Education from home Published Nov. 17, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Elsea 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Thirteen Tyndall Airmen are scheduled to conclude their first college course in the dorms on Dec. 15. Tyndall is one of only two bases Air Force wide to initiate college courses in the dorms. "Chief Master Sgt. Jackie Green, 325th Fighter Wing command chief, pushed the idea after speaking with Chief Tappana, former Air Education and Training Command command chief," said Master Sgt. Walter Fortenberry, 325th Air Control Squadron first sergeant. "Chief Tappana had heard about Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, offering college courses in the dorms, the first and only other base trying the program." Finding a location was the first step. "Back in June of this year, our Air Force Sergeants Association chapter donated some audio/video equipment to the dorms," said Sergeant Fortenberry. "I contacted Dorm Management Office about a room to set the stuff up in. He suggested the old Chapel Room behind the Security Forces dorm, building 1036. When I approached Command Chief Green about this idea that is when he informed me about wanting to have a College Classroom in the Dorms." Next was preparing the room. "Tech. Sgt Eric Gebhardt from the 325th Air Control Squadron was a major help in providing and helping to install the computer system and the fully interactive smart board, which is the centerpieces of the room and the educational experience," said Sergeant Fortenberry. "We also installed a Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound system. Staff Sgt. Laron Collins over at dorm management and the bay orderlies were a great help in concealing the wiring for the surround sound system, giving the room a much more professional look." Finally, the time came to set up the class and gather students. Tyndall teamed up with Mrs. Peggy Martin, a Gulf Coast Community College employee and Mr. Mark Rix, 325th Force Support Squadron Education Services Specialist. "Their goal was to provide a flexible schedule for the dormitory Airmen, understanding the various shifts and long hours they work," said Sergeant Fortenberry. "After soliciting information from the dorm residents GCCC came up with the first class, General Psychology, which satisfies the Social Sciences requirement of the CCAF degree. GCCC was so flexible in supporting this initiative; they started the initial class a month after its normal semester had started." The students attend class every Tuesday night from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. For 10 of the 13 students, this will be their first college course. "I like that I have enough time to get off work, change and eat before going to class," said Airman 1st Class Dhaneyea Hoosier, 81st Range Control Squadron weapons director technician. "I don't have to rush across town to make it to class, or worry about being too tired to make the drive back. I save a lot of money in gas and I am able meet other dorm residents outside of my circle." Airman Hoosier also said she likes that even though the class is on base, it doesn't feel like it. Tyndall is so enthusiastic about the program's success that plans are already in place for the spring. "The next class will be a Visual Arts class that will satisfy the Humanities requirement for the CCAF degree," said Sergeant Fortenberry. "The term will begin January 5 and will meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 to 9:15pm for eight weeks. To be eligible to take this class, students must have completed English Composition I or they must place into college level reading--via the GCCC placement test." The long term goal of the dorm classes are to help provide residents easy access to college classes and to help accommodate their educational endeavors. "Education is not only beneficial to the Airmen," said Sergeant Fortenberry. "It also benefits the Air Force in better preparing them for current and future responsibilities." For more information on the upcoming class or to sign up for the placement test contact the GCCC Tyndall office at (850) 283-4332.