JOINT-BASE SAN ANTONIO-Randolph, Texas -- The 340th Flying Training Group held its spring mandatory unit training assembly (MUTA) at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, June 7-8. MUTA events included ancillary training, member recognition, and a variety of awareness briefings.
The 340th Flying Training Group, commanded by Col. Allen Duckworth, supports Air Education and Training Command's Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training, Joint Primary Pilot Training, Pilot Instructor Training, Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals, Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training, Basic Military Training and the United States Air Force Academy's Airmanship Programs.
Duckworth emphasized a central theme of encouraging members to explore new ways to capitalize on their personal strengths and those of fellow Airmen to positively impact mission success. In addition to discussing anticipated mission and vision changes, the commander shared an overview of his strategic priorities. They are:
- Optimize organization and training toward existing and emerging missions
- Develop and retain exceptional Airmen
- Modernize our operations
- Showcase the value of the 340th FTG to target audiences
During the commander’s call portion of the MUTA Duckworth also shared his leadership vision, as well as the list of hot topics from the recent commander summit. He challenged members to be innovative, develop professional and technical expertise and seek to break the risk aversion chain by taking smart risks. He concluded the commander’s call, charging members to lead with character and appreciate the common value of people.
“We can best serve the Airmen of today and tomorrow by showing them by example how to become servant leaders,” he said. “If we take care of the people -- they will take care of the mission.”
Various program managers also conducted refresher training on Green Dot, the four domains of the Comprehensive Airmen Fitness; sexual assault program reporting options, operations security, professional relationships, public affairs mission\purpose, and responsible social media behavior.
Col. Duckworth, who pinned on colonel in April, recognized several exceptional Airmen for excellence and achievement:
Promotions
Maj. William Miller, Financial Management (June 2018)
Master Sgt. Felipe Mireles, Command Section (April 2018)
Master Sgt./GS-10 Jennifer Robles, Air Reserve Technician, Medical (April 2018)
Master Sgt. Melissa Erwin, Communications and Information (March 2018)
Master Sgt. Faith Wells, Financial Management (February 2018)
Tech. Sgt. Janina Eva White, Military Personnel (February 2018)
340th FTG Quarterly Awards, first quarter
CGO: Capt. Kelly Hook, 43rd Flying Training Squadron
FGO: Maj. Keith Hobart, 70th Flying Training Squadron
Instructor Pilot: Lt. Col. Dean Hoekstra, 39th Flying Training Squadron
Support Officer: Capt. Heather Fletcher, 96th Flying Training Squadron
Citizen Airman: Maj. Katrina Gagner, 97th Flying Training Squadron
Senior NCO: Master Sgt. Valerie Valdez, 39th Flying Training Squadron
NCO: Staff Sgt. Ebony Littlefield, 5th Flying Training Squadron
Fitness Excellence
Lt. Col. Myla Abejuela, Inspector General
Lt. Col. Woodrow Halstead, Judge Advocate
Lt. Col. Sara Linck, Continuous Process Improvement
Senior Master Sgt. Samuel Caballero, First Sergeant
Master Sgt. Melissa Erwin, Communications and Information
Tech. Sgt. Jessica Aloy, Financial Management
Tech. Sgt. Brett Daniel, Financial Management
Tech. Sgt. Janina Eva White, Military Personnel
Education
Tech. Sgt. Elaine Thompson, Command Section - Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) associate degree
Master Sgt. Gavin Jordan - Military Personnel - CCAF associate degree
Senior Master Sgt. Samuel Caballero, First Sergeant - Professional Manager Certification, CCAF, Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education II
Dean’s List
MSgt Sarah Cornelius – University of Maryland University College (3.9 GPA)
Letter of Appreciation
Master Sgt. Kourtney Willich, Military Personnel
Flying Award
Lt. Col. Lee Glenn, Undergraduate Flying Training
Hails
Lt. Col. James Morgan (AGR) – Plans and Programs
Master Sgt. Craig Pfister (ART) - Command Inspections
Farewells
Lt. Col. Wendy Woodard - Plans and Programs
Maj. Joya Gamara - Commander’s Executive Officer
1st Lt. Jarius Wilkerson - Financial Management
Chief Master Sgt. Jimmie Morris - Group Superintendent
Master Sgt. Felipe Mireles - Command Section
Master Sgt. Sarah Cornelius - Communication and Information
Tech. Sgt. Corrin Pardaen - Military Personnel
Staff Sgt. Krystall Conway - Military Personnel
Births
Maj. Brandon LaValley - Operations: son, Mason
Tech. Sgt. Nimsi Martinez-Flores - Military Personnel: daughter, Ananiah
This MUTA was extra special, as group members were able to honor and bid farewell to retiring 340th FTG superintendent, Chief Master Sgt. Jimmie D. Morris, following nearly 30 years of peerless service to his nation. The chief’s retirement ceremony was officiated by former 340th FTG Commander Col. Roger Suro, now the 442nd Fighter Wing commander.
For more information about the chief’s retirement and to see more photos, go to
http://www.340ftg.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1549705/distinctive-flag-ceremony-honors-retiring-chief/ or https://www.flickr.com/photos/340ftg/albums/72157692165821520.
To see more MUTA photos, go to https://www.flickr.com/photos/340ftg/albums/72157692221757440.