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Education Fair shares higher education information

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  • By By Kevin Gaddie
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  
An Education Fair was held at the Fitness Center here June 8.  The 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron partnered with the Eglin Education Center to host the event.

Representatives from more than 20 universities, colleges and schools offered the base community information on education, degree programs and career options.  They also fielded questions on topics such as college level examination program testing, credit transfers and financial aid.

"The Education Fair showcased a myriad of schools nationwide, which offer face-to-face courses and distance learning programs at the associate, bachelor and masters levels, to active duty and retired servicemen and women; civilians; spouses and dependent family members," said Holly Idems, a 96th Force Support Squadron guidance counselor.

Airmen 1st Class Omead Soumi and Matthew Ignacio, 453rd Electronic Warfare Squadron, Detachment 1 members, received insight about Northwest Florida State College from retired Air Force Master Sgt. Gregg Mett, from the college's veterans affairs department.

"The information I'm gathering could influence my decision about how I want to pursue higher education," said Soumi.

Mike Stahl, deputy director for the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support program, talked to Senior Airman Randall Los and Airmen 1st Class Edward Menser and Joshua Lezu, from the 96th Communications Squadron, about what DANTES offers.

"I have learned a lot about my options for future education by coming here," said Lezu, who is currently undecided on his master's degree path.

Master Sgt. Christina Smith, the 96th Test Wing Command Chief's executive assistant, has attended the University of Maryland for nearly a year, working towards a bachelor's degree in human resource management.

"I'm enjoying school," said the 19-year Air Force veteran.  "The college is very military-friendly."

Idems hoped the Education Fair opened patrons' eyes and minds to the possibility of enriching their lives by furthering their education. 

"Education Fairs are beneficial to the base community as they provide education outreach to those who may be unaware of the variety of programs and schools available in their area," she said.