CCAF graduates 54 joint service members in Fall Class of 2022 Published Nov. 16, 2022 By Airman 1st Class Sarah Williams 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Goodfellow members and San Angelo community leaders celebrated 54 joint service graduates who earned their associate degree from the Community College of the Air Force at the Powell Event Center, Nov. 16. The CCAF is the only federally-chartered academic institution that serves the Air Force's enlisted force. The 17th Training Wing had the unique privilege of sharing the opportunity to graduate with joint service partners. The college annually awards over 22,000 associate degrees from 69 various degree programs. Master Sgt. Elizabeth Mann, 17th Force Support Squadron Airman Leadership School commandant, spoke about overcoming barriers and leading as an example for those around you. “The world-class programs offered by CCAF have generated the award of more than 580,000 associate degrees in applied science,” said Mann. “This means that 580,000 times, a new barrier was broken in someone’s life. Education equals opportunity.” The college’s mission is to offer and award job-related associate degrees in applied sciences 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 and Space Force enlisted corps. For many of the graduates, a CCAF degree is the first step toward a bachelor’s degree. “Whether it took you a while or you’re getting after your education now, you’re doing it,” said Col. Matthew Reilman, 17th Training Wing commander. “This is the first step of that journey. Don’t forget the reason why. Don’t forget what you want to accomplish.” Congratulations to the newest CCAF graduates! CCAF graduates 54 joint service members in Fall Class of 2022 The relatives of the late retired U.S. Air Force Col. Charles Powell, former 17th Training Wing commander, present the Powell Warrior Award to Staff Sgt. Taylor Serna, 316th Training Squadron instructor, at the Community College of the Air Force graduation in the Powell Event Center, Nov. 16, 2022. The award is presented to those who choose to continue education. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sarah Williams) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res CCAF graduates 54 joint service members in Fall Class of 2022 U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Reilman, 17th Training Wing commander, presents U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Samuel McManus, Marine Corps Detachment Goodfellow instructor, with a diploma from the Community College of the Air Force at the CCAF graduation in the Powell Event Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Nov. 16, 2022. Unique to the 17th TRW, joint service members may attend and even graduate from the CCAF. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sarah Williams) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res CCAF graduates 54 joint service members in Fall Class of 2022 U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Reilman, 17th Training Wing commander, presents Staff Sgt. Patricia Denman, 315th Training Squadron instructor, with a diploma from the Community College of the Air Force at the CCAF graduation in the Powell Event Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Nov. 16, 2022. The 54 graduates gained their associate degree through hard work and dedication. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sarah Williams) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res 17th Communication Squadron Senior Airman Beyleigh Winkler Moreno 17th Force Support Squadron Tech. Sgt. Kristin Hingstrum 312th Training Squadron Staff Sgt. Carlos Ballesteros Tech. Sgt. Dion Banda Tech. Sgt. Justin Brockman Staff Sgt. Shawn Davis Army Staff Sgt. Derek Lause Master Sgt. Anthony Montano Army Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Pickering Staff Sgt. Carlos Wooten Jr. Tech. Sgt. Anthony Whitney 313th Training Squadron Master Sgt. Christopher Armstrong Master Sgt. Mickey Bretado Tech. Sgt. Carra Murdock 315th Training Squadron Staff Sgt. Patricia Denman Tech. Sgt. Douglas McNeese Staff Sgt. Dustin Seaman Staff Sgt. Jessica Thelen 316th Training Squadron Staff Sgt. Joshua Elrod Staff Sgt. Vitali Moiseenko Staff Sgt. Ramon Ramirezmendez Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Zane Scott Staff Sgt. Taylor Serna Tech. Sgt. Jacob Smith