Leadership San Angelo Class of '26 Visits Goodfellow

Published Jan. 12, 2026
By Airman 1st Class James Salellas
17th Training Wing Public Affairs

GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --

GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas - The 17th Training Wing welcomed members from Leadership San Angelo (LSA) for an immersion at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 8, 2025.

LSA is a program from the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce designed to help develop future community leadership by introducing participants to various services, resources, organizations and businesses in the city of San Angelo.

The visit provided civic leaders with an opportunity to observe Goodfellow’s joint-service training pipeline, whilst strengthening the partnership between the base and the San Angelo community.

“I’m really thankful that the Air Force base allows us to do this — to come on base and learn about what they do on a daily basis,” said Jessica Behringer, San Angelo Chamber of Commerce program specialist. “Having that relationship is important because they bring thousands of Airmen through here, and it’s just as important for those Airmen to learn about the community they live in while they’re here.”

Leadership San Angelo Class of '26 Visits Goodfellow

U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Gerber, 17th Training Group commander, speaks with members of the Leadership San Angelo Class of 2026 during a wing mission brief at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Jan. 8, 2026. The immersion provided civic leaders an overview of how the 17th Training Wing trains, transforms and empowers joint and coalition warriors. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class James Salellas)

The immersion began at the Cressman Dining Facility, where the LSA class participated in a Lunch and Learn session. Attendees received a wing mission brief and had the opportunity to interact with U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Gerber, 17th Training Group commander.

Following lunch, they then traveled to the 17th Security Forces military working dog pavilion, where participants observed a live demonstration showcasing the training, discipline and operational capabilities of the military working dogs.

Leadership San Angelo Class of '26 Visits Goodfellow

A military working dog assigned to the 17th Security Forces Squadron clears an obstacle during a demonstration for members of the Leadership San Angelo Class of 2026 at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Jan. 8, 2026. The demonstration showcased the training and capabilities of military working dogs in support of installation security and mission readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class James Salellas)

The immersion continued at the 312th Training Squadron Louis F. Garland Fire Academy, where the LSA class learned how joint-service firefighters are trained to deliver rapid, lifesaving response in support of Department of War operations worldwide.

Leadership San Angelo Class of '26 Visits Goodfellow

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Benjamin Shearer, 312th Training Squadron commander, speaks with the Leadership San Angelo Class of 2026 during an immersion at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Jan. 8, 2026. Participants received firsthand insight into how Goodfellow supports global security through specialized training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class James Salellas)

LSA later arrived at the Instructional Technology Unit, receiving an overview of how modern instructional tools and training innovations enhance learning outcomes and support mission readiness across Goodfellow’s technical training pipeline.

The day concluded with a class mixer at the Powell Event Center, bringing together LSA participants, current and former honorary commanders and 17th Training Wing members to foster dialogue and reinforce the enduring partnership between the base and the local community.

Leadership San Angelo Class of '26 Visits Goodfellow

Adam Hallmark, Leadership San Angelo Alumni, uses virtual reality training equipment at the Instructional Technology Unit during a LSA immersion at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Jan. 8, 2026. The visit demonstrated how innovative instructional tools enhance training effectiveness and support mission readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class James Salellas)

Leadership San Angelo Class of '26 Visits Goodfellow

The Leadership San Angelo Class of 2026 observe a training scenario at the 312th Training Squadron’s Louis F. Garland Fire Academy at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Jan. 8, 2026. The visit highlighted how firefighters from across the services train to respond to emergencies and protect mission-critical assets worldwide. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class James Salellas)

Leadership San Angelo Class of '26 Visits Goodfellow

Jessica Behringer, San Angelo Chamber of Commerce program specialist, speaks during a Leadership San Angelo Class of 2026 immersion visit at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Jan. 8, 2026. The immersion strengthened partnerships between the installation and the local community by highlighting the base’s training mission and daily operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class James Salellas)