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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 Recruiting Service honors Blue Suit winners

  • Published
  • By Leslie Brown
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas --  

Air Force Recruiting Service honored this year’s top recruiters during their annual Operation Blue Suit Arrival Ceremony March 21, 2023, an event complete with a saber team and the Air Force’s own Band of the West performing.

The ceremony was a chance to celebrate their outstanding achievements and publicly thank them for their contribution to the Air Force recruiting.

“Each year we recognize and celebrate the Air Force’s best of the best, our top recruiters and Operation Blue Suit winners,” said Maj. Gen. Ed Thomas, AFRS commander. “Beginning in 1979, this time-honored tradition recognized the first group of recruiters for surpassing all goals, displaying the highest leadership qualities, and having the most impact on our mission.”

Thomas went on to say how despite the recruiting challenges this past year, these recruiters overcame those challenges with the help of their families and fellow teammates.

“Operation Blue Suit is our equivalent the MVP award in an NFL match on the gridiron, you are here to be honored so enjoy this week of events,” he said.  “As this year’s Total Force winners, you’ve clearly distinguished yourselves among the entire recruiting force—you are among the top .85% of this elite group.”  

Blue Suit winners, along with spouses and significant others, arrived like celebrities under a Saber Team Arch provided by Randolph High School’s AFJROTC; they were also greeted by AFRS personnel, Air Force Recruiting Alumni Association members, and other distinguished visitors as they arrived at Fleenor Auditorium in Randolph’s famed Taj Mahal. Throughout the week, the top recruiters will be recognized for their outstanding recruitment efforts during Fiscal 2022.

These 18 Airmen are the best of AFRS’ over 2,100 recruiters located throughout the United States as well as England, Germany, Italy, Japan, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands.

This year’s Operation Blue Suit Winners are:

Tech. Sgt. Mario Soriano, 369th Recruiting Squadron

Master Sgt. William Coleman, 342nd RCS,

Master Sgt. Ronald Graham, 314th RCS

Master Sgt. Terry Smith, 372nd Recruiting Group

Tech. Sgt. Elaine Tejada, 345th RCS

Tech. Sgt. Joshua Ewing, 369th RCS

Master Sgt. Darius Perry, 331st RCS

Tech. Sgt. Shane Hinton, 332nd RCS

Master Sgt. Marsi Smith, 367th RCG

Tech. Sgt. Lauren Niece, 367th RCG

Master Sgt. Richard McConnahay, HQ AFRS

Tech. Sgt. Taylor Ogden, 105th Air Wing

Master Sgt. Bryan Fletcher, 202nd Red Horse Squadron

Master Sgt. Johnny O’Hagan, 140th Wing

Master Sgt. Jesse Mitchell, 342nd RCS

Staff Sgt. Andrew Doody-Veilleux, 336th RCS

Tech. Sgt. Andrew Bugg, 330th RCS

Tech. Sgt. Eryn Merino, 314th RCS

Operation Blue Suit started in 1979 to recognize the Air Force’s best recruiters for their efforts in recruiting a diverse, high-performing all-volunteer force to fill career fields critical to the Air Force accomplishing its missions. This year’s honorees represent the best in total force recruiting and have set a high standard for future generations of Air Force recruiters to follow.

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.