News

Cantrell urges excellence in CCAF graduates

  • Published
  • By Airman Daniel Lile
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Thirty-seven Columbus Air Force Base Airmen were awarded their Community College of the Air Force degree May 8 at the Kaye Auditorium. Chief Master Sgt. Mark Cantrell, 14th Security Forces Command Chief, addressed the new graduates on their successes.

"Graduating with your CCAF is one of those pivotal moments in your Air Force journey," Cantrell said. "Your graduation signals the end of one era and the beginning of another. Your commitment to knowledge shows everyone you are a leader, a doer and an achiever of excellence in our Air Force."

Cantrell continued about his personal CCAF diplomas and how proud he is of them.
"I received my first CCAF diploma over a decade ago," Cantrell said. "They have decorated the walls of my home and office ever since. I urge you to display your diplomas proudly, but remember it is not just about the diploma. It's about where you have come from. It's about the knowledge you have gained, and hopefully now realizing the heights you can reach."

Cantrell explained Airmen should not only be proud of their diploma; they should apply it to their lives.

"The Airmen you lead or will lead deserve your very best," Cantrell said. "So don't just hang that diploma on your wall, use it."

Acquiring an education requires courage and personal sacrifice like a degree.
"Our duty is one we willingly accept when we recite our oath of enlistment, and it requires courage and personal sacrifice," Cantrell said. "Let your education and training sharpen what you do for our great country and the world's greatest Air Force."

Cantrell then elaborated on how education is applied to day-to-day Air Force life.
"It's about educating yourself to be ready, to understand and to operate emerging technologies to keep us the most powerful Air Force on the planet," Cantrell said. "It's about being able to quickly survey your battlefield and identify problems and concerns and solve them quickly."

Cantrell concluded his speech by congratulating the graduates on their success and encouraging them to continue the hard work.

"Congratulations again on this awesome achievement," Cantrell said. "Remember to use your diploma to carry on a proud tradition. Your duty is important, valued and vital to the protection of our country."