Education fair promotes academic opportunities

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Sylvia Tompkins-Parker and Judy Garcia, both representatives from Community College of the Air Force, speak with Tech. Sgt. Frank Balbuena, 52nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron, during an education fair and cookout in front of the commissary here Aug. 12. More than 200 Airmen participated in the event, which provided information on the upcoming college semester, available classes and general education concerns. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Daryl Knee)

Education fair promotes academic opportunities

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Staff Sgt. Dmitri Meyer, 52nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron and student, speaks with Megan Portell, University of Maryland University College field representative, during an education fair and cookout in front of the commissary here Aug. 12. More than 200 Airmen participated in the event, which provided information on the upcoming college semester, available classes and general education concerns. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Daryl Knee)

Education fair promotes academic opportunities

Published Aug. 15, 2011
By Senior Airman Daryl Knee
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The base education office hosted an education fair and cookout in front of the commissary here Aug. 12.

More than 200 Airmen attended the event, which provided information on the upcoming college semester, available classes and general education concerns.

"We're here to help people who don't normally have the time to stop by the education office," said Al Cannon, University of Oklahoma site director and coordinator of the event. "Events like these generate awareness of academic programs and what they can do for you."

The fair and cookout is an annual event, but this was the first time the education office set up their information tables in front of the commissary. Cannon said because of the placement and free lunch, there has been an increase in participants.

"This was a great idea," said Staff Sgt. Dmitri Meyer, 52nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron and student. "Lunchtime may be the only free time Airmen have to go to these organizations. Today, they were able to get lunch and learn a little about the education programs offered at Spangdahlem at the same time.

"What a great opportunity the base put on for us," he continued.

The fair included representatives from University of Maryland University College, Central Texas College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, University of Oklahoma, University of Phoenix and Community College of the Air Force.

For more information about the education center or to sign up for classes, call DSN 452-6063.