Permanent Change of Station (PCS) season is underway and for service members and families headed to Laughlin, the transition marks the beginning of a new chapter in one of the Air Force’s most dynamic training environments.
Located in Del Rio, Texas, along the U.S./Mexico border, Laughlin is home to the 47th Flying Training Wing—the Air Force’s sixth busiest airfield. Whether inbound as a student pilot, a permanent party member or a military family member; Team XL offers a supportive community, fast-paced operations and ample resources to help newcomers thrive.
“Relocating to a new area is filled with challenges, both expected and unexpected," said Seth Martini, 47th Force Support Squadron community readiness consultant with the Military & Family Readiness Center (M&FRC). "The M&FRC Relocation Assistance Program can help connect service members and families to support resources for childcare, education, spouse employment, emergency financial assistance, mental health and emotional support and community integration.”
For many, the first stop after arrival is the M&FRC. From welcome briefings to relocation assistance and childcare referrals, the center serves as a wealth of information. The M&FRC offers a virtual Pre-Arrival Orientation invitation sent by email called “Looking Forward to Laughlin,” held the first Tuesday of each month via Zoom.
“Our Newcomers Orientation is held each month and provides newcomers with valuable information from the wing commander, M&FRC, security forces, wing safety, legal office, inspector general, medical group and other helping agencies,” said Martini.
These programs are just one part of the newcomer experience. For many, the most personal guidance comes from their sponsor; their first point of contact before arriving at Laughlin.
“Sponsors can play a very critical role during a PCS,” said Martini. “For many newcomers, sponsors are often their first impression of the installation and of their gaining unit. The M&FRC offers Sponsorship Training, which provides new sponsors with tools, information, and resources to help welcome their newcomers to Team XL. It’s never too early to start researching and preparing for a PCS to a new assignment. We advise new sponsors to begin reaching out to their newcomers as soon as they are assigned, that way they can begin building rapport, assessing needs and offering support. Every Airman has their own unique needs and circumstances. Some Airmen may require more planning and support than others, and that’s why it is important for sponsors to be engaged and offer personalized support.”
For those guiding newcomers, Martini reminds sponsors and leaders alike that support doesn’t have to be a solo effort.
“One thing that I encourage all sponsors to do is to lean on the M&FRC for support,” said Martini. “Sponsors aren’t expected to be the experts on all the questions or needs that a newcomer may have. This should be a collaborative effort to provide all the support and resources our newcomers and their families need to ensure a successful and smooth transition to their gaining unit, Laughlin AFB and the City of Del Rio.”
Beyond briefings and checklists, Martini emphasized the emotional and logistical load that often accompanies a PCS move; especially to an austere location like Laughlin.
“PCS moves to anywhere can often be stressful and exhausting, when you consider in and out-processing tasks, household goods transportation, packing and unpacking, house hunting and that doesn’t even touch on the emotional and social impact of moving,” said Martini. “It becomes even more difficult once you include spouses and children. One unique challenge that we see often is regarding travel arrangements. For the past 2 years, there has been no commercial airline service in Del Rio. The closest airport is over 150 miles away. For Airmen who are traveling by air, this can present an additional point of stress. Another challenge that is brought up occasionally is the perception that since Laughlin is located on the U.S. Southern Border that it is not in a safe area, and that is just simply not the case.”
Despite these challenges, Martini and his team continue to provide tailored support to a wide range of incoming families, including those enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP).
“For EFMP Families, the Laughlin M&FRC has an EFMP Family Support Coordinator, Ms. Jessica Peek, and the departing installation should have an EFMP Family Support Coordinator as well,” said Martini. “They can coordinate a warm handoff to ensure that services and support for their family are in place upon arrival.”
Families will also find support through the School Liaison Program Manager, who connects military families with local schools, including Roberto “Bobby” Barrera Elementary, located on base.
“Is there a school on base? Can my child attend another school district? The answer to both is yes,” said Janette Gomez, School Liaison Program Manager. “We have a pre-kindergarten fourth to fifth grade campus on Laughlin open to all active-duty families, and yes, military families can choose to attend another district if they want due to school choice.”
Educational support doesn’t stop there. Gomez works closely with families before, during and after their move to ensure students experience a smooth transition.
“We have a school embedded Military and Family Life counselor, and their job is to assist students transition to a new location, social support, and adjustment in general,” said Gomez. “Certain schools within the local district have transition programs (Anchored4Life, Student2Student) geared towards military families. I also share information on academic support like Tutor.com which offers free online tutoring support for students. The school liaison and other helping agencies also collaborate to provide informative workshops geared towards school transition, family PCSing and education support.”
Understanding school options early is key to setting expectations and reducing stress.
“Families should reach out two to three months before moving to allow time to review school options and ask questions,” said Gomez. “If parents have concerns regarding school or education, they can always reach out. I am here to assist with transition support, school information, advocacy, and community connections. Always ask for unofficial records at their departing school. Requesting their child’s gifted and talented documentation, Individual Education Plan “IEP”, 504, recommendation letters and transcript records can help with a smooth transition.”
For students adjusting to a brand-new community, Gomez emphasizes that connection matters most.
“The Youth Center does have a sponsorship program for any incoming youth,” said Gomez. “If they are interested in the sponsorship program they can reach out to my office or the Laughlin Youth Center. I can also assist with locating afterschool and extracurricular programs. If parents have a question or concerns regarding school/education, they can always reach out.”
Housing is another critical piece of the PCS puzzle. Whether you're seeking dorms, on-base housing or an off-base rental, early action is essential during the summer surge. Dorm Management handles assignments for enlisted and officer trainees, while Hunt Housing offers on-base housing for eligible families and Airmen. For off-base living, the Housing Referral Office provides vetted rental listings and local guidance. For more information about on base housing visit https://www.housing.af.mil/Home-depricated/Units/Laughlin/
In addition to housing and logistics, Laughlin offers a vibrant network of support and recreational opportunities with the 47th Force Support Squadron. From Losano Fitness Center and Outdoor Recreation to Silver Wings and The Grounds Café, the base supports both mission readiness and personal well-being. The Library and Education & Training Center help Airmen pursue professional development, while Desert Oaks Golf Course and Cactus Lanes Bowling Center offer off-duty fun.
Whether it’s your first PCS or your fifth, a few practical steps can make a big difference.
Start by creating a PCS binder or digital folder to track your orders, medical records, passports, vehicle info, pet vaccination forms and receipts for reimbursement. Submit your household goods shipment request as early as possible; summer is peak PCS season and delays are common. For Laughlin specifically, plan travel wisely; Del Rio has no commercial airport, so consider arranging transportation from San Antonio International Airport. If you are driving, plan out lodging options in advance.
For families, enroll early in Child Development Center waitlists, and contact the School Liaison Officer to understand school options and registration timelines. Don’t forget to update TRICARE regions, DEERS info, and vehicle registration promptly after arrival. Most importantly, lean on your sponsor and the M&FRC; they can help troubleshoot issues provide base contacts, and connect you with resources like spouse employment assistance, financial readiness and youth programs.
PCS season can be hectic, but Laughlin’s team and community stand ready to support the transition. Team XL is here to help you grow, lead and thrive.
To access Laughlin welcome packets and contact information for all major base services, visit: https://www.laughlin.af.mil/Inbound-personnel/