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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 Airman awarded Distinguished Flying Cross

  • Published
  • By Kendahl Johnson
  • Kirtland Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Maj. Michael Tolzien from Kirtland’s 58th Special Operations Wing was recognized at a July 6 ceremony with the Distinguished Flying Cross for his efforts as an aircraft commander who provided airdrop support to allied forces under heavy fire.

Tolzien’s Distinguished Flying Cross was awarded “with Valor,” which denotes an act of heroism at grave personal risk far above and beyond while engaged in direct combat with and exposure to an enemy’s hostilities.

In January 2016 while deployed in Afghanistan, then-Capt. Tolzien received an alert call for a high priority mission stating that a special operations forces ground team was under heavy enemy fire, isolated from conventional support, and would soon be overrun by enemy forces.

Tolzien immediately prepared his aircraft with 1,600 pounds of combat-critical supplies that could be airdropped to the SOF team and would allow the team to drive back the enemy forces and survive the battle. Minutes after the aircraft was loaded with the supplies it was off the ground and flying toward the fight.

The ground battle was so intense the airdrop location was changed multiple times, putting immense pressure on Tolzien’s crew to accurately recalculate the perfect release point. If the supplies did not land exactly where they were needed, the ground team would be unable to access the supplies and they would be overrun by the enemy forces.

As conditions rapidly deteriorated for the ground team, Tolzien proceeded with the airdrop at the best determined location, flying at critically slow airspeeds at just 800 feet above the ground. Although his aircraft was struck multiple times by enemy fire, Tolzien’s courage under heavy enemy fire and his ability to make quick decisions in combat resulted in providing life-saving ammunition and medical supplies within 50 meters of the special forces team, halting any further loss of life and directly contributed to a successful counterattack.

“The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Tolzien reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force,” the award citation stated.

Tolzien, who is the chief of current operations in the 58th Operations Group, said his training at the 58th SOW prepared him to be successful in the operation.

“I’m humbled to receive this award,” Tolzien said, “and I know the training you’re getting here will prepare you to do the same thing in similar circumstances.”

Col. Bradley Downs, vice commander of the 492nd Special Operations Wing, presented the award to Tolzien and called him one of the most “humble and unassuming aviators you’ll ever meet.”

“Tolzien is someone who lives the professional ethos we all hold dear,” Downs said.

Also at the ceremony was the mother, Joyce Montoya, and other relatives of Sgt. 1st Class Matthew McClintock of the Washington Army National Guard. McClintock was the only casualty of the attack that day.

The Distinguished Flying Cross is a military decoration awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves in support of operations by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight.

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.