CCAF awards 400,000th Degree Published Nov. 20, 2012 By Master Sgt. Michael Voss Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Recently, the Community College of the Air Force awarded its 400,000th CCAF degree to Senior Airman Emily Barchenger. In September, Barchenger completed the required credits to obtain the degree while deployed as an intelligence analyst to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia. The 400,000th degree emphasizes CCAF's mission to offer and award job-related associate in applied science degrees and other academic credentials that enhance mission readiness, contribute to recruiting, assist in retention and support the career transitions of Air Force enlisted members. Barchenger, who is assigned to Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., obtained the Associate Degree of Science in Intelligence Studies and Technology after completing 50 credits in two-and-a-half years. According to an Air Force article, Barchenger plans to continue her studies to become a registered nurse through the American Military University and will be applying for the Air Force Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program within the next two years. "I am honored to have the opportunity to represent the 399,999 people who came before me and to mark a large milestone in the Air Force's rich tradition of helping Airmen achieve their educational goals," said Barchenger. "Education was my main purpose for joining the military, and I am very grateful to have the excellent opportunities the Air Force has provided." The 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, our Air Force has reaped the rewards of having a highly-educated enlisted force. After 40 years, the CCAF's focus continues to be the professional development of the enlisted force. "This significant milestone is indicative of the energy and desire to succeed that is inherent within our superb student body, our exceptional technical training and professional military education organizations, and our remarkable staff here at CCAF. Education is crucial to personal development, enhancing both an individual's opportunities and their ability to contribute to our nation while engaged in the profession of arms. It is due to individuals like Senior Airman Barchenger and the many others pursuing such goals that our United States Air Force is second to none," said Lt. Col. Todd Hamill, Community College of the Air Force commandant. The CCAF is the largest multi-campus community college in the world with affiliated schools located in 37 states and nine 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.