WASHINGTON –
The District of Columbia National Guard Tuition Assistance Program—formally known as the Major General David F. Wherley Jr. Retention and College Access Program—has empowered many Guard members to earn degrees and certifications while serving. The program helps Airmen and Soldiers pursue professional certificates, bachelor’s, master’s, and even doctoral degrees. In celebration of graduation season, we spoke with recent graduates who made the most out of the benefit:
U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Kristy Winkler, Medical Administration Officer, 113th Wing Medical Group, D.C. Air National Guard | Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)
Q: How did you first hear about the DC Tuition Assistance (TA) Program?
1st Lt. Winkler: I’ve been in the Air National Guard for nearly 25 years and originally heard about TA from a senior NCO at my unit. I was talking about going back to school for my doctorate but wasn’t sure how I’d pay for it. He encouraged me to reach out and check—turns out the DC program covers any degree they haven’t paid for yet, even at the doctoral level. That was the game-changer that allowed me to pursue my degree.
Q: What did you study, and what motivated that choice?
1st Lt. Winkler: I earned a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership, with a focus on strategic foresight—basically planning for 10 to 20 years into the future. I pursued it to grow and prepare for the opportunities that may lie ahead. Honestly, it was also about making the most of a benefit I had earned.
Q: How did the Tuition Assistance Program make your journey more manageable?
1st Lt. Winkler: Without TA, I wouldn’t have been able to afford any of my degrees. I used TA from the Ohio Guard for my undergrad, the GI Bill for my master’s, and DC TA to finish my doctorate. It changed my life in every way possible: financially, personally, and professionally.
Q: Balancing military responsibilities, a civilian career and school sounds challenging. How did you do it?
1st Lt. Winkler: It takes a lot of discipline. I haven’t watched TV in years. You need a goal and a lot of persistence. I work full-time in a civilian role and serve part-time in the DC Guard, so it’s a constant balancing act. But the payoff is worth it—for myself and my children.
Q: Was the TA application process difficult to navigate?
1st Lt. Winkler: Surprisingly, no. The education office at the 113th Wing and the DC TA Office were incredibly helpful. They sent me an email that explained everything, and both they and my university communicated directly. You do have to stay on top of the paperwork and submit everything early, but the process itself was straightforward
Q: How do you plan to use your degrees in your current or future roles?
1st Lt. Winkler: I believe God has a plan for me. Right now, I don’t know exactly how my doctorate will shape my future, but I know it’s prepared me for whatever comes next. I also believe my degree helped me earn my commission, so it’s already had a major impact.
Q: What advice would you give other Guard members considering higher education?
1st Lt. Winkler: I was a single mom working in a factory at 19. I couldn’t afford college. I joined the Air National Guard, used every educational benefit available, and changed the trajectory of my life—and my children’s lives. I used the GI Bill to earn my master’s degree in Disaster and Emergency Management from Georgetown University; an opportunity made possible by my military education benefits. That same program later hired me as an Adjunct Professor. Neither of those milestones would have been achievable without the support I received through my military educational assistance. Don’t wait. Take advantage of the benefits available to you.
Q: Who helped you along the way?
1st Lt. Winkler: Chief Master Sgt. Eric Basinger, 113th Wing Operations Group SEL, encouraged me to apply for DC TA. If it weren’t for him, I may not have even tried. I also want to thank my former Ohio commander, Col. William Giezie, who always told me, “Just get a degree...any degree.” Their support was invaluable.
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Arthur Mondale Wright, State Public Affairs Officer, JFHQ-Office of the Commanding General, D.C. National Guard | Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Q: How did you first hear about the DC Tuition Assistance (TA) Program?
Master Sgt. Wright: Like a pension, competitive drill pay and healthcare coverage, it’s another benefit serving in the D.C. National Guard. One typically learns about tuition assistance when speaking with a recruiter. Pursuing a degree or certification can significantly enhance your competitiveness in the job market. Giving you more specialized knowledge, essential skills, and career options.
Q: What did you study, and what motivated that choice?
Master Sgt. Wright: I completed my second master’s degree—a Master of Public Administration. I’ve worked in media and public service in tandem, and the MPA helps me analyze and evaluate government entities, policies and impacts. Partnerships are also important in public service. I’m a more engaged and effective communicator with District and federal partners, stakeholders, and other professionals. Public administration allows one to contribute to the betterment of society by addressing public needs, challenges, agendas, and positive change in numerous areas. I serve as a central node in external communications, crisis messaging, and public affairs planning—critical functions that require tactical acuity and strategic vision. This translates into more deliberate planning, sharper communication strategies, and more effective alignment across components.
Q: Balancing military responsibilities, a civilian career and school sounds challenging. How did you do it?
