Benefits of Education

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tabitha Dupas
  • 403rd Wing Public Affairs
Twenty 403rd Wing members earned their associate's degree through the Community College of the Air Force and were honored April 26 at a ceremony held at the Bay Breeze Event Center here.

Citizen Airmen have the opportunity to achieve their degrees while gaining experience in the process. The catch: it's each individual Airman's responsibility to achieve the goal.

Capt. Elvis Ta, 403rd Operations officer, has made the most of his education and has utilized all advantages the Air Force Reserve has to offer. With the help of the G.I. Bill and Tuition Assistance, he has acquired two master's degrees, a bachelor's degree, and two associate's degrees by age 28.

"It all comes down to how bad you want to succeed," said Captain Ta. "The advantages of being a Reservist when it comes to your ecucation is that there is financial help. It's important to look int the G.I. Bill and Tuition Assistance to see which program is better for your situation."

Airmen are encourgaged to achieve their associate's degree through the CCAF and this may cause Airmen to overlap military education with their civilian education.

"It's important to have a degree with experience when looking for jobs," said Captain Ta. "However, a degree with experience is best, but it comes with a price.

"You have to make sacrifices," he said. "Sometimes you will not be able to do everything. This is where prioritizing and time management come into play. I keep an open dialogue with my professors and fill them in on any military obligations. In my experience, 90 percent of the time, they have worked with me."

According to Staff Sgt. Elisabeth Davis, 403rd Aircrew Flight, also working towards a master's degree, she has experienced a time where she has had to juggle both.

"Usually with the military, I have talked with my supervisor and have had allotted time during UTA to study material for tests regarding rank or military trainging," said Sergeant Davis.

"It can get a little stressful," said Captain Ta. "Make a goal and map out a plan to get there. Understand all the benefits available and it really doesn't hurt to ask the education office for information."

"Dealing with today's economy, it may be in your best interest to take advantage of the educational benefits provided," said Senior Master Sgt. Brett Blanchard, 403rd Wing chief of education. "it is also a good idea to start earlier in applying to avoid the rush of other applicants. You can do that by turing in your DD214 to your regional Veteran's Affairs office."

Airmen are urged to look into the post 9-/11 G.I. Bill to see if it applies to them. It was implimented August 2010. (www.va.gov )

"I've used both T.A. and G.I. Bill in obtaining my education," said Sergeant Davis. "They are here for our benefit and I would tell anyone to take advantage of them. It will definitely help out for your future."

The Air Force Resrve enables their members to achieve a degree while working hands-on to gain experience. This may be the very thing that could land the Airmen a notch avove the rest when it comes to job interviews.

"In the end, it's about your goals and your needs to obtain those goals," said Captain Ta. "You are responsible for those needs, so take charge of your own education to ensure your success."