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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

Keesler member wins GEICO Military Service Award

  • Published
  • By Britneé Davis
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  

Staff Sgt. Rashawn Thompson, 81st Medical Operations Squadron mental health technician, is the Air Force’s 2018 GEICO Military Service Award recipient.
 
Awarded annually to one member from each of the five armed services branches, the award recognizes a service member’s contributions to health and safety issues in their local and military communities.
 
Thompson’s work focuses on drug and alcohol abuse prevention. Out of Keesler’s 18 mental health technicians, Thompson is the only nationally certified psychiatric technician.
 
During his time at Keesler, Thompson supported 12 mental health providers with providing patient care to approximately 9,000 beneficiaries. Additionally, he facilitated instructing more than 765 students through weekly Drunk Busters and Peer to Peer education on substance use.
 
Thompson attributed winning this award as a team effort.
 
“I believe I won simply because my leadership believed in me,” said Thompson. “They spent a lot of time putting together my package, making sure I was doing the things that I needed to do and making sure my passion was directed in the right direction.”
 
Tech. Sgt. Anna Coker, 81st MDOS mental health technician NCO in charge, said she nominated Thompson for the award because he goes above and beyond each day.
 
“His ability to help the patients through their times of need is a true testament of why I nominated him,” said Coker. “Every patient speaks highly of the care. [Sergeant] Thompson has always gone above and beyond throughout his career, and I am happy to see him recognized for his hard work.”
 
She added that Thompson’s impact on the alcohol and drug abuse prevention program contributed to Keesler winning the 2017 Air Force Surgeon General’s Best Hospital of the Year.
 
Thompson says it’s nice to be recognized for his work, but the most fulfilling part is helping others.
 
“The most rewarding part for me is listening to someone who is struggling, and helping them walk out of the door better than they walked in,” he said. “It feels good knowing that something I did or said helped them through a tough time.”
 
A singer at heart, Thompson didn’t know his voice would be used to help people in a clinic setting, but he always knew it was a powerful tool. He credits the Air Force for helping him find a way to continue using his voice for good.
 
“I’ve always loved singing. My voice made people laugh, my voice made people sing, and my voice made people clap. Transitioning into the military, my voice still does that, it just does it in a different way. It soothes, it calms and it brings things into perspective. It may not be over a [music] beat, but it still makes people feel something,” said Thompson.


 

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.