Joint Base Charleston, S.C. –
Do you find yourself not having time to visit the base's education office or is your schedule too tight to fit in an appointment to talk to the Career Assistance Advisor? Problem solved. A 'Question and Answer' session conducted by Joint Base Charleston's Education Team will now be available monthly at the base dining facility.
The Education team, consisting of the base's CAA, the Education Office and Librarian, held its first monthly 'Q&A' session Feb. 21 at JB Charleston's Robert D. Gaylor Dining Facility to discuss career and education opportunities with Airmen.
"The purpose of the event was to get information out to the Airmen in an environment that the Airmen would already be at," said Master Sgt. Donald Leydig, 628th Force Support Squadron CAA. "What I've found out in the last few years is that Airmen sometimes have a tough time making it to the education office or seeing myself, so why not bring it to them?"
The career assistance advisor covered questions about assignments, retraining opportunities, base of preferences issues and special duty assignments.
Questions regarding the G.I. Bill, pursuing your Community College of the Air Force degrees or taking College Level Examination Program or CLEP tests were answered by Edward White, 628th FSS Education Office counselor.
"We want to help Airmen get more involved with their education and start pursuing their CCAF degree," White said. "Our education counselors also provide Airmen information about officer training school, the Air Force Academy, scholarships and Reserve Officers' Training Corps."
White also informed Airmen of the different colleges they can attend while at JB Charleston.
"I am a big advocate on education. Airmen should never walk out of the military, whether you're in for four, six, 10 or 20 years, with at least a CCAF," said Leydig.
The base library's role in the monthly 'Q&A' session was to highlight the mission and education support materials available for Airmen.
"The library has the materials and books to help with re-training and studying for CLEPs," Leydig said. "Don't go out buying CLEP study books when you can check one out at the library."
The next session is scheduled for March 13 at the DFAC.
Leydig hopes to get an Air Force Reserve and National Guard recruiter to attend future sessions to make the education team more career oriented.
"Not every Airman is going to stay in for 20 years. I'm here to give them information so they understand the transition from the military world to the civilian side," said Leydig.
"We will be located in the center room of the DFAC. So while you are taking time to eat, stop by and find out information that can help improve your career," said Leydig. "I hope with these monthly 'Q&A' sessions, everyone will understand their benefits and all the career choices they have in the military."
For more information about the monthly 'Q&A' session, call 963-2768 or 963-4575.