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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

Air Force Band of the West performs at the National Medal of Honor Museum groundbreaking ceremony

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tyler McQuiston
  • 502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
ARLINGTON, Texas --  

The National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation hosted their groundbreaking ceremony in Arlington, Texas on March 25, 2022. Distinguished guests in attendance included Former United States President George W. Bush with his wife Laura Bush, 20th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Joseph M. Martin, 15 Medal of Honor Recipients and other guests and family members.

“The National Medal of Honor Museum will enshrine the stories of our Medal of Honor recipients for the future generations to come,” said Milley, 20th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. “Visitors will come to understand the meaning and price for freedom and appreciate the virtue of putting service before self.”

Since the Civil War, more than 40 million individuals have served in the United States Armed Forces. Only 3,511 service members have received the Medal of Honor and 66 are alive today.

“We don’t believe we did America a favor by our service and sacrifice. We believe that God did us a favor by allowing us to be born in this great country among people like you,” said Patrick Brady, a Medal of Honor recipient.

The United States Air Force Band of the West preformed throughout the ceremony. The band played in partnership with the Air National Guard Band of the Southwest, members from the Band of Mid America and USAF Heritage of America band to create the USAF Total Force Band. Their mission is to honor, inspire and connect through music.

“I was extremely proud and humbled by the Airman-musicians that came together from four different organizations, across three different major commands and with the Air National Guard to elevate the pomp and circumstance of this significant ceremony,” said Maj. Dustin Doyle, USAF Band of the West commander.

The Air National Guard Band is currently supporting Operation Lone Star. or OLS, a joint mission between the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Military Department along the southern border between Texas and Mexico. Nine of those band members were able to leave and support the Medal of Honor ceremony.

“Supporting an event of this magnitude is always a special feeling,” said MSgt. Douglas Kost, Band of the West section chief of operations. “These types of events do not happen often, so I was glad we were able to have a role in making the day special for the Medal of Honor recipients.”

The National Medal of Honor Museum will serve as the only national institution dedicated to the livelihood and legacy of the service members who have and will become Medal of Honor recipients.

“I was extremely honored to be a part of such a ceremony,” said Airman Jonah Kelly, Band of Mid America member. “Performing for this audience was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Members of the band were coined by Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Joseph M. Martin for their performance. The band will continue to practice and preform throughout the year. Upcoming performances include ceremonies across Joint Base San Antonio as well as travel to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands in support of their community relations and recruiting efforts.

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.