Top notch Airmen recognized on wing honor roll Published April 20, 2007 By Senior Airman Terri Barriere 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- As the Air Force transitions to a more combat ready force, the emphasis on training becomes greater as well. In addition to Combat Skills Training and leadership training, Airmen must also complete upgrade training before being fully qualified to do their jobs. As part of their training, Airmen upgrading to skill levels five and seven must complete Career Development Courses in their respective Air Force Specialty Codes. According to Mr. Don Oliver, base training manager, unsuccessful completion of CDCs could result in an Airman's involuntary separation from the Air Force. A passing score is 65 percent. In an effort to encourage high scores across the wing, base leadership has implemented a new recognition program for those who score over 90 percent on their final exams; 90 percent or higher equals a three day pass at the individual commanders' discretion. What does it take to attain high test scores? According to some Airmen it's studying and motivation. Airman 1st Class Rachel Nickerson from the 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron said she used the time she was given at work to read over and complete her CDCs. "The advice I would give to others preparing for their tests would be to make sure you understand the answers completely in your CDCs because the questions on the test may not be the same as the questions in your book," she said. "Understanding the answer instead of memorizing the answer can help you answer other questions if you get stuck." Staff Sgt. William Olwig, 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, said he found it was easier to retain the information better when he used the Master Your CDCs computer program. He advises studying for 30 minutes to an hour each night. "For most people if you try to study more than that you usually will not retain the information." Both Sergeant Williams and Airman Nickerson scored higher than 90 percent on their tests. "I always do my best at whatever task is ahead of me," Sergeant Williams said. Sergeant Williams and Airman Nickerson are joined on the wing honor roll by 18 other outstanding Airmen. 49th Fighter Wing CDC Honor Roll: Tech. Sgt. Aaron Beckman 96% 49 LRS-2G051 Senior Airman Jeffrey Messer 96% 49 LRS-2F071 Staff Sgt. Jorge Molina 94% 49 LRS-2T252A Airman 1st Class William Marx 94% 49 MXS-2W051 Airman Corey Upmann 94% 49 CES-10023M Staff Sgt. William Olwig 93% 49 AMXS-2AX7X Staff Sgt. Jeremy Work 93% 49 MXS-2AX7X Senior Airman David Winkler 93% 49 AMXS-2A352F Airman 1st Class Cameron Rau 93% 49 AMXS-2A352D Airman Michael Lofaro 93% 49 AMXS-2A352D Staff Sgt. Daryl Boothe 91% 49 LRS-2G051 Staff Sgt. Wilberto Garcia 91% 49 AMXS-2AX7X Airman 1st Class Juan Rios 91% 49 AMXS-2A352F Airman Rachael Nickerson 91% 49 LRS-2G051 Staff Sgt. Aaron Obryan 90% 49 MXS-2A373 Senior Airman Jennifer Light 90% 49 SFS-3P071 Airman 1st Class Eric Rogers 90% 49 SFS-3P051 Airman Jaime Neri-Alvarado 90% 49 CES-10023M Staff Sgt. Veronica Jaworski 90% 49 MOS-3S251 Airman Megan Carlton 90% 49 MSS-3S051