Luke hosts visit from DANTES special enlisted advisor Published March 25, 2008 By Senior Airmen Kara McGrath 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The Luke education office was visited by Master Chief Petty Officer Timothy J. Zernick, Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Educational Support special enlisted advisor, on March 19. The DANTES SEA advises the DANTES Director on voluntary education issues, needs and requirements affecting uniformed servicemembers of all branches. Chief Zernick conducted courtesy visits to meet with education services staff, on-base college staff, as well as students participating in DANTES sponsored testing programs and college degree programs. Chief Zernick is touring the Southwest, visiting all active-duty bases to get feedback from members and recommendations on how DANTES can be better used by servicemembers. On his Luke tour he met with a group of students, with education services providers and local Reserve and National Guard education representatives at Luke's education services office. "The differences between the services are incredible," said Chief Zernick. "The Air Force has a strong established education program, but we're looking to expand that throughout the services." With the help of feedback and suggestions during tours such as this, DANTES is able to better the education programs on and off base to meet the needs of the members of the U.S. Armed Forces. According to Chief Zernick, there are some ongoing studies on distance learning using portable devices such as palm PCs or even iPods. The job of DANTES and the education office is to assist members in expanding that collection of options. "The opportunity for servicemembers to expand their education for free is amazing," Chief Zernick said. "We hope more individuals take advantage of the programs available to them." For more information on education services, call the Luke education office at (623) 856-7722.