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  • Staff Sgt. Nicholas Heckler, 47th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, prepares for a long day in the field at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, April 17, 2019. The 47th SFS changed up the tempo with an exercise that challenged their tactics, teamwork and physical fitness as they were put head to head with a simulated opposing force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin N. Valmoja)

    Defensor Fortis: XL Defenders hold the line

    Laughlin's Defenders trekked through the base’s farthest corners, fighting off a simulated enemy with their sights set on sharpening their tactics as a unit at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, April 17, 2019. They changed up the tempo with an exercise that challenged their tactics, teamwork and physical fitness.
  • Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Classes 19-08 and 19-09 graduate after 52 weeks of training at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, April 19, 2019. Laughlin is the home of the 47th Flying Training Wing, whose mission is to train the next generation of multi-domain combat aviators, deploy mission-ready warriors and develop professional, confident leaders. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Senior Airman John Crawford, Airman 1st Class Marco A. Gomez)

    SUPT Classes 19-08 and 19-09 set to graduate

    Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Classes 19-08 and 19-09 graduate after 52 weeks of training at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, April 19, 2019. Laughlin is the home of the 47th Flying Training Wing, whose mission is to train the next generation of multi-domain combat aviators, deploy mission-ready warriors and develop professional, confident leaders. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Airman 1st Class Marco A. Gomez)
  • “Taking care of people so they can take care of the mission,” is one way to summarize an important role for the Air Force’s noncommissioned officers, Tech. Sgt. Janine White, 47th Student Squadron first sergeant and 47th Operations Support Squadron radar and weather systems NCO in-charge, describes how she does this in her dual roles in this edition of the Airman’s Spotlight. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Senior Airman Daniel Hambor)

    Airman’s Spotlight: Tech. Sgt. Janine White

    In a bid to enhance the leadership of students enrolled in the specialized undergraduate pilot training program, the 47th Student Squadron recently made Tech. Sgt. Janine White, the 47th Operations Support Squadron radar and weather systems NCO in-charge, the STUS’ first sergeant—a new position itself.
  • 1st Lt. Kimberly Bray, 434th Flying Training Squadron T-6A instructor pilot and flight scheduler, was chosen by wing leadership to be the “XLer” of the week, for the week of April 8, 2019, at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. The “XLer” award, presented by Col. Lee Gentile, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, is given to those who consistently make outstanding contributions to their unit and the Laughlin mission.

    XLer of the Week: 1st Lt. Kimberly Bray

    1st Lt. Kimberly Bray, 434th Flying Training Squadron T-6A instructor pilot and flight scheduler, was chosen by wing leadership to be the “XLer” of the week, for the week of April 8, 2019, at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. The “XLer” award, presented by Col. Lee Gentile, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, is given to those who consistently make outstanding contributions to their unit and the Laughlin mission.
  • Anthony Gennaro, 47th Civil Engineer Squadron deputy director, was chosen to become the deputy director for the 45th Civil Engineer Squadron at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, in June. “They have an intense mission supporting Cape Canaveral, protecting the whole east coast of Florida, and the squadron is two to three times larger,” Gennaro said. “So there’s going to be a lot of challenges. I’m excited to work with them with their mission.” (U.S. Air Force graphic by Senior Airman John A. Crawford)

    Airman's Spotlight: Anthony Gennaro

    Anthony Gennaro, 47th Civil Engineer Squadron deputy director, was chosen to become the deputy director for the 45th Civil Engineer Squadron at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, in June. Check out his insight in this edition of the Airman's Spotlight!
  • Lt. Col. Ryan Durham, 86th Flying Training Squadron commander, talks relationships in his Commander’s Corner. He believes caring for one another is of utmost importance and tending relationships among brothers and sisters in arms is the way to build a strong team. “How do we best strengthen relationships? One word: care,” Durham said. “People need to know and see that you genuinely care about them. Real relationships should not be confused with networking and must go beyond the standard ‘how are you?’ in the hallway. Take the time to listen to those around you.”

    Relationships matter

    One of Col Gentile’s 2019 focus areas for our wing is strengthening relationships. He has asked each member of Team XL to bolster relationships with our families, friends, and the Airman around us to include our subordinates, our peers, and our bosses. Upon hearing this focus area, I was reminded of an enduring lesson in leadership and life: relationships matter. Relationships matter because they form the foundation of success. This is especially true here at Laughlin. Building combat-ready pilots is a team sport that requires the contribution of many. No one accomplishes our mission alone. Instead, strong relationships enable mission success.
  • Rene Sanchez, 47th Maintenance Directorate aircraft mechanic, was chosen by wing leadership to be the “XLer of the Week”, for the week of April 1, 2019, at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. The “XLer” award, presented by Col. Todd Dyer, 47th Flying Training Wing vice commander, is given to those who consistently make outstanding contributions to their unit and the Laughlin mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin N. Valmoja)

    XLer of the week: Rene Sanchez

    Rene Sanchez, 47th Maintenance Directorate aircraft mechanic, was chosen by wing leadership to be the “XLer of the Week”, for the week of April 1, 2019, at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. The “XLer” award, presented by Col. Todd Dyer, 47th Flying Training Wing vice commander, is given to those who consistently make outstanding contributions to their unit and the Laughlin mission.
  • Chief Master Sgt. Robert L. Zackery III, 47th Flying Training Wing command chief master sergeant, from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Zackery has served in the Air Force nearly 23 years, gathering numerous values as well as experience during that time. Summing up what Zackery stands for is performance, hard work, ownership and fairness. He is against ego, laziness, discrimination and incompetence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anne McCready)

    Chief Zackery joins Team XL

    Chief Master Sgt. Robert L. Zackery III, 47th Flying Training Wing command chief master sergeant, is one of Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas’, newest leaders, and he is excited to be working with the members of Team XL. Being a Tactical Air Control Party (TAC-P), and having deployed and lived with the U.S. Army, U.S Navy and coalition countries, Zackery brings a diverse array of combat, joint and international experience to the table for the 47th Flying Training Wing.
  • Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor, speaks to Exchange employees at the Laughlin Base Exchange, March 26, 2019 at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. Reyes visited the Laughlin BX, Commissary and Shoppette as part of a tour of Exchange facilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman John A. Crawford)

    Exchange Senior Enlisted Advisor Focuses on Serving Airmen at Laughlin AFB

    Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s senior enlisted advisor, is making it his mission to ensure Airmen and families at Laughlin Air Force Base have the products they need, whether shopping in-store or online. During his visit to Laughlin on March 26, 2019, Reyes toured Exchange facilities and met with 47th Mission Support Group Superintendent Chief Master Sgt. Ronald Harper to address how the 123-year-old Department of Defense retailer can better serve Airmen.
  • Charles Webb III, 47th Maintenance Directorate director, asks if leaders born or if they are taught, and he believes there are expert opinions supporting both ideas. He says just because one’s mom or dad made it to the rank of general doesn’t mean they’ve got the natural leadership ability to make a good general, but he points out the Air Force feels strongly that leaders can be created. (U.S. Air Force photo by 47th Public Affairs)

    Leadership: how hard can it be?

    Charles Webb III, 47th Maintenance Directorate director, asks if leaders born or if they are taught, and he believes there are expert opinions supporting both ideas. He says just because one’s mom or dad made it to the rank of general doesn’t mean they’ve got the natural leadership ability to make a good general, but he points out the Air Force feels strongly that leaders can be created.
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