HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Base officials held a Community College of the Air Force commencement ceremony at the Minuteman Commons here May 15.
Officials held the event to recognize five Airmen who completed CCAF degrees during the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters.
Master Sgt. Rodric Peterson, 66th Medical Squadron senior enlisted leader, delivered the commencement address.
“Today, we celebrate grit. We celebrate intellectual readiness. And we celebrate the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the United States Air Force enlisted corps,” he said.
Air Force officials established the CCAF in 1972 as a way for enlisted Airmen to gain recognition for Air Force training.
“Our leaders back then, who saw the increasing complexity of airpower, knew that a highly educated enlisted force would be our ultimate strategic advantage,” said Peterson. “You are proving that the investment the Air Force makes in the minds of its Airmen yields the highest returns.”
A common theme among the graduates was the commitment to professional and personal growth needed throughout the process.
“It reflects the discipline and perseverance required to balance academics alongside the operational demands of Security Forces,” said Staff Sgt. Jonathan Littleton, who earned a criminal justice degree. “While deployments, exercises, and mission success have shaped me professionally, earning my degree represents a long-term personal commitment to growth and self-improvement.”
Staff Sgt. Antonio Powell-Fields, 66 SFS Visitor Control technician, who also completed his criminal justice degree, echoed those sentiments.
“Obtaining my CCAF took resiliency and discipline,” he said. “Though I had credits before entering the military, I restarted my education pursuit during a deployment. It is a constant reminder of striving to be better.”
For Staff Sgt. Sarhais Ramirez, 66th Air Refueling Squadron NCO in charge of the Commander’s Support Staff, who earned an information management degree, the CCAF degree was a step toward a bachelor's degree.
“It reflects years of hard work, discipline and balancing duties as a solo parent,” she said. “I’ve since started my bachelor’s and am now almost finished, and I couldn’t have done it without my leadership’s support.”
Robinson closed his remarks with encouraging graduates to mentor the next generation of Airmen.
“Show them your degree and show them the path,” he said. “Teach them how to balance the mission and their personal growth. You have proven your dedication to your craft, your country, and your own intellectual growth.”
Congratulations to the following CCAF graduates:
Staff Sgt. Justin Feisthammel, 66th Medical Squadron
Senior Airman Jacquell Lee, 66th Security Forces Squadron
Staff Sgt. Jonathan Pittell, 66th Security Forces Squadron
Staff Sgt. Antonio Powell-Fields, 66th Security Forces Squadron
Staff Sgt. Sarhais Ramirez, 64th Air Refueling Squadron, Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire