CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., Aug. 2, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The U.S. Air Force recently announced its select group of 12 "Outstanding Airmen" award winners -- two of whom are American Military University students (www.amuonline.com).
Staff Sergeant Matthew Hefti and Master Sergeant Sachiko Jones will be among those honored during the Air & Space Conference in Washington, D.C., in September. Both are studying online at AMU, a distance learning institution that serves more than 20,000 students worldwide.
The Air Force Association initiated the awards in 1956 to recognize outstanding enlisted personnel for superior leadership, job performance, community involvement, and personal achievements.
"We congratulate all the award winners -- the 'best of the best' -- especially those we count among our students," says Wallace E. Boston Jr., president and chief executive officer. "It's impressive that these service members are able to pursue their degrees, while giving so much to their communities and country."
AMU outstanding airmen
Hefti recently began pursuing his bachelor's degree in English at AMU. He is an explosive ordnance disposal craftsman stationed at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. He has served in the Air Force for five years and is currently serving at Kandahar Air Field in Afghanistan. Hefti has earned two associate degrees and earned an Army commendation medal for his service in Iraq and a Joint Service commendation for his service in Afghanistan.
"I believe my degree will help me become a better communicator and help me take care of my troops," says Hefti. "The military-friendly attitude at AMU was exactly what I was looking for."
Jones is pursuing a bachelor's degree in sociology at AMU. She has served in the Air Force for 13 years, including a deployment to Iraq. She is now the lodging manager, stationed at RAF (Royal Air Force) Alconbury, a U.S. Air Force installation in the United Kingdom. Jones supervises 31 employees and manages a lodging operation that encompasses 103 beds in five separate facilities. She volunteers for a local Girl Scout troop, mentors at a local center and is vice president of the base Air Force Sergeants Association.
"My degree will assist me with honing my leadership and managerial skills," says Jones. "My professors have always been accessible to me and I feel privileged to pursue my degree at AMU."
About American Military University
American Military University provides relevant and affordable distance learning in 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs -- taught by professors who are experienced in the real-world subjects they teach. The University is set apart by its curriculum, affordability and flexibility. Its programs are geared toward working adults and include professional studies, management and liberal arts, with specialized programs in homeland security, national security and public safety. AMU's book grant for degree-seeking undergraduates covers all book costs. It also offers Federal Student Aid.
Russell Public Relations
Carolyn Russell
316.932.9000
news@russellpr.com