355th Wing hosts southern Arizona civic leaders for Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland tour

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. – The 355th Wing brought civic leaders from southern Arizona to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Oct. 6-8, 2026, for a civic leader tour.

Civic leaders are key members in their community. The Air Force partners with civic leaders to create one-on-one opportunities to educate them about the missions of the U.S. Air Force. Civic leaders can then advocate on behalf of the service in their work, faith, family, and social circles.

The tour offered participants a behind-the-scenes look at the people, programs and capabilities that shape the service, while strengthening relationships between the military installation and the surrounding civilian community.

Throughout the visit, civic leaders witnessed Air Force Basic Military Training graduation events and toured several key facilities around the installation, including the 344th Training Squadron, the Inter-American Air Forces Academy and the Special Warfare Training Wing. During the visit they also met with San Antonio-based civic and business leaders at the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce.

At Basic Military Training, civic leaders observed how the Air Force transforms civilians into airminded Airmen, instilling an understanding of the Air Force mission and their individual roles in defending, operating, generating and sustaining airpower.

After an in-depth review of BMT, civic leaders gained insight on the initial skills training for rescue Airmen by visiting the Special Warfare Training Wing. Rescue Airmen include pararescuemen and combat rescue officers, individuals who rescue, recover and return American or allied service members isolated, stranded or captured behind enemy lines.

The SWTW provided a closer look at the rigorous pipeline required to develop rescue professionals. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is home to the Air Force's largest concentration of rescue Airmen, making the training pipeline an important part of understanding the people and preparation behind DM’s “Rescue and Attack” mission.

Fernando Flores, the Chamber of Southern Arizona Military Affairs Committee member, reflected on the intensity of the special warfare training.

"I was truly blown away by the Special Warfare Training Wing and the rigorous training that pararescue candidates must endure," Flores said. "You hear about the intensity of their training, but witnessing it firsthand gives you an entirely different level of appreciation for the physical, mental and emotional demands placed on these individuals."

The tour also highlighted the Air Force's international partnerships through the Inter-American Air Forces Academy, which develops military capabilities and strengthens relationships with partner nations. Lt. Col. Lyndsey Smith, 837th Training Squadron commander, described the academy's mission as advancing national security by building lasting partnerships and developing leaders, equipping them to dominate the future battlespace together.

"I was incredibly impressed by the scale, discipline, and coordination required to graduate more than 700 Airmen from Basic Military Training each week," Flores said. "I was equally amazed by the work of the Inter-American Air Forces Academy (IAAFA) and its partnerships with more than 30 nations to develop capabilities, strengthen international relationships and advance shared security interests."

Beyond the training facilities, civic leaders met with Tim Farrell, the vice president of Military Affairs, Aerospace, and Cyber Security for the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. During the meeting they discussed relationships between civic and military leaders to strengthen their respective communities. Farrell emphasized how community partnerships can support military missions, fortify local economies, and create reciprocal advocacy opportunities between military installations and their community partners.

Looking back on the tour, Flores emphasized that the experience deepened his appreciation not only for those who execute the mission, but also for the people and systems that make it possible.

"My biggest takeaway from the civic leader trip was an overwhelming sense of gratitude and respect for the men and women who voluntarily serve in our nation’s Air Force," said Flores. "It takes exceptional leadership, disciplined operations, strategic planning, and countless dedicated professionals working behind the scenes to ensure every part of the mission operates effectively. Ultimately, the strength of our Air Force rests on the dedication of its people at every level."

Through opportunities like the civic leader tour, the 355th Wing strengthens relationships with southern Arizona community leaders by providing firsthand insights into the people, training and partnerships that support the Air Force mission. By fostering these connections, DM helps build an informed and engaged community that understands the Rescue and Attack mission and the value of working alongside the Airmen who execute it.

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