JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
The 340th Flying Training Group held its fall mandatory unit training assembly, or MUTA, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, Oct. 26-27, 2023.
Col. Kyle Goldstein, 340th FTG commander, kicked off his commander’s call by thanking and recognizing members for their outstanding dedication and excellence, while also introducing the group to their newest deputy commander, Col. Amy Lewis, and the group’s new first sergeant, Master Sgt. Davon Anderson.
During the commander’s call, Goldstein reiterated the history of the 340th FTG and explained how the group became known as the “Avengers” during World War II. The commander also re-emphasized the group’s mission and vision statements, as well as its three strategic priorities:
Mission – Provide ready and resilient instructors across AETC and unequaled support to the newest Citizen Airmen.
Vision – Leading provider of experienced resilient Citizen Airmen transforming the Air Force’s future warfighters to conquer all domains – Anywhere…Anytime!
- Build the Bench
- Generate Ready Airmen
- Optimize the Organization
“Our strategic plan identifies the current mission, the desired vision for the future and prioritized goals to get from the current state to the future vision,” said Bud Boehnke, 340th FTG Master Process Officer. “Each of the three elements has an individual to champion the effort, establish accountability, and facilitate leadership and wingmanship so we can work together across a broad domain of topics for improvement.”
During part of the MUTA, the group was able to bring in retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Carlos Villarreal, Air Force Wounded Warrior Project outreach ambassador coordinator, and retired U.S. Air Force Chaplain Dustin Creech, AFW2 ambassador, to share their stories of resilience and to explain how the program provides support for wounded, ill, injured Airmen, Guardians, caregivers, and their families as they recover and transition back to duty or to civilian life.
The command team also recognized the following members for exceptional performance in the following respective categories:
Chief’s Avengers Award
This award serves to recognize an individual who goes above and beyond what is expected of them outside their normal duties. Someone who displays outstanding qualities in leadership, professionalism, innovation, and/or teamwork in taking care of Airmen. By publicly recognizing these core leadership and followership attributes, this award reinforces the commitment to duty, dedication to upholding standards, stepping outside of their comfort zone, and promoting a culture of respect, trust, and inclusion.
- Master Sgt. Alecia Lovci, Undergraduate Flying Training
Quarterly Awards (2nd Quarter)
- Airman: Senior Airman Samantha Songstad, 340th FTG/Military Personnel Flight
- Noncommissioned Officer: Tech. Sgt. Krystle Hatter, 340th FTG/UFT/Center of Excellence
- Senior NCO: Master Sgt. Gabrielle Douglas, 340th FTG/MPF
- Citizen Airman: Master Sgt. Felicia Ryder, 5th Flying Training Squadron
- Company Grade Officer: Capt. Emily Gunter, 96th Flying Training Squadron
- Field Grade Officer: Lt. Col. Camber Governski, 96th FTS
- Instructor: Maj. Joseph Dilts, 70th Flying Training Squadron
- Support Officer: Maj. Kelly Hook, 43rd Flying Training Squadron
- Flight Commander: Lt. Col. John Ayers, 39th Flying Training Squadron