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Continuing education: AMC staffers work together to earn bachelor’s degrees

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Amber R. Kelly-Herard
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Two heads are better than one.

For Rick Simms and Randy Van Schoyck, both Air Mobility Command Headquarters current operations air refueling liaison officers, they used that mentality in regards to their education.

"In the Air Force, getting a degree is basically paid for. You only have to go to school, take initiative and get it done," said Simms, who is from Inkster, Mich.

Simms is currently four classes short of his Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Technology Engineering from Southern Illinois University.

"I wanted to get a degree in aviation management, but it wasn't available so I had to find alternate means," he said. "SIU's program is heavy with project management and lean six sigma, so I chose them."

Simms is actually finished with his degree requirements, but has to finish general education requirements that didn't transfer from other schools.

Van Schoyck, who doesn't accept a grade lower than an "A," earned his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from McKendree University.

Van Schoyck, who is a native of Cedar Falls, Iowa, said, "McKendree has accelerated courses so it took me about two-and-a-half years to complete my degree. I'm a business guy. I owned two businesses."

Simms and Van Schoyck were both enlisted aircrew members, and because of their schedules they pursued their education later in their careers.

Simms said, "As an adult, I am learning how to maximize the time that I have. SIU is great for working adults because it is every other weekend. Yes, you're giving up your weekend but it's more manageable and the instructors have gone through similar courses."

In addition to each other, Simms and Van Schoyck have several co-workers to help with their education.

Van Schoyck said, "Everyone pushes each other, we all feed off of each other, and we help with different subjects."

Both Simms and Van Schoyck were able to finance their educations by using their veteran benefits.

Simms said, "SIU has a counselor, Mary Ann, and she stays on top of students using the G.I. Bill or tuition assistance. Having her keeps me motivated."

Van Schoyck said, "Working with the Scott Education Office was smooth. Just start asking questions and they will put you on the right path."

Earning their undergraduate degrees is just the beginning.

Simms said, "My goal is to use my degree and maybe finish a certificate in green belt six sigma. I'm also looking into a master's program, but I am debating because it is more internet-based."

Van Schoyck said, "I have a thirst for a knowledge so I am going to get a master's degree."