340th FTG welcomes group's first airman basic, honors USAF heroes

  • Published
  • By Debbie Gildea
  • 340th Flying Training Group Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-Randolph, Texas – A dozen-plus members of the 340th Flying Training Group traveled to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas to celebrate the Nov. 8 basic military training graduation of the group's first "slick sleeve" member, Airman Basic Kevin Rios Rivera.

Following completion of technical school training, Rivera will report to group headquarters at JBSA-Randolph, where he will serve in the manpower and personnel directorate, led by Lt. Col. Mark Hiatt.

In addition to the group staff, the 340th FTG Honorary Commander, Schertz, Texas Mayor Michael Carpenter, joined the celebration following a pre-graduation reception held at Lackland in honor of Vietnam era prisoner of war Air Force Capt. Guy Gruters, retired, who served as the graduation parade reviewing official.

Also honored during the reception and graduation was Janine Sijan-Rozina, sister of the late Capt. Lance P. Sijan, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for selflessness and courage in the face of lethal danger, and for whom the annual Air Force Lance P. Sijan award for leadership is named.

A host of distinguished visitors from across the country who were participating in the U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff civic leaders' tour were also on hand to celebrate with new graduating airmen.