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Laughlin flight commander wins ‘Best in AETC’

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  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A Laughlin flight commander was named best in Air Education and Training Command recently, for overseeing more than 200 lieutenants during the time between entering active duty and beginning pilot training.

Capt. Jennifer Moore, 47th Student Squadron assistant operations officer, earned the award during her time as the transition flight commander, competing with flight commanders from 13 Air Force bases, the United States Air Force Academy, Reserve Officer Training Corps units and various recruiting stations across the country.

Moore, who expressed gratitude and pride in receiving the award, was quick to point out that the hard work she put in was not about receiving recognition from her supervisors.

"The best part of my job was the impact I was able to make on my people's lives," said Moore. "I was the first person they saw in the Air Force, so it was really cool to have people come back to me and keep me posted on how their training was progressing."

In addition to her duties as a flight commander, Moore also served as a T-6A Texan II instructor pilot with more than 125 instructor pilot hours which, according to her, did not detract from her primary supervisory role.

However, Moore's work ethic and thirst for excellence continues well beyond the end of the duty day.

Moore contributed to the Del Rio community by volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters by donating new sports equipment, spending time with the children involved in Girls Scouts of America and volunteering at St. James Elementary School in Del Rio.

In addition to work and volunteering, Moore also developed a senior NCO mentorship program in order to give new lieutenants exposure to the daily life of the enlisted corps.

Prior to her assignment here at Laughlin, Moore contributed more than 1,200 flying hours to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom as well as Joint Task Force Horn of Africa in the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.

Although she misses traveling and providing direct support to our nation's wars, working for AETC has brought stability to her family life which is a welcomed change, said Moore.

"I miss the mission of the operational Air Force, but nothing beats getting to pick up my kids after work every day and giving them a hug," said Moore.

Contrary to Moore's statement, Moore's supervisors were quick to give her credit for the hard work she has put in, attributing much of the 47th Student Squadron's success to her.

"Captain Moore consistently demonstrates her dedication to our students, her loyalty to our mission and her love for her service and her country," said Lt. Col. Richard Mills, 47th STUS commander. "There isn't another officer more deserving of this recognition, and we are very proud of her outstanding accomplishment. She is truly an example for us all."