Aiming for higher learning Published Aug. 19, 2011 By Staff Sgt. Andrew Caya 914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. -- Every Airman has heard at one time or another how important education is to their career. It seems leadership is always expressing the necessity of obtaining at least a Community College of the Air Force degree. This associate's in applied science degree is a worthy goal and appears relatively simple to gain, however balancing military and civilian careers, family life, and multiple deployments can make it challenging for reservists to attend school to further their education. Here, at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, the 914th Airlift Wing has taken education to the next level by bringing the classroom to the Airmen. Buffalo State College is conducting courses in multiple concentrations to supplement unit member's educational needs. Additionally, the college would like to start offering more courses in areas such as industrial technologies for maintenance Airmen and hospitality for the Sustainment Flight. "Buffalo State is making it so Airmen can complete their general education requirements for their CCAF degree," said Wing Education Superintendent Senior Master Sgt. Alex Millar. "Students can pay through the GI Bill or through Tuition Assistance," said Millar. "Normally a student pays the cost up front; however, Buffalo State will defer tuition until the member receives the money if need be." Knowing that the Airmen cannot be at the base all the time, Buffalo State found a way that Airman can easily "attend" class "We are offering hybrid courses," said Dr. Margret Shaw-Burnett, vice-president for continuing professional studies. The Airmen will meet Saturday evenings after duty hours on the 914th unit training assembly weekends however; the majority of the course will be done online through the college's online course system, Shaw-Burnett said. Burnett-Shaw stated that Buffalo State is making their school to be a veteran-friendly campus with these courses at the base as well as courses at the college. "We honor those who serve," she said. "Buffalo State is looking to expand on base as well as inquire on what the Airmen need education-wise and accommodate them accordingly." This is only the beginning. "For fitness we have the slogan 'fit to fight', for education we have 'fit for the future'," said Millar. According to Education Office, the 914th has a goal for Airmen, which is to make them more competitive for promotions in their military as well as civilian careers. Therefore, the wing would like every enlisted Airman to at least have a bachelor's degree and every officer to have at least a master's degree. These may seem like lofty goals however, Millar said that other local colleges are looking for ways to create higher learning opportunities for Airmen on base which can help them attain their education objectives.