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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

Chapel team earns top AETC honors

  • Published
  • By Shannon Carabajal
  • 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas --  For the second year in a row, the 59th Medical Wing Chaplain Office earned the Air Education and Training Command Robert P. Taylor Award for best small chapel team.

Back-to-back awards “vindicate the dedication and service our staff provides to patient, staff and families at the 59th Medical Wing,” said Lt. Col. (Ch.) Gary Bertsch, 59th MDW chaplain.

The chaplain’s office implements and maintains a comprehensive chapel ministry program to meet the spiritual needs of patients, assigned personnel and their families. The office also administrates the clinical pastoral education program at the San Antonio Military Medical Center on nearby Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. Currently, six residents are going through an intense trauma and clinical ministry program there.

“We help build spiritual resiliency through counseling, programs, visitation and interactions with staff. We service a wide medical campus,” Bertsch said.

With a focus on warrior care, the chapel team logged more than 5,300 unit engagement hours and provided spiritual care to 6,000 warrior medics in 2015. The team also provided pastoral care to nearly 8,000 patients including those receiving outpatient care and those going in for surgery.

“Everything our team does is as a team. We support each other, pick up other's workload if needed, support each other and work like a family. They deserve the kudos!” he said.

The staff also implemented several workshops and retreats aimed at building resiliency and empowering Airmen, staff and caregivers across Joint Base San Antonio.

With a team of only three chaplains and no chaplain assistants, volunteers and augmentees have been key to the office’s success, said Maj. (Ch.) Heather Bodwell, 59th MDW deputy chaplain.

“Without them, we couldn't function effectively,” said Bodwell. “As a staff, we pull together, prioritize and aim for the maximum impact. We have an exceptional team.”

For more information about 59th MDW Chaplain Office services and programs, call 210-292-7373.

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.