At Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Airmen and their families have access to a wealth of resources designed to foster both personal and professional development. Among these invaluable assets is the Moody Learning Center, a comprehensive hub dedicated to informational and educational growth. With a library boasting over 10,000 books and a dedicated education center, the Moody Learning Center stands as a cornerstone for those seeking to advance their careers, enhance their knowledge, and support their families’ educational needs.
Airman 1st Class Kayla Boudreaux from the 23d Logistics Readiness Squadron highlights the center’s significance: “The Moody Learning Center is an essential tool in furthering my career, and a great place to start when I need educational resources. It often offers tutoring and a ton of books to help my kids with their school work as well as my own college courses. The team who operates the Learning Center is always available to answer questions and provide support. Without this team, I would be lost as a parent and struggling as a college student.” This sentiment underscores the multifaceted role of the Moody Learning Center within the base community.
The Two Pillars of the Moody Learning Center: Library and Education Center
The Moody Learning Center effectively caters to the diverse needs of Airmen through its two primary components: a combined library and resource center, and a dedicated education and training center. This co-location is a distinct advantage, as Jess Echord, the 23d Force Support Squadron (FSS) library director, explains. “We’re one of the more fortunate bases in that both the education center and library are co-located in the same building. What this allows us to do is have a more spontaneous exchange of ideas and circumstances than other centers who are geographically separated from each other. This gives us a dialogue that’s extremely effective.” This synergy fosters a collaborative environment, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the center’s services. The Moody Learning Center acts as an accessible and calm environment amidst the operational tempo of the base, providing a peaceful space for learning and development.
Image alt text: Airman Kayla Boudreaux leverages learning resources at Moody Learning Center, Moody AFB library, for career and educational advancement.
Boosting Careers and Leadership Skills Through Library Resources
The library within the Moody Learning Center is more than just books; it’s a strategic asset for career progression and leadership development. According to Echord, “Good leaders have to be informed and get into the resources of important leadership books and management skills, which serve as their foundation. If you want to expand your knowledge, you need to expand your horizons. By having a more educated force, it helps Airmen think more critically, be more informed and educated, and that can only serve to benefit the Air Force.” The library offers a wide array of materials specifically curated to enhance leadership capabilities and management skills, vital for Airmen looking to advance their military careers. By encouraging Airmen to engage with these resources, the Moody Learning Center contributes to building a more informed, critical-thinking, and ultimately, more effective Air Force.
Furthermore, the Moody Learning Center understands the importance of morale and family well-being. Echord emphasizes, “When Airmen are engaged in a lot of things both on the job or deployed, they may be away from family members. Spouses and children need something. We’re not just for the military; we’re here for everybody. That’s one thing that really makes us unique. The Learning Center has a military mission, but we also have a public mission, and that’s what we try to foster and promote.” Recognizing the holistic needs of the Air Force community, the Moody Learning Center extends its services to families, providing resources and support that strengthen morale and community bonds.
Empowering Educational Advancement Through the Education Center
On the other side of the Moody Learning Center, the education center plays a pivotal role in equipping Airmen with the tools necessary for educational advancement. Whether Airmen are aiming to complete their Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) degree or pursue higher education, the center offers comprehensive support and guidance. Darryl Gagne, a 23d FSS education specialist, highlights the Air Force’s commitment to education: “We’re really lucky in the Air Force to have the great support we have for our education system. The Air Force has always been historically focused on education. Having the education center where Airmen can come visit us anytime they want and have counseling and assistance is a huge benefit.” This commitment translates into readily accessible resources and personalized counseling, ensuring Airmen have the support they need to navigate their educational journeys successfully.
Image alt text: Education specialist Darryl Gagne advises Airman on educational benefits at Moody AFB Learning Center, emphasizing career credentialing.
Gagne stresses the long-term value of pursuing education, stating, “Having things like your CCAF degree shows you can start things and finish them, that you can stick to it. We can train you to be a great mechanic, but if you don’t have the credentials on your résumé when you go to apply for a job on the outside, you’re far less likely to even get interviewed. You need something to back up your experience; credentials is the way. That’s why education is really that important.” The education center emphasizes the practical benefits of formal education, particularly in terms of career prospects post-military service. By assisting Airmen in obtaining credentials and degrees, the Moody Learning Center is directly contributing to their future success, both within and beyond the Air Force.
Airman Boudreaux’s experience further illustrates the education center’s proactive approach: “I often drop by the Learning Center and speak to the staff about current testing and CLEP updates as well as browse the latest book releases for my favorite authors. Last year, the Learning Center hosted a CLEP-a-Thon. This drove more Airmen into the education center for business as well as inspired esprit de corps. The Moody Learning Center is a world of knowledge at my fingertips.” Initiatives like CLEP-a-Thons demonstrate the center’s commitment to actively engaging Airmen and fostering a culture of learning and professional growth.
Conclusion: Your Educational Partner at Moody AFB
In conclusion, the Moody Learning Center at Moody Air Force Base is an indispensable resource for Airmen and their families. By combining a comprehensive library with a dedicated education center, it provides a holistic approach to learning, career development, and community support. Whether you’re seeking leadership resources, educational guidance, or simply a quiet space to learn and grow, the Moody Learning Center is your gateway to unlocking your full potential at Moody AFB.
