JOINT-BASE SAN ANTONIO-Randolph, Texas – The 340th Flying Training Group held its fall mandatory unit training assembly (MUTA) at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, Dec. 13-14.
The group, commanded by Col. Allen Duckworth, supports Air Education and Training Command 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.
During the the MUTA, Duckworth discussed the new Air Force Reserve Command mission and vision statements:
Mission – Provide combat-ready forces to fly, fight, and win
Vision – Reserve Citizen Airmen – an agile, combat-ready force answering our nation’s call … Always there!
He also explained how the new 340th FTG mission, vision and strategic priorities support the AFRC mission, expressing firm resolve to continue to provide unrivaled instructors to the unit’s total force integration mission partners.
The commander also recognized two exceptional Airmen for excellence and achievement:
- Chief Master Sgt. Scott Goetze earned the Meritorious Service Medal for performance demonstrated May 2014 to Oct. 2018 while assigned to the Air Force Reserve Command Directorate of Manpower, Personnel and Services Operating Location at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas.
- Master Sgt. Tainell Pettengill was named a distinguished technical training graduate, and a commander’s honor roll selectee.
This was the final 340th FTG MUTA for two senior group leaders:
- Col. Michael Vanzo, 340th FTG director of operations departs this month for his new assignment at 22nd Air Force
- Col. Janette Thode, 340th FTG deputy commander, departs next month for her new assignment at the Pentagon
New group members were welcomed during the MUTA:
Chief Master Sgt. Scott Goetze, superintendent
Capt. Yolanda Seals, executive officer
Lt. Col. Jackie Christilles, judge advocate
Lt. Col. Sam Moore, T-38 subject matter expert
Senior Master Sgt. Craig Pfister, inspections superintendent
Master Sgt. Angelina Manby, occupational safety manager
Tech. Sgt. Shakeeta Thomas, financial services
Tech. Sgt. Warren Bush, financial services
Staff Sgt. Heslyn Farris, financial services
Anthony Griffin, resource advisor
Master Sgt. Aisha Woods, career advisor
Tech. Sgt. Kassandra Farani, force management
Tech. Sgt. Kyle Gossen, unit training manager
Departing members were also bid farewell:
Lt. Col. Graham Williford, 370th Flight Test Squadron, Edwards AFB, Calif.
Lt. Col. Brian Frisbey, liaison officer, Pensacola Naval Air Station, Fla.
Senior Master Sgt. Michele Cartagena, (retiring)
Tech. Sgt. Roxanne Rodriguez, (retiring)
Master Sgt. Gavin Jordan, Air Reserve Personnel Center JBSA-Randolph, Texas location
Tech.Sgt. Corrin Pardaen, 433rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, JBSA-Lackland, Texas
Staff Sgt. Krystall Conway, Air Force Personnel Center, JBSA-Randolph
Master Sgt. Randy Alvis, ARPC, JBSA-Randolph, Texas location
Master Sgt. Jennifer Robles, AFPC, JBSA-Randolph
Addressing the results of the most recent climate survey, the commander said the most prevalent finding was a need\desire for more morale events to promote and maintain a high level of esprit de corps, enhance job proficiency, and sustain the physical, mental, and social well-being of unit members and their families.
According to Duckworth, the revitalized booster club officers are planning a host of innovative and exciting events for 2019. Two such events include the recent team-building visit to the Escape Haus in New Braunfels, Texas, and a scavenger hunt in downtown San Antonio, held during the MUTA.