Jason Ellis became the first former airman to receive an associate’s degree through the Community College of the Air Force via a program supporting wounded warriors, according to a release from MacDill AFB, Fla. “Getting my CCAF felt good because it was something I had been trying to achieve,” said Ellis in the base’s mid-July release. Ellis received a medical discharge from the Air Force due to the severe injuries he suffered in Iraq in 2003. The medically retired staff sergeant had finished his degree work but had not received his degree by the time of his separation. However, legislation passed in 2012 gave “combat-wounded, ill, and injured airmen” like Ellis up to 10 years to graduate after separation, according to the release. This allowed Ellis to receive his degree in emergency management on May 23 at MacDill, states the release. “He adapted to his injuries, overcame, and succeeded in an unimaginable way,” said Col. James Hodges, commander of MacDill’s 6th Mission Support Group, of Ellis. (MacDill report by A1C Sarah Breer)
Air Force Chief of Staff nominee Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach said he'll give special attention to coordinating with the Navy on buys of new weapons.
