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Thora Walsh-Padilla, Mescalero Tribe president, attends a mission brief at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, April 1, 2024. The Mescalero Apache tribe is a sovereign nation governed by a tribal council that often works closely with nearby military installations, including Holloman AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Antonio Salfran)

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U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Martin, 49th Wing command chief, highlights 49th Wing history to members of the Mescalero Apache Tribe at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, April 1, 2024. The Mescalero Apache tribe is a sovereign nation governed by a tribal council that often works closely with nearby military installations, including Holloman AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Antonio Salfran)

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U.S. Air Force Capt. Nathaniel Dickman, 8th Fighter Squadron F-16 Viper instructor pilot, showcases F-16 Viper weapons systems to members of the Mescalero Apache Tribe at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, April 1, 2024. The visit gave tribal members a closer look at Holloman’s unique training mission set. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Antonio Salfran)

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Kelton Starr, Mescalero Tribe education director, left, and Thora Walsh-Padilla, Mescalero Tribe president, examine a display in the 29th Attack Squadron showcasing figurines of service to air threats for the MQ-9 Reaper at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, April 1, 2024. The 29th Attack Squadron maintains a long-standing partnership with the Mescalero Apache tribe, affirming the tribe's lineage through the use of their mascot, the "Ghost Warrior." (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Antonio Salfran)

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U.S. Air Force Capt. Michael Kelvin, 8th Fighter Squadron F-16 Viper instructor pilot, shares stories from his experience of flying with members of the Mescalero Apache Tribe at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, April 1, 2024. The visit, which happens annually, gave tribal members a closer look at Holloman’s unique training mission set. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Antonio Salfran)

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U.S. Air Force Capt. Drake Figueroa, 29th Attack Squadron MQ-9 Reaper pilot, right, explains how MQ-9 training simulators operate to Kelton Starr, Mescalero Tribe education director, left, at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, April 1, 2024. The visit gave tribal members a closer look at Holloman’s unique training mission set. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Antonio Salfran)

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Mescalero Apache Tribe council members and leadership pose for a photo in front of an F-16 Viper with 49th Wing aircrew at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, April 1, 2024. This annual visit preserves the goodwill that exists between the Mescalero Apache Tribe and Holloman AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Antonio Salfran)

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U.S. Air Force Capt. Austin Banister, 29th Attack Squadron flight commander, presents fragments of a deployed Hellfire missile to Mescalero Apache tribe members at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, April 1, 2024. The visit gave tribal members a closer look at Holloman’s unique training mission set. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Antonio Salfran)

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Thora Walsh-Padilla, Mescalero Tribe president, examines the F-117 Nighthawk that is displayed in Heritage Park at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, April 1, 2024. The Mescalero Apache tribe is a sovereign nation governed by a tribal council that often works closely with nearby military installations, including Holloman AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Antonio Salfran)

Mescalero Tribal leadership visits the 49th Wing

Published April 16, 2024
By Senior Airman Antonio Salfra
49th Wing Public Affairs

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --