Happy Hooligans to conduct CCAF Graduation Ceremony

  • Published
  • By Capt Penny Ripperger
  • 119th Wing Public Affairs
On Sunday the North Dakota Air National will celebrate the graduation of 21 Airmen who will receive 28 associate of science degrees from the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF).

"This will be one of the best CCAF graduations that we've ever had because of the outstanding support that we have received from Bismarck State College," said Senior Master Sgt. Bruce Karevold, 119th Wing CCAF advisor.

Dr. Larry Skogen, president of Bismarck State College and retired Air Force lieutenant colonel will be the guest speaker at the event.

"I love being part of the CCAF program and working with Airmen of the 119th Wing. Not only are these men and women well-trained, patriotic and dedicated, but they also realize the importance of education," said Karevold.

CCAF is a federally-chartered degree-granting institution that serves the United States Air Force's enlisted force. Airmen in the program accomplish their associate degrees through their military training and by taking general education courses online or at local college courses.

"Today's military is highly educated, and our 'Hooligans' lead the Air Force with one of the highest percentages of post-secondary degrees when compared to other units across the country," Karevold said. "Many of these students are also working on, or have achieved a bachelor's degree, and most of the cost for their education is paid for because of their service to our country."

Airmen receiving three associate degrees include:

Staff Sgt. Cody L Larson
- Avionic Systems Technology, Air and Space Operations Technology and Communications Applications Technology

Airmen receiving two associate degrees include:

Tech. Sgt. Kristal L. Decoteau - Information Management and Transportation

Staff Sgt. Jessica Gordon - Human Resource Management and Munitions Systems Technology

Staff Sgt Jeffery L. Kaatz - Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Munitions Systems Technology

Staff Sgt Carolyn E. Smette - Avioic Systems Technology and Electronic Systems Technology

Tech. Sgt. Brett A. Storhoff - Aviation Maintenance Technology and Communication Applications Technology

Airmen receiving one associate degree include:

Staff Sgt Timothy J. Bieber - Munitions Systems Technology

Tech. Sgt. Joseph A. Boyer - Air and Space Operations Technology

Senior Airman Travis G. Brost - Logistics

Tech. Sgt. Paul R. Danda - Aviation Maintenance Technology

Staff Sgt. Nikolas Z. Guttormson - Construction Technology

Staff Sgt. Aaron T. Hassett - Information Systems Technology

Tech. Sgt. James E. Haygood - Criminal Justice

Tech. Sgt. Scott E. Hoff - Communication Applications Technology

Tech. Sgt. William D. Kennedy - Explosive Ordinance Disposal

Staff Sgt. Brandon D. Langerud - Aviation Maintenance Technology

Tech. Sgt. Jason D. McSparron - Aviation Maintenance Technology

Staff Sgt. Dawniece L. Pagan - Criminal Justice

Tech. Sgt. Randyl T. Tang - Air and Space Operations Technology

Tech. Sgt. Ryan L. Wentz - Human Resource Management

Tec. Sgt. Tracy L. Zidon - Human Resource Management

Media is invited to attend the CCAF graduation ceremony. The ceremony will take place on Sunday at the 119th Wing from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Please contact Penny Ripperger, 119th Wing public affairs officer, at 701-451-2194 to arrange an escort on base.

What: Community College of the Air Force Graduation

Where: 119th Wing, North Dakota Air National Guard, 1400 32nd Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102

When: Sunday, Nov 7th from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Media: Contact Penny Ripperger at 701-451-2194 to arrange a media escort on base.

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