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Collegiate booths are displayed as part of the 2018 Fairchild Air Force Base Education Fair at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, Oct. 18, 2018. Fairchild's Education Center hosts this event annually, allowing Airmen to learn about and explore different educational opportunities to further their success. (U.S. Air Force phot/Airman 1st Class Lawrence Sena)

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Senior Airman Adam Player, 92nd Communication Squadron communication security accountant, gathers information from a collegiate advisor during the 2018 Fairchild Air Force Base Education Fair at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, Oct. 18, 2018. The education fair hosted 27 different colleges as well as technical universities for Airmen and their families to engage with. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Lawrence Sena)

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Pamphlets regarding educational benefits are displayed as part of the 2018 Fairchild Air Force Base Education Fair at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, Oct. 18, 2018. The education fair provided information regarding Tuition Assistance and other education benefits available to Airmen looking to further their education. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Lawrence Sena)

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A group of Airmen listen to a college representative about opportunities in furthering education at the 2018 Fairchild Air Force Base Education Fair at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, Oct. 18, 2018. The education center houses five different univiersities and colleges allowing Airmen the opportunity to further their education. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Lawrence Sena)

Airmen, families learn about education opportunities at 2018 Education Fair

Published Oct. 23, 2018
By Airman 1st Class Lawrence Sena
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Fairchild’s Education Center hosted the 2018 Fairchild Air Force Base Education Fair Oct. 18, allowing Airmen to meet with representatives from multiple colleges and universities.

The Education Fair is an annual event that enables Airmen to ask questions and learn about the variety of educational opportunities available, admission processes, financial aid and military education benefits.

“Choices,” said Barry Miller, 92nd Force Support Squadron education services specialist. “Hosting an event like this gives Airmen and their families the opportunity to compare and contrast their options and find which school better fits their educational needs.”

The fair hosted 27 different colleges and universities, eight different agencies and civilian personnel office representatives for Airmen and their families to meet and discuss educational and career opportunities.

Airmen were also given the opportunity to learn more about educational benefits offered through the military, such as Tuition Assistance, GI Bill benefits and federal financial aid.

“With a small number of active duty Airmen and Officers using their benefits, there’s a lot of career and education opportunities being left out there,” Miller said.

Approximately 15 percent of active duty Airmen and Officers at Fairchild use TA or other educational benefits.

“We are attempting to reach out to units more to provide Airmen, who may not have the opportunity to come in, with a chance to learn about their benefits,” said Mark Bergerone, 92nd FSS education services specialist.

Airmen have the opportunity to receive $4,500 per fiscal year in TA and also qualify to receive federal financial aid to help further their education.

“We are pushing more and more for Airmen to get educated,” said Bergerone. “Making sure Airmen understand Tuition Assistance and are aware of how they are covered, shows them that getting an education is actually possible.”

The ability for Airmen and their families to receive a quality education promotes the level of professional development needed to continue and improve their roles in supporting the mission of Rapid Global Mobility and its success.