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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.

 

 

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Articles

Air Force Medics’ heroics highlight vital role of military health professionals

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tory Patterson
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  

When a civilian collapsed from cardiac arrest at a busy Air Force dining facility, it wasn’t just a medical emergency — it was a moment that showcased the life-saving power and purpose of military health professionals.

Back of paramedic as he briefs Wilford Hall Emergency Department staff

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. JaCoy Erickson, 59th Medical Wing emergency services flight EMS section chief, describes the heroic efforts of Staff Sgt. Austin Lawhon and Senior Airman James Henry, 59th Medical Wing paramedics, that led to a patient surviving an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest event on Lackland Air Force Base in March 2025. “This was more than just a save — it was a reminder of what trained military medics are capable of every day,” said Erickson. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Tory Patterson)
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In early March, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Austin Lawhon, a 59th Medical Wing paramedic at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, led an emergency response that defied the odds. Lawhon and Senior Airman James Henry, 59th Medical Wing aerospace medical services technician and paramedic, responded to a 911 call at a Basic Military Training dining facility where they found first responders performing CPR on the collapsed civilian.

Recognizing a rare and deadly cardiac rhythm disturbance, Lawhon led coordination with fire and medical personnel, established an airway, administered critical medications, and stabilized the patient for transport to a nearby cardiac treatment facility. Despite a survival rate of just 9.1% for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest events, the patient regained a heartbeat and demonstrated signs of healthy brain activity – critical elements for recovery. 

While CPR was initiated by fire department first responders, the event also serves as a powerful reminder that early intervention – often by bystanders – can be the first and most critical step in saving a life.

"The earlier CPR is initiated in a cardiac arrest, the better the survival rate," explained Staff Sgt. JaCoy Erickson, 59th Medical Wing EMS (Emergency Medical Services) section chief. "The more people who are trained in Basic Life Support or CPR, the higher the pre-hospital survival rate, and one of the most important contributing factors is early use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) — so familiarity with its location and how to use it is very important.”

That chain of survival — from rapid AED deployment to the arrival of trained medics — plays a critical role in a patient's outcome, highlighting how every link, from public readiness to professional response, can make the difference between life and death.

“This was more than just a save — it was a reminder of what trained military medics are capable of every day,” said Erickson.

A civilian Air Force paramedic pins an EMS Field Save Pin onto the shirt of a Senior Airman paramedic in front of an ambulance

Senior Airman James Henry (right), 59th Medical Wing paramedic, receives an EMS Field Save Pin from Bruce Hale, 59th Medical Wing paramedic, at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, April 23, 2025. Henry provided vital medical support to save the life of a patient experiencing an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest - a medical event with only a 9.1% approximate chance of survival. EMS Field Save Pins are a symbolic honor to celebrate the rarity and significance of a successful out-of-hospital save and the heroism, training, and teamwork involved in saving a life. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Tory Patterson)
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Both Lawhon and Henry were recognized with EMS Field Save Pins, a symbolic honor celebrating the rarity and significance of a successful out-of-hospital save and the heroism, training, and teamwork involved in saving a life. 

“On that day in March, a patient died on the floor,” said Bruce Hale, 59th Medical Wing paramedic. “Despite tremendous odds against him, Sergeant Lawhon led his team to restore life to that patient. He’s the embodiment of what is achievable with a good attitude and hard work after a few years in the Air Force.” 

Lawhon’s journey from his home state of Arkansas to front-line medic at Joint Base San Antonio illustrates the opportunities available in military medicine. After gaining early clinical experience and completing Paramedic School through the Air Force, he quickly rose through the ranks, driven by a passion for helping others during moments of crisis.

Military medics don’t just serve on deployments. They’re saving lives at home, in communities, and on bases across the country. With access to advanced training, state-of-the-art technology, and meaningful work, careers in military health professions offer purpose, growth, and the chance to make a real difference.

Air Force paramedics pose in front of ambulance

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Austin Lawhon (left) and Senior Airman James Henry, 59th Medical Wing paramedics, provided emergency medical response to a patient experiencing an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest event on Lackland Air Force Base, Texas in March 2025. “On that day, a patient died on the floor,” said Bruce Hale, 59th Medical Wing paramedic. “Despite tremendous odds against him, Sergeant Lawhon led his team to restore life to that patient. He’s the embodiment of what is achievable with a good attitude and hard work after a few years in the Air Force.” Both Lawhon and Henry were recognized with EMS Field Save Pins, a symbolic honor recognizing the rarity and significance of an out-of-hospital save, at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, April 23, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Tory Patterson)
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Interested in becoming a combat medic, paramedic, nurse, or other health professional in the military? Visit www.airforce.com/healthcare or speak with your local recruiter to learn how you can join a team that’s saving lives and shaping futures every day.

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.