47th Force Support Squadron welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nicholas Larsen
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
47th Force Support Squadron (FSS) Airmen bid farewell to Maj. Kayleigh Stilwell, prior commander of the 47th FSS, and welcomed new commander Maj. Micah Dalcoe, during a change of command ceremony here, June 11, 2024.

Col. Robert Moore, 47th Mission Support Group commander, presided over the ceremony, recalling the roles that the “Bandits”, the name of the racoon mascot and the Airmen who work for the 47th FSS, serve in supporting the installation.

“I understand that the requests made of you will be many and sometimes will create a high mental toll, but I expect you to do great things.” said Moore to Dalcoe. “You represent the very core of the Air Force values, service before self.”

Dalcoe joins Laughlin AFB from the Air Force Services Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, previously serving as the Chief of Plans and Readiness since March 2022. Now as the commander of the 47th FSS, Dalcoe oversees is responsible for all quality of life operations for over 5,700 Laughlin AFB Airman and is responsible for $5.4 million in business operations and assets. The FSS provides these services through administration and knowledge operations, casualty support, military and civilian personnel, education and training services, family support, professional military education and wing mentoring.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be walking into command here,” said Dalcoe. “I hope to be a good commander, but I can tell you this, as a person I value people, I am passionate about people.”

The 47th FSS maintains facilities and events on and off Laughlin AFB. This includes areas like the Losano Fitness Center, the Southwinds Marina, the Auto Hobbyshop, Silver Wings and the XL Lounge. In addition, FSS provides community services, such as in-processing, ID Cards, Outdoor Recreation opportunities, childcare facilities, and deployment support.

“There isn’t a person on base who hasn’t interacted with FSS,” said Stilwell. “The men and women in this formation, the bandits in the audience, are the ones who run our various facilities. The FSS continues to strive to support the force, please don’t hesitate to thank an FSS Bandit.”

Stilwell served as commander of 47th FSS since July 2022 and now moves onto becoming a commander at Keesler AFB, Mississippi.

“Every time I hear the clanging of a trash can and see a cute, grey, face pop out, it will take me back to my time as a bandit,” said Stilwell. “I will be reminded of the amazing people who love this place and mentored and guided me through this time and I know it will always make me smile.”