CCAF grads take the stage

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kent Kagarise
  • 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Five Airmen of the 442nd Fighter Wing received their associate degree from the Community College of the Air Force at a graduation celebration sponsored by the wing's Reserve Officers Association during the January unit training assembly.

In order to receive their degrees, the graduates completed a total of 64 credit hours, which included a minimum of 15 credit hours from their respective civilian colleges.

According to Air Force regulations, the wing holds two graduation ceremonies a year, but that was hindered in the past due to the traditional reservist schedule.

Master Sgt. Christina Suratos, assistant chief of 442nd FW education and training, discovered a better way to accommodate Airmen who had decided to further their educations.

"The 509th Bomb Wing held two ceremonies a year that have been held throughout the week, which made it difficult for our traditional reservists to attend," Sergeant Suratos said. "I thought it'd be nice to hold our own ceremony rather than just handing Airmen their diploma after they've worked so hard to get it."

Members of the 442nd Reserve Officers Association heard of the plans to hold a formal graduation for the wing's enlisted members and decided the event constituted a proper affair -- so they offered to purchase the caps and gowns for the ceremony.

"It took a lot of hard work on the part of these Airmen and we thought they deserved suitable recognition accompanied by all the formalities," said Maj. Joe Walter, 442nd Mission Support Flight commander.

The 442nd ROA supports Airmen in many ways and wanted them to have a special day to remember along with family and friends, said Chaplain (Capt.) Ben Hayden, president of the ROA.

"Education is important to build leaders in the military as well as the civilian world," he said. "An education at any level helps a person get out of their own world by stepping out of the proverbial box; therefore a graduation ought to be memorable."

The master of ceremonies for the event was 442nd Command Chief Master Sgt. Allan Sturges, who congratulated the graduates while Col. Mark Clemons, 442nd FW commander, provided some words of encouragement to the Airmen.

Colonel Clemons acknowledged the Airmen for their hard work while balancing civilian lives and Air Force duties before thanking their families for supporting their loved ones through what surely was a challenging time.

Continuing an education while balancing an Air Force career can be a daunting task, which demands prioritizing an Airman's affairs.

"School takes time from your family and friends you have to handle the stress one step at a time," said Staff Sgt. James Lutes, 442nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron structural technician.

Sergeant Lutes received his bachelor's degree in automotive technology and is pursuing a master's degree in aviation safety; Sergeant Lutes said he hopes his degree from the CCAF will assist with future promotions in the Air Force Reserve.

Staff Sgt. Don DeMarco, 442nd AMXS crew chief is 43 years old and said he hopes his degree in business management will inspire other Airmen to continue their education by setting an example for young and old that it's either never too late, or time to put a foot forward before life establishes higher mountains to climb.

Master Sgt. Dermoth Higgins, 442nd Civil Engineers Squadron utility specialist, said he thinks Airmen should always be improving their ability to do a better job and sees the CCAF as a tool to do so.

"First and foremost this is a gift that we don't have to pay for, so Airmen should all take advantage of this opportunity to move on to other areas of study," Sergeant Higgins said.

Many Airmen may have already established their careers, and may not see a reason for furthering their education.

Staff Sgt. Ruben Zamora, 442nd Maintenance Squadron engine technician, currently owns and operates his own business as a civilian, while attending school.

"I run the base flower shop and only have 36 credit hours left to get my bachelor's degree in business," Sergeant Zamora said. "I'm hoping to better (manage) my business."

Sergeant Zamora's mother, Mrs. Eva Zamora and father, Mr. Ruben Zamora also attended the CCAF graduation to see him graduate..

"The Air Force is a challenge that many young people think is too difficult," Mrs. Zamora said.

"He put a lot of effort into this achievement and we are very proud of him."