'Outstanding' education services provide Airmen opportunities

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Heather Stanton
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Holloman's Base Training and Education Services Center was recently recognized as one of the top in Air Combat Command, having earned the Nathan Altschuler Award and the Community College of the Air Force Outstanding Performance and Commitment to Excellence Award for 2006. 

The Nathan Altschuler Award takes into account the amount of tuition assistance issued, customer service, the number of Airmen going from enlisted to officer ranks and the number of CCAF graduates, said Ms. Chandall Gill, 49th Mission Support Squadron education guidance counselor. The CCAF award is determined by the center that has the highest percentage of CCAF graduates. Holloman's percentage was more than three percent. 

"We had more than 200 CCAF graduates," said Mr. Ken Derenzy, 49 MSS Base Training and Education Services Center flight chief. "We led the command (ACC) in the number of eligible CCAF candidates. We have an aggressive outreach program with our two guidance counselors." 

The two base guidance counselors are Ms. Gill and Mr. Sam Mata. 

"We visit squadron shops, commanders' calls and the First Term Airman's Course to brief our services and how easy it is to earn a CCAF degree," said Mr. Mata. "Students realize it is all about helping them be more successful than they already are." 

Mr. Derenzy believes the award is just recognition for the hard work the center puts into helping Airmen further their education, whether it be completing their career development courses, getting their CCAF degree or a higher degree. 

"We provide off-duty adult education for all active-duty member and their dependents and Department of Defense civilians. You can earn a degree from an associates to masters." 

The center has representative from five universities: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Central Texas University, Park University, New Mexico State University-Alamogordo and Troy University. 

"We also provide a wide array of testing opportunities," said Mr. Derenzy. "CLEP and Dantes test are the most popular." 

Last year, the center saved the Air Force $40,000 in tuition by administering more than 200 college credits in testing, he said. 

To get started on higher education, Mr. Derenzy says to make an appointment with one of the guidance counselors at 572-3971.