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Team XL inducts new honorary commanders, refreshes program

  • Published
  • By Capt. Christine Del Aguila
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  

Twenty-two distinguished guests from across the local Del Rio, Texas community joined 47th Flying Training Wing leadership during the class 2024-2026 Honorary Commander Induction Ceremony Sept. 6, 2024.  

Team XL inducted 14 new honorary commanders into the program that aims to cultivate partnership, build new relationships and educate community members about Laughlin AFB’s mission to Build Combat Ready Airmen, Leaders and Pilots. 

The 47th FTW Public Affairs office reinvigorated the two-year term program by introducing new individuals from a cross section of the community and pairing them with various wing, group, and squadron leadership to create synergistic relationships. 

“Laughlin brings a $1.6 billion impact to this region, directly impacting our economy, comprising 23% of our labor force and 30% of our housing market,” said Shannalea Taylor, honorary commander to the 47th FTW commander and guest speaker of the event. “All of us as business owners certainly know the importance of Laughlin AFB.” 

The Honorary Commander Program provides the opportunity for community leaders to connect as friends and learn how the base can be supported by its surrounding community.  

“The magic happens outside of those numbers,” continued Taylor, a Texas Military Preparedness Commissioner, and Chief Market Officer/President of Del Rio Bank and Trust. “The magic for us is that you bring you and your families to the community who impact our lives forever.” 

Air Force civic leader programs are comprised of civilian participants who can positively impact public support of the base, enhancing the bond between local civic leaders and the Air Force.  

“This program is a unique opportunity to educate military members and community partners about what we can do to support each other,” said Col. Tyler Ellison, 47th FTW commander. “The key to this program is effort. Whatever you put into it is what you get out of it. Thank you for your commitment and support to making this program a success.” 

The 47th FTW created the Emeritus Honorary Commander Program this year, in an effort to recognize outgoing honorary commanders, maintaining contact and access to base. 

“Whether you’re new to the program or have been heavily involved with Laughlin AFB over the years,” continued Ellison. “I’m really grateful that each of you are willing to stand up and volunteer your time to take on this opportunity.”   

LAFB Honorary Commander Class 2024-2026: 

  • 47th FTW commander: Ms. Shannalea Taylor 

  • 47th FTW deputy commander: Mr. Eddie Amezcua 

  • 47th FTW command chief: Mr. Clay Ellis 

  • 47th FTW Operations Group: Mr. James “Skip” Baker 

  • 47th FTW Mission Support Group: Ms. Nanca Rodriguez 

  • 47th Maintenance Directorate: Mr. David Carleton 

  • 47th Medical Group: Mr. Jorge Jurado 

  • 434th Flying Training Squadron and 85th FTS (T-6A Nation): Ms. Sarah Sigmon 

  • 86th FTS: Mr. Jacinto Rivera 

  • 87th FTS: Mr. Abram Rodriguez 

  • 47th Student Squadron: Ms. M’Lynn Gearhart and Mr. Carlos Ayala 

  • 96th FTS: Dr. Clay Whitten 

  • 47th Operations Support Squadron: Mr. Kenneth Smith 

  • 47th Contracting Squadron: Mr. Jorge Ramon 

  • 47th Civil Engineer Squadron: Mr. Richard Gonzalez 

  • 47th Communications Squadron: Ms. Mariana Zuniga 

  • 47th Force Support Squadron: Mr. Eduardo Rodriguez 

  • 47th Security Forces Squadron: Ms. Jeanne Slover 

  • 47th Logistic Readiness Flight: Mr. Juan Carlos Vasquez 

  • Components Maintenance Division: Mr. Alfredo Escobar 

  • T-1A Aircraft Maintenance Division: Mr. Carlos Barrera 

  • T-6A Aircraft Maintenance Division: Ms. Sonia Vargas 

  • T-38C Aircraft Maintenance Division: Ms. Courtney Dennis 

  • 47th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron: Ms. Claudia Falcon 

  • 47th Healthcare Operations Squadron: Mr. Keith Willey 

  • 47th FTW Chapel Team: Dr. Jim Wilson 

  • 47th Comptroller Squadron: Mr. Grant Weiland 

 

2024 LAFB Emeritus Honorary Commanders: 

  • Ms. Blanca Larson 

  • Dr. Carlos Rios 

  • Dr. Valerie Cadena-Vargas 

  • Mr. Tony Hernandez 

  • Mr. Philip George 

  • Mr. Robert Lohr  

  • Ms. Lupita De La Paz 

  • Mr. Auturo De La Garza Jr.  

  • Mr. Matthew Payton 

  • Ms. Elaine Trevino 

  • Mr. Andy Mitchell 

  • Mr. Juan Onofre 

  • Mr. Don Beeson 

Visit https://www.laughlin.af.mil/About-Us/Honorary-Commander-Program/ for more information on the Laughlin AFB Honorary Commander Program and how to join.