VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Senior Airman Christopher Lewis, a 30th Logistics Readines Squadron vehicle dispatcher, speaks with Rob Powell, a Grand Canyon University representative, at an education fair here Thursday, August 16, 2012. The fair, held at the Base Education Center here, had more than 50 colleges and programs present and was open to anyone with base access. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Levi Riendeau) VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Team V members look over college displays at an education fair here Thursday, August 16, 2012. The fair, held at the Base Education Center here, had more than 50 colleges and programs present and was open to anyone with base access. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Levi Riendeau) VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Distinguished visitors wait for ground breaking ceremony for the new education center here Thursday, August 16, 2012. The new 38,384 square foot facility will replace the current education center, which is more than 50 years old. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Levi Riendeau) VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Col. Nina Armagno, the 30th Space Wing commander, speaks to distinguished visitors before ground breaking ceremony for the new education center here Thursday, August 16, 2012. The new 38,384 square foot facility will replace the current education center, which is more than 50 years old. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Levi Riendeau) VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Col. Nina Armagno, the 30th Space Wing commander, speaks to distinguished visitors before ground breaking ceremony for the new education center here Thursday, August 16, 2012. The new 38,384 square foot facility will replace the current education center, which is more than 50 years old. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Levi Riendeau) VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Army Col. R. Mark Toy, Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District commander, speaks to distinguished visitors before a ground breaking ceremony for the new education center here Thursday, August 16, 2012. The new 38,384 square foot facility will replace the current education center, which is more than 50 years old. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Levi Riendeau) VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Col. Jed Davis, the 30th Mission Support Group commander, Col. Nina Armagno, the 30th Space Wing commander, Barbara Bennie, Vandenberg's Force Development Flight commander, Army Col. R. Mark Toy, Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District commander, break the ground for the new education center here Thursday, August 16, 2012. The new 38,384 square foot facility will replace the current education center which is more than 50 years old. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Levi Riendeau) VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Airmen speak with Dorian Hodge, the 30th Force Support Squadron Community College of the Air Force advisor, about their CCAF and what steps to take to complete it at an education fair here Thursday, August 16, 2012. The fair, held at the Base Education Center here, had more than 50 colleges and programs present and was open to anyone with base access. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Levi Riendeau) Team V breaks ground for new education center by Jennifer Green-Lanchoney 30th Space Wing Public Affairs 8/20/2012 - VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  -- Members of the Vandenberg Force Development Flight hosted a groundbreaking ceremony here Aug. 16 for a new education center. The 38,384 square foot facility is designed to include education offices and five institutions of higher learning for mission essential training and professional development. "The new center is critical to support our people, their mission and continue the vision necessary in providing top-notch educational and training opportunities to our personnel and surrounding communities," said Barbara Bennie, Vandenberg's Force Development Flight chief. "Providing the best possible environment will ensure our future status as first class defenders with the changing needs of the Air Force." The $14.2 million education center will provide voluntary off-duty educational opportunities to Vandenberg communities, family members and civilians, said Bennie. "Our Airmen are our most valuable and precious resource," said Col. Nina Armagno, 30th Space Wing commander. "We do our very best to provide our services and resources to them to ensure their success and the success of our mission here at Vandenberg." The current education center is more than 50 years old and was originally designated as an elementary school. "This new facility will help achieve compatibility with current and future missions, contribute to Vandenberg's personnel quality of life and develop a sound infrastructure system that modernizes facilities and structure," said Bennie. "The project site is centrally located to the enlisted dorms, the main gate, and military housing." The center is scheduled to open in fall 2013.