Fair attendees 'schooled' on education opportunities

  • Published
  • By Airman Greg Nash
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Moody personnel inquired about their educational opportunities during the National Education Fair hosted by the Information Learning Center July 22, here.

Approximately 180 Airmen, retirees, dependents and civilian contractors attended the event to further their education to improve their career and personal progression.

"We're here to teach attendees the importance of education and utilizing benefits in order to achieve their personal and career development," said retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Willie Woolford, military programs assistant director. "Each booth has educational coordinators who can offer an array of options to participants while also answering their questions and concerns."

Attendees had an opportunity to speak to education representatives from over 30 colleges to learn information about their institutions.

"I came here to find out information about schools with business and psychology programs," said Airman 1st Class Cody Masterson, 23d Logistics Readiness Squadron material management apprentice. "After I finish my (Career Development Courses) I'll continue toward completing my [Community College of the Air Force] degree. I'll use my tuition assistance to further continue my education after that."

Since October 1, 2002, the Air Force has paid up to 100 percent of Airmen's tuitions toward associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs with the tuition assistance program. The cap of tuition assistance is $250 per semester hour and a fiscal year annual cap of $4,500.

"Civilian employers want to hire highly educated people and might not care as much about your stellar military career," said retired Master Sgt. Dan Allen, 336th Recruiting Squadron. "There's a reason why education is on the cover pages of resumes. It's very important to employers. Companies like seeing individuals being dedicated to their professionalism and self-improvement through education. They feel those characteristics will translate to the work place. Education is the key to success."

ILC members at the fair placed guests' sign up forms in a raffle bucket for prize giveaways and accounted for total participation in which projected attendance exceeded expectations.

"This has been a phenomenal event and it's so refreshing to see so many people, especially young Airmen with their supervisors, taking education seriously," said Allen. "The Air Force is headed in a good direction with its evolution of prioritizing education." 

With fall college classes approaching quickly, those interested in higher education can visit the base ILC, which provides multiple resources to pursue and explore their educational interests.

For more information about education options, contact the ILC at 229-257-3150.