JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
After a challenging year amidst COVID-19 operations, the 340th Flying Training Group held its fall mandatory unit training assembly Oct. 28-29 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The 340th FTG usually holds two-day drill training periods bi-annually.
Col. Michael Vanzo, 340th FTG commander, commenced his commander’s call by thanking and recognizing members for their steadfast commitment and perseverance amidst a challenging season of personnel requirements and budgeting constraints. During his final remarks, he also took the time to unveil a unit patch honoring the life of Mrs. Regina Somogyi.
Chief Master Sgt. Scott Goetze, 340th FTG command chief, also thanked all the team members during what would be his last MUTA with the Group before retiring. There he addressed the state of the enlisted force, highlighted those who received awards, recognitions, promotions, decorations, and completed professional military education.
The commander recognized the following members for exceptional performance in the following respective categories:
Gen. Larry O. Spencer Innovation Award: Undergraduate Flying Training Team
Wingman Saves: Staff Sgt. Bryce Johnson, 340th FTG Financial Management
Quarterly Awards (3rd Quarter)
NCO: Tech. Sgt. Daniel Grove, Center of Excellence
SNCO: Senior Master Sgt. Vianca Contreras, 97th Flying Training Squadron
Civilian (Category- II): Ms. Beverly Peden, 43rd FTS
Citizen Airman: Maj. Chris Ross, 70th FTS
Company Grade Officer: Capt. Paul Moriarty, 96th FTS
Field Grade Officer: Maj. Charles Fuller, 97th FTS
Instructor: Maj. James Baker, 5th FTS
Support Officer: Maj. Kelly Kareis, 39th FTS
Flight Commander: Maj. Chris Sommerfield, 96th FTS
Promotions
Airman 1st Class Vanessa Flores
Senior Airman Charles Brantley
Tech. Sgt. Isabel Chea-Gause
Master Sgt. Michael Fagan
Master Sgt. Kyle Gossen
Master Sgt. Jenna DiMauro
Lt. Col. Aric Wagner
Fitness Excellence
Senior Master Sgt. Derrick Brown
Master Sgt. Christian Delgado
On-the-Spot Awards
Over the past seven months, the senior NCO council and group commander identified exceptional members of the staff and honored them for their contributions with an on-the-spot award. In addition to public acknowledgment of their efforts, award winners get to park in the commander’s parking space for a week.
On-the-Spot Award winners since May 2021 included the following:
Master Sgt. Melissa Klinksiek
Master Sgt. Christian Delgado
Master Sgt. Kyle Gossen
Tech. Sgt. Brett Daniel
Senior Airman Kimarie Suacedo
Shane McDonald
Bernie Aleman
Professional Military Education
Senior Master Sgt. Tricia Adolphues – Reserve Component National Security Course
Master Sgt. Tye McBride – NATO Staff Officer Orientation Course
Tech. Sgt. Dan Grove – NATO Staff Officer Orientation Course
Tech. Sgt. Isabel Chea-Gause – Military Reserve Exchange Program
The group also bid farewell to 14 members and welcomed four new headquarters teammates. The next MUTA is slated for March 2022.