Master Sgt. Wright: National Guardsmen are multi-career professionals. We hold full-time civilian jobs and serve part-time in support of our military obligations. Prior to my current role as State PAO, I was a news reporter/anchor at television stations across the Mideast and Southeast while serving in units at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and Joint Base Andrews. I’ve literally spent my adulthood balancing two careers, so it’s really second nature. Adding another degree here and there is just a part of being prepared. Resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset are important in terms of options and long-term success. If you’re comfortable, you’re not making progress
Q: What advice would you give other Guard members considering higher education?
Master Sgt. Wright: Whether you’re changing careers or expanding your skills, a degree is a win-win. Tuition Assistance makes it a smart investment. You’re worth more than just your current paycheck. Be intentional and purposeful in all your actions. Be deliberate and don’t be afraid of the steps—or leaps to achieve what you want.
Q: Who helped you along the way?
Master Sgt. Wright: Being the State Public Affairs Officer for the D.C. National Guard has been the best role I’ve ever held. It’s the combination of my skills and experiences in media and in uniform. Achieving this milestone while working under the direct supervision of the Adjutant General (TAG) and Commanding General (CG) has been rewarding. They’ve been mentors and motivators who created an environment where risk-taking and ownership are encouraged. They were also dedicated sounding boards as I balanced work, school, and a refocus on personal goals. Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie and Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II are truly one of a kind. My siblings are also a solid source of emotional support. They’ve advocated for me all these years and kept me motivated and grounded. I’m blessed to have them.
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Corbin Phillips, Crew Chief, 113th Wing Maintenance Squadron, D.C. Air National Guard | Bachelor of Science in Systems and Industrial Engineering
Q: How did you first hear about the DC Tuition Assistance (TA) Program?
Senior Airman Phillips: Tuition Assistance was one of the motivating factors for my enlistment into the D.C. Air National Guard. Of course, after joining my purpose evolved but TA was a motivator because I had already been accepted into a university. My advice to other Guard members considering higher education would be to not sit back and wait. Knock it out so you can keep moving with your life and career! Use the resources at your disposal given to you for serving and don’t let it go to waste.
Q: What did you study, and what motivated that choice?
Senior Airman Phillips: I received a Bachelor of Science in Systems and Industrial Engineering with a concentration in Aviation Systems. My interest in aviation and my F-16 crew chief background led me to pursue this degree path, as well as my goals to work as an engineer on aviation and aerospace applications. I am very fortunate that I have a job lined up after college in California where I will be working on full life cycle development of counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS). My job as a systems engineer will be quite similar to that of a crew chief, coordinating with different shops and disciplines to achieve mission readiness and cohesive system integration. I find it even more motivating to work in this arena, because the systems we develop directly involve and benefit our troops wherever they may be.
Q: Balancing military responsibilities, a civilian career and school sounds challenging. How did you do it?
Senior Airman Phillips: Effective time management is crucial for students working and going to school. I stayed motivated by creating realistic schedules, prioritizing tasks, and I must give a lot of credit to my direct supervision and those in my Phase shop. They motivated me to keep pushing each drill weekend and consistently checked in with me to see how I was doing through the 4 years I was in school. I even took classes overseas when I deployed. I left for the sandbox with two missions in mind—deploy and learn as much as I could about role downrange, while simultaneously excelling in my academics. Oftentimes, while everyone was asleep, I was at the base MWR studying or giving live Zoom presentations to my class back home…It’s also important to keep your supervisors informed about your commitments. They knew about my mission outside of the AOR mission and accommodated me. I was able to give hours back to the flightline through phase inspections, all the while passing and exceling in two advanced level engineering courses. Besides this, they also kept me motivated when I was clearly worn down. They pushed me to stay focused and overcome the challenges.
Q: What advice would you give other Guard members considering higher education?
Senior Airman Phillips: Don’t overthink completing a degree or certification while working. You can do it! Keep your end goal in mind. Time flies by in no time, even if it doesn’t feel like it in the moment.
Q: Who helped you along the way?
The 113th Wing F-16 Phase Shop as a whole helped me along the way the most. They are all great leaders helping younger Airmen rise to the occasion. I could not have graduated without their guidance and motivation. Being a good wingman is not just a concept or a slogan; it's an expectation.
Military leaders at every level must be multifaceted to complete the mission. Education is a paramount aspect of leader development. The DC TA program provides Soldiers and Airmen the opportunity to better themselves through formal education and certification programs. DC TA is one of the many benefits to serving in the DCNG, and we encourage those currently serving and those considering serving to take advantage of the program. Are you interested in pursuing your own degree debt-free? Visit here: https://dc.ng.mil/Resources/Education/