An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

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
See More
Photo of an undergaraduate combat systems officer graduation 479th Flying Training Group
479th Flying Training Group
See More
An Airman inspects an aircraft 12th Operations Group
12th Operations Group
See More

Articles

42nd Army surgeon general lauds medical graduates

  • Published
  • By Elaine Sanchez
  • Brooke Army Medical Center Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas --  The 42nd Army surgeon general had high praise for the nearly 250 medical and allied health graduates being honored at the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium awards and graduation ceremony June 10 in downtown San Antonio.

"I extend to you my sincere and deepest thanks to all of our graduates for your service and commitment to defend the nation and congratulations on your accomplishments," retired Lt. Gen. Eric Schoomaker told a packed audience in the Lila Cockrell Theatre. "I cannot be but excited for you as you become leaders in the finest and most highly respected system of health and healthcare system in America and the world."

SAUSHEC is the organization responsible for military graduate medical and allied health education in San Antonio. It comprises training sites at Brooke Army Medical Center and Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, and maintains a close partnership with the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. The consortium was created to promote teaching, patient care, research and military readiness.

The ceremony marked the culmination of years of postgraduate training for Air Force, Army, Navy and civilian practitioners. This year, along with Schoomaker, Dr. Woodson "Scott" Jones, dean of SAUSHEC, Col. Jeffrey Johnson, BAMC commander, and Col. Rachel Lefebvre, 59th Medical Wing vice commander, were on hand to present certificates to the 246 graduates: 196 physicians and 50 graduate allied health professionals.

The former surgeon general lauded the education programs that foster excellence in military medicine.

"I am absolutely convinced that we would not still be defending the nation through repeated deployments while advancing care for casualties from the point of injury or illness on an austere battlefield or humanitarian crisis to our medical centers and community hospitals back home were it not for our robust graduate health and allied health education programs," Schoomaker said. "These programs attract the very best young doctors, nurses, dentists, administrators, chaplains … and they retain our best mid-career faculty."

The 41-year Army officer also praised the "remarkable degree of cooperation and coordination of care across the continuum of care from active duty into veteran status."

"You begin the next phase of your military medical careers in a Military Health System so far beyond what I experienced when I came into this elite team that I am amazed and humbled," he said. "Above all else in the years ahead, know that you are caring for a remarkable military family who at their core shares your values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage."

During the awards ceremony, Air Force Lt. Col. Erik Weitzel, otolaryngology, was named the recipient of the Gold Headed Cane. This prestigious award recognizes excellence in patient care, teaching, clinical research and operational medicine.

The following individuals also were honored with research and merit awards:

-- Animal/Basic Science Research: Air Force Maj. Adam Willis, neurology;

-- Fellow Clinical Research: Maj. Aaron R. Farmer, infectious disease;

-- Resident Primary Care Research: Air Force Capt. Antonia Helbling, emergency medicine;

-- Resident Surgical Research: Maj. Katherine M. Bedigrew, orthopaedics;

-- Performance Improvement Project: Air Force Capt. John C. Hunninghake, internal medicine;

-- Major John Gillespie Award (Outstanding Intern): Air Force Capt. Andrew T. Patterson, transitional year;

-- Major David S. Berry Award (Outstanding Resident): Air Force Maj. Brit J. Long, emergency medicine;

-- Col. Donald M. Null Award (Outstanding Fellow): Maj. Ian M. Ward, rheumatology;

-- Graduate Allied Health Education Award (Outstanding Educator): Dr. Gail Deyle, manual physical therapy;

-- Lt. Gen. PK Carlton Award (Outstanding Faculty): Air Force Maj. Benjamin D. Morrow, nephrology;

-- Outstanding Program Coordinator Award: Nancy Montgomery, neurology; and

-- COL John D. Roscelli Award (Outstanding Program Director): Dr. Jay Higgs, rheumatology.

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.