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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

Team BLAZE welcomes Santa, celebrates holiday season

  • Published
  • By Airman Davis Donaldson
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  

Team BLAZE kicked off the holiday season with Santa’s T-1A Jayhawk arrival followed by a tree lighting ceremony Dec. 3 on Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi.

Festivities began at the 14th Flying Training Wing’s Base Operations Center, where Airmen and their families listened to Christmas songs while awaiting the touchdown of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.

After their arrival, Mr. and Mrs. Claus were taxied over to greet the group. The Clauses then led a walking parade toward the BLAZE Chapel for the annual tree lighting festivities.

Capt. Paul Walker, 14th Flying Training Wing chaplain, explained the importance of the gathering.

“It’s a time to spread Christmas cheer and be part of the community,” Walker said. “It is really just about being able to connect together and enjoy this time celebrating the holiday season.”

Airmen and their families were welcomed at the chapel with Christmas tunes from the Caledonia High School choir and Team BLAZE members giving out hot chocolate, cookies, toys and other treats.

As the group was snacking on their treats, Col. Samantha Weeks, 14th Flying Training Wing commander, thanked the volunteers and talked to those in attendance about the importance of connecting with one another.

“This time of year provides an amazing opportunity for us to invest our time connecting with others,” Weeks said. “I encourage you to invest your time wisely, invest your time with your children and your family, invest your time with your friends and your wingmen.”

Weeks then said she is grateful for the Team BLAZE community and Columbus AFB. She also said to remember the loved ones in deployed environments during the holiday season.

“As we celebrate together, we hold in our hearts the men and women of Team BLAZE who are positioned around the world, contending for freedom and liberty,” Weeks said. “I want to personally thank each and every one of you and your families for the sacrifices that you make, especially those deployed at holiday times.”

Staff Sgt. Jo Jackson, whose husband is deployed, and her son, Desmond, helped light the 2019 Team BLAZE Christmas tree, in honor of the deployed Columbus AFB Airmen.

After the lighting, children were able to get a photo taken with Santa in the Kaye Auditorium.

Team BLAZE also helped the City of Columbus kick off their holiday season by participating in their Christmas Parade Dec. 2. Members of the Columbus AFB Fire Department drove one of their trucks in the parade and were led by Weeks and Chief Master Sgt. Raul Villarreal Jr., 14th FTW command chief.

Other base events coming up include Breakfast with Santa at the Club at 10 a.m. Dec. 14. The event is free and open to all ID card holders. There will also be a Menorah lighting at 4 p.m. Dec. 23, at the Chapel.

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.