Texas Senator visits Laughlin

By 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs, 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs / Published February 21, 2020

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Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas tours Laughlin’s enlisted dormitories with Col. Lee Gentile, the 47th Flying Training Wing commander, on 20 Feb, 2020 at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. During his visit, Sen. Cruz was given a tour of lower enlisted dorm facilities and given a summary of proposed changes and plans for the dorms. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman John A. Crawford)

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Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, meets with members of the Del Rio and Laughlin community, on 20 Feb, 2020 at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. Members of the local community and base leadership discussed a variety of topics with Sen. Cruz, including the impact of wind turbine farms on the pilot training mission and quality of life improvements provided by dormitory renovations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman John A. Crawford)

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Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas poses for a photo with members of the Del Rio and Laughlin community, on 20 Feb, 2020 at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. Sen. Cruz visited Laughlin to meet with community members and discuss issues affecting Laughlin, Del Rio and Val Verde County. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman John A. Crawford)

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --

The 47th Flying Training Wing hosted Senator Ted Cruz during a visit to Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Feb. 20, 2020.

Along with demonstrating the pilot training mission, the visit also showcased ongoing projects on base.

“We’re happy to have Senator Cruz come to Laughlin and visit the men and women of Team XL,” said Col. Lee Gentile, 47th Flying Training Wing commander. “It’s a great opportunity for us to show how we graduate the world’s best military leaders, Airmen and pilots, and how we intend to keep doing that.”

Beginning in the afternoon with a visit with wing leadership, Cruz visited the enlisted dormitories where Lt. Col. Jeffrey Klein, 47th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, showed plans for the new dormitories.

After the tour, Cruz was briefed on an assortment of Laughlin related topics—including the impact of wind turbine farms to the pilot training mission and quality of life improvements provided by the dormitory renovations.

“It was great to discuss the plans we have for our dormitories with our elected leaders and we look forward to potential future funding to get these efforts off the ground,” Klein said.

Once the tour concluded, Cruz met with local and regional leaders to discuss challenges in the local area.

“We’re grateful to have Senator Cruz come out and visit Laughlin,” said Blanca Larson, Del Rio Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. “Their mission provides a lot to our nation and their people provide a lot to our community.”