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12th Flying Training Wing

The 12th Flying Training Wing, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, develops the next generation of Air Force aviators and enlisted aircrew by providing world-class flying training and education. The wing trains Airmen in the fundamentals of airmanship, instruction and leadership, preparing them for success in operational units across the Air Force. Through undergraduate Combat Systems Officer training, Pilot Instructor Training, Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals, Remotely Piloted Aircraft pilot indoctrination, enlisted aviator training, and other specialized programs, the 12th FTW produces skilled, adaptable, and combat-ready professionals capable of meeting the demands of today's complex operating environment while strengthening the future of American airpower.

 

 

12FTW Units

aircraft mechanic, performs maintenance 12th Maintenance Group
12th Maintenance Group
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Photo of an undergaraduate combat systems officer graduation 479th Flying Training Group
479th Flying Training Group
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An Airman inspects an aircraft 12th Operations Group
12th Operations Group
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Articles

58th SOW hosts children from local hospital

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. J.D. Strong II
  • Kirtland Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  A cool breeze swept through the air on the flight line, but the cold weather wouldn’t match the warmth of laughter and smiles that filled area. Pairs of feet marched across the chilled pavement at a fast rate, moving to and from different aircraft to see what could be done next. These weren’t maintainers or pilots doing pre- and post-flight checks, but kids experiencing life as a 58th Special Operations Wing Airmen. 

The 58th SOW partnered with the Children’s Cancer Fund of New Mexico, to give children who were diagnosed with cancer an opportunity to leave the hospital and experience life in their wing. Children from the Presbyterian and University of New Mexico children’s hospitals visited the 58th SOW Dec. 21.  

“Hearing some of the stories of what these families go through and having to deal with that at such a young age is eye opening, so we put together a day for them and their families to get out and see something different, something fun for them to do,” said Capt. Michael Tolzein, MC-130J pilot and deputy chief of scheduling in the 415th Special Operations Squadron.  

Each child and their family were personally escorted to the flight line by Tolzein and were greeted by pilots, operators and aircraft upon their arrival.

A MC-130J, HH-60 PAVE Hawk, CV-22 Osprey and a UH-1N Huey were all on display for the visitors to photograph, explore and tour. At each static aircraft, the pilots and operators answered questions about the airframe, assisted the patrons with trying on gear and demonstrated how to properly use the gear. 

After exploring the various aircraft, families then visited the sheet metal shop, where the visitors received a demonstration of it capabilities before being treated to a pizza, wraps, salads and cookies for lunch in a hanger.

Before leaving the event, parents expressed their thanks to the wing for putting on the event and giving their children a needed change in their schedules.

“To spend time with my son and his friends from the cancer center is awesome, they don’t get out and do very much because they are always in the hospital,” said Dolores Willis. “My son wants to join the military, so him experiencing this is awesome.”

The experience not only gave the children a chance to do something new and gain a better understanding of how the wing works, but also gave some of the Airmen extra motivation.

“I love kids and wanted to get more involved in the community,” said Staff Sgt. Zach Harmon, 58th Special Operations Wing MC-130J aircraft loadmaster. “I love the enthusiasm when they come on the plane, answering questions they have and telling them what I do on a day to day basis, makes the job feel a lot more worth it and it gives me more inspiration to keep doing what I am doing.” 

Public Affairs Information

Tours of the 12th Flying Training Wing are provided to various community organizations, high schools, businesses, and academic military recruitment programs to educate their members about the 12th FTW mission.

Due to the high volume of requests and limited public affairs resources, tours and static displays are limited.

Please submit all requests in writing to the 12th FTW Public Affairs by email to 12ftw.pa.1@us.af.mil at least three weeks but no more than six weeks in advance. You may also call 210-652-1272.

Tours are not available on weekends and may be cancelled at any time because of increased security measures or mission requirements. The 12th FTW does not host tours of Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph at-large. To schedule a tour of JBSA-Randolph, please contact JBSA-Randolph Public Affairs at 502abw.pa.official@us.af.mil or dial 210-652-4410.

If desired, requestors must arrange all meals. PA will provide contact information to base eateries. Modified tours will be granted for those with limited mobility - this must be stated on the tour request. If not stated, it is assumed that mobility is not an issue.