JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
Maj. Gen. Bradford “BJ” Shwedo, 25th Air Force commander, hosted civic and business leaders from the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce July 29, opening a door for them into the fascinating intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance world that 25th AF Airmen inhabit.
This meeting was a continuation of the long-term partnership and collaboration between 25th AF and the Chamber team, which provides direct support to 25th AF Airmen every year.
“I want to begin by thanking all of the members of the San Antonio Chamber for the tremendous support you give our Airmen. We’re able to do what we do, protecting national security and keeping the bad guys away from our communities, because we know you’re helping to take care of Airmen and their families here at home,” Shwedo told the group as he began his briefing on the organization’s worldwide missions.
More than 100 people filled the headquarter’s auditorium to learn about the 25th AF’s critical global missions protecting national security and the nation’s critical and sensitive information. The visitors were also treated to an in-depth view of the cutting edge virtual reality and applications-based training developed by the advanced analysis and training team at 25th AF headquarters. The visitors were able to don virtual reality goggles and step right into an ISR aircraft. Those brave enough could walk right up to an open door on the side of the aircraft and “look down” at the earth below.
During the visit, Shwedo also presented his commander’s coins to Ivy Taylor, San Antonio mayor; Renee Flores, Chamber Board of Directors chair; Richard Perez , Chamber president; and Dave Petersen, Chamber Executive vice president. The Chamber in turn presented 25th AF with an original watercolor of one of the famous, historic San Antonio missions.