foreign locations. The college has issued more than a million transcripts in the last 10 years. Each year CCAF students earn more than 1.6 million college credit hours.